Bringing 45 years of wind energy experience to help clients plan, build and optimize wind farms.
Richard Simon completed his graduate degree in meteorology in 1976, and one of his first assignments was to co-author the first formal study of wind power potential for the State of California, which at the time was the world leader in renewable energy planning. This initial study led to several follow-on studies, and this early experience led Mr. Simon to site thousands of wind turbines during the hey-day of California wind development in the 1980’s. He also directed numerous research studies in wind energy for government agencies and utilities during those years.
Wind energy meteorology is a challenging combination of data processing and interpretation, since the atmosphere often has unusual characteristics in high-wind areas. Rich Simon has consistently met these challenges during a 40-year career, adding intuitive insights beyond what models predict. This includes an interactive relationship or a hands-on personal relationship or active participation with clients, to help ensure their financial and planning goals are met.
In addition to his professional career, Rich is an avid traveler, reader, musical composer and jazz keyboardist.
Click here for Curriculum Vitae
Rich (R) with client in Italy
Rich (L), client Jay Godfrey (American Electric Power) (R)
Rich in New Mexico with ranch owners who are building a wind farm
Rich Simon finalizing the location with Wagoner Wind for a new met tower in the field
Preparing to tour wind farm site by air
Rich touring wind farm site with Salka Energy
Checking a met tower in northern Michigan
Tree flagging in the Cascade Mountains
Matt Christy has degrees in meteorology and geography from Valparaiso University (2012). Prior to joining Simon Wind in 2016, he had been a weather forecaster for Freese-Notis Weather. His focus is on detailed quality con- trol of data, recommendations for new met towers, field work, and preparing wind resource reports. He interfaces directly with clients on various matters.
Rob Lowrance has 15 years experience working in the wind industry, primarily in the fields of wind resource assessment. He has a degree in Biblical Studies (2003, Trinity Bible College), including overseas teaching assignments at middle and high schools, and studied Engineering at the University of Wyoming (1992-1996). He also has a certificate in meteorology from Graduate School USA (2009-2013).
Rob has worked with Simon Wind since 2016. His expertise is in met tower installations, troubleshooting met tower communications (Campbell Scientific, NRG Systems), met data processing (Windographer, Excel, R), computer modeling, and preparation of wind resource assessment reports for clients.
Omar Galaviz has an MS Degree in Energy Engineering from the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Mexico (2012) and has been working in wind energy since 2008. He originally worked with DNV and subsequently with various Mexican companies, including ones owned by him. Prior to 2008, he was a professor at the Technological Institute.
Mr. Galaviz has been working with Simon Wind since 2019. His contributions are primarily atmospheric modeling (wind flow, wakes) and data processing/report writing.