Meet the Founder
James Manzer, founder of Solar Punk Pro, has nearly two decades of experience in clean energy. After forging his own path from dead-end jobs to a thriving career, heās now helping others do the sameāfaster and with a clear roadmap.
HI, I'MĀ JAMES
Iāve been passionate about saving the planet since the 3rd grade, when I started the Save the Earth Club. Growing up in the ā80s as a Captain Planet kid, I always knew I wanted to dedicate my life to improving our planet. But knowing and doing are two very different things.
Like many people who care about sustainability, I struggled to find a way to turn my passion into a real, impactful career. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from an Environmental Liberal Arts College focused on sustainabilityāonly to realize I didnāt have the practical skills needed to make a difference.
MY STORY
After college, I spent a decade working menial jobsāhospitality, sales, construction, food and beverageājust showing up for the paycheck. I knew I wanted to do more, but I had no roadmap to follow. Finally, I decided to double down.
I enrolled in a local tech college, volunteered with a low-income energy assistance program, joined my local Energy Corps, and earned my BPI and HERS certifications. I later completed an MBA in Sustainable Business. Those efforts paid offāIāve now spent nearly 20 years educating, designing, building, and managing energy efficiency and solar projects across the U.S., Australia, and Uganda.
WHY DO I TEACH?
I know firsthand how hard it can be to break into the renewable energy industry without guidance. The traditional pathāyears of schooling, volunteering, and trial-and-errorāis inefficient and discouraging. Thatās why I created SolarPunkProāto give you a clear, accelerated path into a meaningful career in clean energy.
Instead of spending years figuring it out on your own, Iāll equip you with the essential skills and industry insights in just eight classes and a final project. Everything you learn will be tied to real-world applications, preparing you to step directly into a role thatās impactful, future-proof, and financially rewarding.
MY VALUES
Ā
Practical Action Over Theory
Sustainability isnāt just an idea; itās a hands-on, problem-solving mission. I focus on teaching real-world skills that make an impact in the field.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
No more gatekeeping. The renewable energy industry needs more people, and Iām here to make sure you have access to the right opportunities.
Leading the Clean Energy Revolution
The clean energy revolution isnāt comingāitās already happening. You can be part of the movement reshaping how the world is powered.