About Ponderosa Engineers
At Ponderosa Engineers, we specialize in automation solutions that optimize the performance, efficiency, and reliability of energy assets. We work on renewable and BESS assets, while also driving modernization across oil and gas processing. Our intelligent control solutions ensure seamless energy management, real-time monitoring, and streamlined system operation—enabling smarter, more resilient renewable energy networks and more efficient, future-ready conventional energy systems.
In renewables, we implement Power Plant Controller’s (PPCs) for grid integration and BESS controls coupled with SCADA HMIs. In oil and gas (O&G), we modernize control frameworks using best in class PLC programming and high performance HMIs integrated with AI to create control systems that can maximize wellhead production and minimize fugitive emissions.
Powering the future with precision automation—whether advancing renewable energy or modernizing oil and gas, we deliver intelligent, scalable solutions that make energy smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
Automating the Energy Future
Our Services
At Ponderosa Engineers, we specialize in automation and control solutions for the energy industry with a focus on renewables. Our services ensure seamless operation, reliability, and efficiency for renewable power infrastructure.
PLC & PPC Programming
We develop and implement robust automation logic for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Remote Terminal Automation Controllers (RTAC), to ensure reliable energy dispatch, system responsiveness, and seamless grid integration.
Our expertise extends from PPCs for optimized energy management and stability in PV and BESS to fully automated PLC solutions for oil and gas facilities, where intelligent automation improves efficiency, safety, and adaptability in complex plant environments.
Commissioning
We provide comprehensive remote commissioning services covering SEL protection and control equipment, battery energy storage systems (BESS), PV plant startup, and modular gas plant design. We ensure seamless integration, grid compliance, and performance validation for new and modernized installations—verifying system functionality and automation reliability from initial setup through full operational deployment.
SCADA
We design and deploy Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time monitoring, data visualization, and advanced control of solar, storage, and oil & gas operations.
Our solutions include data historian integration, enabling long-term storage, trend analysis, and performance insights to optimize energy management, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency across diverse energy sectors.
We place great emphasis on modern, high performance HMI design to create situational awareness for operators allowing rapid response to alarms and deviations.
Electrical Design
We design custom UL 508 compliant control panels in AutoCAD Electrical, ensuring compliance, safety, and efficient automation for renewable energy and modular gas plant applications.
We also specialize in full electrical design and sensor selection for low voltage controls systems (<480V).
Past Projects
With extensive expertise in solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), automation, and grid integration, we've tackled complex technical challenges across diverse energy projects. Here’s a look at the types of work we’ve successfully delivered.
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Watertown, NY – PV + BESS Commissioning & Automation
Led the full commissioning of this 5.7MW/29MWH battery energy storage system (BESS) with 7MW solar PV, integrating technology for seamless operation.Tesla Megapack XL
We developed and programmed the BESS SCADA integration and controls, ensuring precise real-time monitoring and automation. We also implemented ISO telemetry for Non-Wires Alternative (NWA) dispatching, supporting efficient grid stability and demand-response capabilities.
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Grid Integration & Frequency Regulation (FR) Compliance
Successfully implemented Frequency Regulation (FR) for seven PV + BESS sites under ISO-NE compliance, programming and qualifying assets to operate seamlessly with the regional grid. These projects included both DC and AC-coupled systems, integrating SMA, Power Electronics (PE), Ingeteam, and Tesla inverters, as well as CATL and Lishen batteries. Additionally, we spearheaded the client’s first FR aggregate asset, allowing three sites to operate collectively as a single FR resource.
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Codesys BESS Library
To streamline solar and BESS operations, we developed a homegrown RTAC codebase using Codesys libraries for data mapping and battery control across 30 PV + BESS Distributed Grid (DG) assets. By implementing Git-based version control, we ensured secure and scalable system updates, reinforcing automation consistency and operational flexibility.
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O&M Support & Energy Optimization
Providing primary technical support for a PV + BESS portfolio totaling 62MW/171MWh of battery storage and 94MW of solar, we have ensured operational reliability through advanced troubleshooting, RTAC code maintenance, and engineer training. Additionally, we’ve developed and implemented updated charging algorithms, including Constant Voltage (CV) charging and multifactor smart energy distribution, optimizing efficiency and system performance.
OEMs
At Ponderosa Engineers we have extensive experience integrating and working with industry-leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in automation, energy storage, and solar power systems. While these are the OEMs we are most familiar with, we have the expertise to work with a wide range of manufacturers to meet project-specific needs.
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Automation Controllers
IEC61131 and Codesys based PLCs
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)
Opto22
Siemens
Allen Bradley
Automation Direct
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SCADA and Data Historians
Inductive Automation Igntion
AVEVA System Platform
Canary Historian
aspenONE Process Explorer
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Inverters
SMA Solar Technologies (SMA)
Power Electronics (PE)
Tesla
Sungrow
Ingeteam
SolarEdge
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BMS
BYD
Lishen
CATL
Samsung
Tesla
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Meters
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)
Accuenergy
SATEC
Elkor
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Misc
Kidde Fire Control Panels (FCP)
SEL reclosers
Eaton reclosers
ATI/Array Technologies DuraTrack
Terrasmart TerraTrak
Get in Touch
Ready to optimize your energy project with cutting-edge automation? Whether you have questions, need expert guidance, or are ready to collaborate, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to discuss how our control solutions can enhance your project’s efficiency, reliability, and performance.