CHAD WAITS
President/Owner

Chad has been working in renewable energy since 2002 and says he can think of nothing else he would rather be doing. He has designed and installed a wide range of energy systems, from mid-range commercial grid-tied systems to off grid homes, water pumping, and remote lighting systems. He enjoys all phases of the process, but gets the most satisfaction from the relationships that Net Zero builds with customers during the entire process. As President, Chad is still sometimes involved with the physical installation of projects. He immensely enjoys the physical activity as well as having time to cultivate relationships with both clients and crew.

Chad holds a commercial electrician license, plumbing license, and residential general contracting license.

Chad lives in a solar-powered home with his wife Amy and sons Cale and Boon, plus German shepherds Bella and Runkle. When he's not at the office he enjoys exploring the great outdoors and traveling with his family.

TRACE NUTTALL
Owner/Manager

Trace is one of the co-founders of Net Zero Solar and has been an integral part of the company's growth. Being “green" to renewables back in 2008, he saw an opportunity to start a business with his close friend and solar expert Chad, and do something that makes a difference in our community and for the betterment of our planet. He began installing solar in 2009, and enjoys the variety and constant learning involved in solar installations. He is the financial officer for Net Zero Solar. Trace is also the Owner of Arizona Golf Exchange and is an avid golfer.

In his time away from NZS, Trace can most often be found working on his home, playing golf, taking his dog Hopper to Himmel Park or enjoying the surrounding outdoors by foot or bike.

LOUIS WOOFENDEN
Engineering Director/Owner

Louis has a lifelong history in renewable energy, having grown up in an off-grid home powered by sun and wind. He has worked professionally in renewable energy since 2003.

Louis has been involved in many aspects of renewable energy, including design, installation, and project management of residential and commercial solar electric, solar thermal, and wind turbine systems. In addition, Louis has extensive experience managing field operations, building business systems, developing and implementing training programs, and advocating for adoption of improved renewable energy policies.

Louis has been a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional® since 2004. He holds a B.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Arizona, and a master's degree in Solar Energy Engineering and Commercialization from Arizona State University.

In his free time, Louis enjoys volunteer international development work with Engineers Without Borders-USA, hiking, photography, and spending time with his wife.

BRIAN MUELLER
Sales Manager

Brian was first introduced to solar in 2005 when he bought a home in an all-solar neighborhood in downtown Tucson. It just seemed to make sense to harness Tucson's abundant energy source! At the time, the investment was about living a more sustainable lifestyle. Eleven years later, it has become not only a huge part of his lifestyle, but also his profession.

Brian has lived in Tucson since 1976, attending Fort Lowell elementary, Fickett Junior High, Sabino High School and the University of Arizona. He knows the town and loves the desert and surrounding mountain ranges.

When Brian is not learning from the best team in the business, he can be found camping, riding mountain bikes, enjoying the revitalized downtown area with his partner Sara and his dog Cooper (Coop), or on his daily bike commute to the NZS office.

ZACK RILEY
Sales Associate

Zack was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He is natural athlete who spent plenty of time playing soccer and golf growing up but never found that to be the defining part of who he was. When he could, he spent as much time as possible out in nature whether that was camping, hiking, or photographing wildlife.

In college, he graduated with a BA in Environmental Science with an emphasis in sustainability. After graduating, he landed a solar job in Seattle but quickly realized he wanted to move to a place where sun is more abundant and solar excels, Tucson, Arizona. His wife and his three dogs did just that and moved to Tucson in May of 2023. Ever since he has been enjoying the Sonoran Desert and everything it has to offer him.

AMY WASHBURN
Sales and HOA Coordinator

Amy has been involved with Net Zero Solar since our start up in 2008, though she started working for the company in an official capacity as an employee in 2020. Amy was raised in northeastern Oregon in the Wallowa Mountains and landed in Tucson in 1998. Then she began working in special events doing theme party decorating. After years of driving trucks, managing crews, and learning many aspects of the industry, COVID-19 and a desire for a change led her to Net Zero Solar.

Amy has been with our company president, Chad Waits, since 2003 and the couple has been married since 2008. Naturally, when the opportunity presented itself, Amy was eager and delighted to join the team. She is a loving mother to two boys and enjoys skiing and traveling with her family when she is not assisting Net Zero Solar clients.

DONI NICOLL
Design & Permitting

Doni has over fifteen years of experience in the renewable energy field that range from installation professional to business owner. He has worked as an installer, project manager, educator, assistant field instructor, solar electric systems designer and subcontractor. For the last nine years, Doni has been designing solar systems for companies all over the United States. These systems range in size from 2kW to 5MW and cover multiple jurisdictions and utility companies.

