Meet Fred Brooks – Instructor Spotlight Brit Heller Behind every HeatSpring course is an expert instructor – a seasoned professional who brings not just knowledge, but passion, real-world experience, and a commitment to helping others grow. While thousands of students benefit from their expertise through our online courses, the remote nature of digital learning means many never get to know the amazing human beings behind the content. That’s why we launched our Instructor Spotlight series. In these articles, you’ll meet the folks who make HeatSpring’s learning community so special while helping build the future of the clean energy transition – one learner at a time. Say hello to Fred Brooks! Fred Brooks is the General Manager of Pacific Panel Cleaners in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a NABCEP PV System Inspector, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Auditor, and Master Level Certified Thermographer Level III. Course on HeatSpring: Identifying Issues on PV Systems Using Thermal Imagery Enrollments in Fred’s Course: 72 How did you get your start in the solar industry? Fred’s first job in the industry was at Solar Wave Hawaii in 2006, where he was doing system design, R&D on equipment, running permits, and installing – while also teaching crews how to install. That hands-on foundation has shaped everything he does today. Nineteen years later, his passion for the work hasn’t dimmed. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust yourself. What is a quote you think about often? Fred keeps two quotes on his door. The first is the Japanese proverb “Ichigo Ichie” (一期一会) – “one time, one meeting.” The idea is that each moment, encounter, and experience is unique and unrepeatable, and should be treasured as a once-in-a-lifetime event. The second is this: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” The last quote he’s fond of is this line from a song: “Seldom it turns out the way it does in a song.” What are your hobbies outside of work? Anything in the ocean or water is at the top of the list – a love that started when Fred caught his first fish off a boat at age 8. Beyond fishing, Fred enjoys hiking waterfalls, playing golf, and listening to live music. He’s even helped sponsor a golf tournament. When he’s on the mainland during hockey season, he makes a point to catch a game. What’s something your students probably don’t know about you? One of Fred’s favorite things is seeing live music. One of his favorite songs is “The Music Never Stopped” by the Grateful Dead. He’s also a serious home cook who loves experimenting outside the box. Check out the fancy vegetarian dish he made using daikon (featured below). He’s also an active member of the Waikiki Rotary Club, where he serves as President Elect and helps organize community breakfasts – in true Hawaii fashion, with SPAM included. What’s a tradition or habit you’re proud of? About six years ago, Fred decided that every New Year he would make a resolution to do something he’s never done before to model something important for his daughters: that it’s okay to fail, and that working through failure is actually a good thing. He also has a lesser-known annual tradition of finding a new, unexpected tree topper each Christmas. This past year was the Abominable Snowman. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fred said that if he had to pick just one thing, fresh sushi—especially from fish he caught himself—would have to be in the running. Featured Originally posted on February 25, 2026 Written by Brit Heller Director of Program Management @ HeatSpring. Brit holds two NABCEP certifications - Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PVIP) and Photovoltaic Technical Sales (PVTS). When she isn’t immersed in training, Brit is a budding regenerative farmer just outside of Atlanta where she is developing a 17-acre farm rooted in permaculture principles. She can be found building soil health, cultivating edible & medicinal plants, caring for her animals or building functional art. More posts by Brit