Karsten Mikal Kopperstad

About Karsten Mikal Kopperstad

An experienced mechanical engineer with a strong foundation in both experimental and computational renewable energy research, complemented by over five years in the power generation industry. I specialize in helping clients and partners meet contractual obligations through independent, third-party performance testing—executed in alignment with ASME, ASTM, and IEC standards. My work spans utility-scale PV, thermal, and hybrid systems, with a focus on minimizing risk and validating performance guarantees.Known for a hands-on, accountable approach, I thrive in both independent and collaborative environments—earning trust through technical rigor, humility, and clear communication.As Principal Engineer and PV Technical Lead at McHale & Associates, Inc, I support EPCs, developers, and owners in ensuring reliable, data-driven outcomes. Learn more at

Experience

1. Principal Engineer - Pv Technical Lead

   Mchale & Associates, Inc

   Jan 2025 — Present · Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

   Principal Engineer - PV Technical LeadI specialize in PV performance testing, uncertainty quantification, and risk mitigation for utility-scale solar projects. With expertise in ASTM-compliant capacity and energy testing, PVSyst modeling, contract consultation, and solar instrumentation validation, I help clients optimize energy production and ensure compliance.I have led evaluations for over 10 GW of power projects, including PV, combined cycle, and simple cycle plants. My work integrates on-site testing, advanced data modeling, and technical dispute resolution to maximize performance and financial outcomes.Key ExpertisePV performance testing & analysis (ASTM-compliant capacity & energy testing)PVSyst modeling & case analysis (uncertainty quantification, regression analysis)Contract review & risk mitigation (performance guarantees, EPC contract negotiation)Solar instrument verification (MET station setup, IV curve tracing, soiling assessments)Mixed module plant testing (spectral & temperature corrections, uncertainty reduction)Technical dispute resolution (performance discrepancies, financial risk analysis)Renewable energy research (published work on offshore wind & PV performance testing)Major AchievementsLed ASTM- and ASME-compliant testing for 10+ GW of power projectsRecovered $1.8M in lost revenue by identifying and correcting plant malperformanceSaved an EPC from forfeiting $1.6M by troubleshooting and validating capacity test resultsDeveloped custom PVSyst models for energy yield assessments, contracts, and M&A evaluationsDesigned test methodologies for mixed module PV plants, reducing test uncertainty by 2-3%Published peer-reviewed research on floating offshore wind turbinesContributed to PV performance testing standards via ASME PTC 46I am passionate about advancing solar energy performance and risk mitigation strategies to drive innovation in PV technology. Let’s connect!

Education

• University of Stavanger

  Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2013 — 2016

• Florida State University

  Master’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2017 — 2019

• Randaberg VGS

  HIghschool diploma

  2009 — 2012

• University of Mississippi

  Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2015 — 2015

Skills

• Autodesk Inventor
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd)
• English
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office
• Computer-Aided Design (Cad)
• Military Experience
• Cpr Certified
• Teamwork
• Piv
• Solidworks
• 3d Visualization
• Wind Turbines
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Wind Tunnel Testing
• Cad
• 3d Modeling
• Fluid Mechanics
• Mechanical Engineering
• First Aid
• Critical Thinking
• Customer Service
• Military
• Microsoft Word