He is excited to be back where he began his solar career and be among longtime friends and colleagues. Doni brings with him all his experiences and expertise and is an integral part of Net Zero Solar as a full-time design and permitting specialist.

Doni has been a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional since 2013.

When Doni isn’t working, you’ll most likely find him running with the dog or out on a hike with his family somewhere. He also enjoys music, going to the movies, sports, cooking, and checking out all the great places to eat in Tucson.

MIKE COCCHI
Field Operations Manager

Mike is native to Tucson, and has been installing solar since 2006. He's worked with Net Zero Solar since 2011, after many years working with an electrical contractor. He has extensive experience in all things solar including solar electric, solar thermal, radiant floor and pool heating. As our Field Operations Manager, Mike oversees our installation teams, scheduling, and service.

RADDY HILL
Warehouse Manager

Raddy was born in Mesa Arizona and moved to Tucson in his early teenage years. He is an athlete–a two-time regional track and field champion in high school. He also played football and wrestled. You may see him at the gym, riding his bike around Tucson, walking his dog on the trails, and you may even hear some of the instrumentals he started making in many genres.

Raddy also loves to get his hands dirty, literally. He enjoys working on cars, taking care of plants/landscapes, and remodeling homes, and was a roofer for many years. Has completed jobs throughout Tucson and most of the outskirts of Tucson.

He enjoys installing solar and would love for others to help keep a clean environment around us by choosing clean energy!

SAMUEL MISAEL MARÍN
Lead Installer

He was born in California, but Sam Marín considers himself a real Tucson native. A Tucson High Magnet graduate, he has been a lead installer with Net Zero Solar since 2019.

He first became interested in solar while living in Oaxaca, thinking of ways to help the little town his family lives in. During his free time he likes hiking with his dog Bonita or hanging out with his friends.

He’s a huge sports fan, especially soccer.  On Saturdays you can find him playing indoor soccer at Maracana Indoor Sports Arena with his coed teams. Also a huge cycling fanatic, you will see him riding his bike around town every so often when he is free. Sam knows the best spots in town for tacos—if you see him, ask him! 

ADRIAN RUIZ
Lead Installer

Adrian was born in Tucson, and has lived here all his life. Once he graduated high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewmen. He says a highlight of that experience was when he got to hike up Mt. Fuji, Japan.

Adrian became interested in solar when his friend Sam Marin introduced him to how it helps the environment. He’s been a solar installer ever since. He is also a huge NFL and NBA fan. In his free time, enjoys travel and time with family and friends. When he’s not at work, he’s at the gym or trying different places for hot wings.

DYLAN WALKER
Lead Installer

Dylan, originally born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, moved to Tucson in the fall of 2019. After a couple months of living in Tucson, working in a restaurant, and looking for something more fulfilling, Dylan was ready to jump into working in the solar industry. He became interested in solar after his father informed him of the growing industry, and of the growing business that is Net Zero. Dylan loves learning new skills, as that is very often out in the field. He is very pleased to be part of the team and looks forward to continuing to learn and grow.

Dylan enjoys playing music, mainly guitar, when he’s not working. He also loves skiing, camping, hiking, backpacking, and spending time outside with his dog, Beans. Installing solar is important to him, because he feels like he’s helping take the next step in a more green future.

JACOB HARDY
Lead Installer

Jacob joined the Net Zero Solar team in 2020, beginning his career with us. Jacob has lived in Tucson the majority of his life, with time spent in New York, Oakland, and San Diego. He has been invested in working towards living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Jacob encourages his friends and family to be as environmentally responsible as possible. This is where he got his interest in renewable energy. Jacob is all about the outdoors, he enjoys traveling, riding his bike, skateboarding with his dog, Winona, and playing the drums! His favorite restaurant is Tacos Apson, and his favorite sport is basketball.

ROBERT CARDENAS
Installer

Robert is a native Tucsonan and member of the Pascua Yaqui Nation. He joined the Net Zero Solar team in 2013 and is enthusiastic about gaining knowledge in the solar field. Prior to starting with Net Zero Solar, Robert worked for over 10 years in the sustainable landscaping business specializing in xeriscapes, rain-water harvesting and construction. He enjoys spending time with his wife and animals, and learning about Native American cultures, nature and all things electronic.

JUAN CEBREROS
Installer

Juan joined the Net Zero Solar team in 2021, beginning his career with us. He has lived in Tucson the majority of his life, with time spent in Chicago, and Phoenix. Juan enjoys spending his time outdoors hiking with friends and family, and playing music. His favorite foods are chile relleno, sushi and his mom's cooking, and his favorite sport is basketball.