"You cannot expect to become a leader in an industry and not be able to innovate within the established segments of our market, whether residential, commercial, or O&M. I seek continuous improvement in myself because it means I can share those improvements with our team to enhance our competitive edge."
When it comes to innovation, leadership, and a deep passion for renewable energy, few people embody the Sunspear spirit quite like Gabriel Chong.
As Sunspear Energy’s CTO and Founder, Gabriel has spent nearly two decades helping shape Hawai‘i’s solar landscape by designing, engineering, and overseeing some of the state’s most impactful renewable energy projects. From large-scale commercial installations to resilient battery storage systems that keep families powered during outages, Gabriel’s work has helped move Hawai‘i closer to a cleaner, more energy-independent future.
As Chief Technology Officer at Sunspear Energy, Gabriel is deeply committed to excellence in every aspect of project development — from system design and product selection to installation quality, execution, and safety. His attention to detail and high standards have helped establish Sunspear’s reputation for delivering reliable, high-performing energy systems built to last. Whether evaluating emerging technologies or refining installation practices, Gabriel consistently prioritizes long-term performance, customer experience, and operational safety.
Born and raised in Hawai‘i and a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Gabriel brings both technical expertise and local heart to everything he does. One of his standout achievements includes designing the first Net Zero Energy college campus in the United States for the University of Hawai‘i; a milestone that reflects both his vision and commitment to sustainability.
“I’ve been in the renewable energy industry for almost two decades now and it’s been my career straight out of college and it is a constantly evolving field. The components available for install continue to improve and make installation faster and easier. There are finance products that develop to further support and protect renewable energy investments. There’s so much changing on an annual basis to keep anyone’s head spinning, but I find that chaos exciting. I thoroughly enjoy taking continuing education courses to further enhance my skills to keep Sunspear Energy at the leading edge of the local industry. You cannot expect to become a leader in an industry and not be able to innovate within the established segments of our market, whether residential, commercial or O&M. I seek continuous improvement in myself because it means I can share those improvements with our team to enhance our competitive edge.”
Gabriel’s dedication to continuous learning and technical excellence remains a driving force behind Sunspear’s success. Most recently, he completed the HeatSpring Solar Service Pro Certification on May 26, 2026, followed by the HeatSpring Energy Storage Pro Certification on June 2, 2026. These advanced certifications further reinforce his expertise in solar service, troubleshooting, and energy storage system design while ensuring Sunspear remains at the forefront of industry best practices and technology.
But ask anyone at Sunspear, and they’ll tell you Gabriel is much more than an engineering powerhouse. He’s the kind of leader who can dive deep into solar system design one minute and crack a perfectly timed joke the next. Whether he’s troubleshooting a complex project, mentoring team members, or passionately advocating for clean energy policies across Hawai‘i, Gabriel brings an energy that inspires everyone around him.
“In 20 years this industry has dominated the added energy generation capacity in the Hawaii market. Solar PV & ESS are easily dispatchable and quick to build. I cannot wait for Hawaii to be known globally for it’s energy independence and ability to truly decouple itself from the grasp of fossil fuels.”
Over the years, he has helped oversee more than 50MW of energy projects and previously served as President of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and is regarded as one of the industry’s strongest voices for renewable energy in the islands.
Outside the office, Gabriel is equally passionate about giving back to the community. He volunteers with local organizations, mentors future renewable energy professionals, and fosters animals in need alongside his family.
At Sunspear, we’re incredibly grateful for Gabriel’s leadership, innovation, and relentless drive to push the industry forward. His vision continues to power not only our projects, but our company culture as well.
Mahalo, Gabriel, for helping lead Hawai‘i toward a brighter future!
