Stephen Nakada, Senior Manager, Development Engineering 

Stephen manages technical aspects of development to ensure the successful implementation of solar and energy storage projects across Candela’s portfolio. He uses a multi-disciplinary approach for layout designs that optimizes energy production, while considering site constraints, equipment limitations, and construction feasibility. His responsibilities include design support for permitting compliance, cost estimating, interconnection design, procurement coordination, O&M planning, construction feasibility assessments, and risk management. 

Stephen has over 12 years of technical expertise in renewable energy development and most recently led the development engineering team for Vesper Energy’s 14+ GW portfolio. Previously he worked at First Solar with the business and project development teams across North and South America. Additionally, he supported tax equity and debt transactions for Ecoplexus as a Technical Manager and has extensive experience working with Independent Engineers to develop investor-approved assets. 

Stephen holds a BA in Environmental Studies and a BS in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles and has an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.