Power Trip Energy Staff
Andy Cochrane President and Founder
Andy founded Power Trip Energy in September 2002 and handles site evaluations, system design, and administration. As a long-time resident, his love of the Olympic Peninsula drove him to create a company to make the inevitable growth of the area as sensible as possible.
Andy graduated from Port Townsend High School in 1986. He started college at WSU, then moved to California; eventually receiving degrees in Marine Biology and Zoology from Humboldt State University.
Andy believes that solar power is the best way for most people to create electricity. Compared to hydro-carbon-derived energy, the environmental benefits of solar are tremendous, and socially, the benefits of individual power production are emancipating.
Andy understands the benefits of developing localized power sources and sees them as being critical to the long-term health of the local economy.
Steve Carr Co-Founder, Journeyman Electrician, Electrical Administrator, and Installation Manager stevec@powertripenergy.com
Steve is a co-founder of Power Trip Energy and a Journeyman Electrician who handles all our installations.
Another PTHS graduate, Steve has resided in Jefferson County since 1979. Steve’s first opportunity to work with solar technology came when he was serving as a heavy equipment operator and fleet operations supervisor at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. During his tenure between 1993 – 2002, the highlight of Steve’s experience came in 2002 when he completed a 1,900 mile traverse with the French Antarctic Expedition from Dumont ‘dur Ville (the place where March of the Penguins was filmed) inland to Concordia, a base about 150 miles from the South Pole.
Upon returning to Jefferson County, Steve joined a local electric firm to earn his stripes as an Electrician with the goal of eventually specializing in solar electric installations. 
Steve and Andy crossed paths professionally in 2003 (they have been friends since 8th grade) when Steve was helping a customer install an off-grid solar power system. Andy was brought in as a solar consultant for the job; that cooperative effort inspired Andy and Steve to co-found Power Trip Energy Corp. in 2004.
Over the past 20 years, Steve and Andy (along with the trusted team members) have installed solar on over 1100 homes on the Olympic Peninsula which generate over 9 megawatts of power!
Michael Slater Solar Agent michaels@powertripenergy.com
Michael joined Power Trip Energy in June 2016 to be a part of our Solar Design team. Previous to joining the team, Michael worked as Fine Wine consultant out of Georgia. He has a degree in Biological Science from Darton College and Computer Programming from Athens Technical.
His years of experience have made him an expert in creating systems which balance aesthetics and energy production to meet the needs of our customers.
He is a father to 3 beautiful kids and enjoys spending as much time as he can enjoying the local sites that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Buddy Taylor Project Management and Scheduling Coordinator buddy@powertripenergy.com
Buddy joined Power Trip Energy in February 2020. He handles all of the scheduling, permitting, design work, as well as Information Technology for our team. When Buddy isn’t at work he enjoys tinkering with electronics and going on hikes in the Olympic National Forrest with his family.
Jacob Middleton Electrician/Solar Installer
Jacob has been with Power Trip Energy since 2010. He enjoys spending time out on the ocean with his beautiful sailboat “Grace”. He enjoys working with Power Trip Energy because being a part of a company that promotes renewable energy growth is important for our local community to be energy independent.
Dan Anderson Solar Installer
Dan started with Power Trip Energy Install crew in June 2015.
His background includes being a Nuclear Trained Mechanic for the US Navy for 11 years, 13 years as a foreman for residential concrete construction, and 6 years as a carpenter for 2 local companies. He is an avid environmentalist and is thankful to be a part of a company that shares his views on creating renewable energy for future generations.
Dan and his wife Steph and their two daughters live in Port Townsend. They enjoy riding bikes, hiking, and going camping around the Pacific Northwest.
Geoff Taylor Solar Installer
Geoff joined Power Trip Energy install crew in April 2015. Prior to becoming a Solar Installer, he worked in the service industry for the 14 years.
He has 3 beautiful kids who enjoy bowling and going out to watch a movie. They also enjoy playing on the water of the Pacific Northwest and golfing on the courses around the Peninsula.
Bonnie Buxton – Office Manager
Bonnie joined Power Trip Energy in May 2022. She graduated from Western Washington University has a degree in Business Administration. Her dog, Bella, is the resident guard dog of the office and is the HR Assistant. She enjoys keeping her eye on the team.
When Bonnie isn’t working, she enjoys photography, sailing, and participating in the local events. Bella enjoys chasing squirrels, belly rubs, and treats by the occasional delivery person.
Graham Carr Electrical Administrator (Retired in 2012)
Graham (Steve’s dad) is a Master Electrician who assisted with solar system installations and was our Electrical Administrator prior to Steve taking over the helm.
Graham joined Power Trip in 2004 after a career as an Aircraft Electrician and Maintenance Electrician in Alaskan canneries, Oregon sawmills, and at Jefferson General Hospital, before joining Power Trip Energy. Graham enjoys helping people live lighter on the planet by making their own green power, and remains available to us in his retirement, assisting with wise counsel when asked.
Industry Affiliations and Certifications
We are proud to be REC and Maxeon Dealers in Washington State, bringing these very high-quality products into our local markets. We are also certified installers for Tesla Powerwall systems, as well as Enphase and Franklin energy storage devices. Our agents perform continuing education in advanced certification courses to ensure the most current installation and design techniques are available to our team and customers.
In 2013, we were proud to become and Authorized SolarWorld Dealer, which required an audit several of our
installations. We were pleased to receive an A+ during their audit process.
We are members of PSE’s Contractor Alliance Network, which has various requirements certifying the quality and integrity of our work.
Jay Inslee (Past Govenor) and Andy Cochrane discuss national energy policy at the New Apollo Energy Project Forum, April 13, 2004, Seattle, WA.