Meet the Maine Solar Solutions Team
Maine Solar Solutions is fortunate to have a team passionate about their jobs. Our experienced in-house staff — the owner, solar advisors, consultants, office, warehouse staff, installations crews, and licensed electricians- are here to make the process of going solar easy for you. Customer service is of critical importance to us, and we consistently receive compliments for our helpful and friendly staff—and always do what we say we will do. Our team looks forward to the opportunity to create a custom design system and installation for your solar electric project.
Sam Zuckerman founded Maine Solar Solutions in 2012. Sam combined a lifelong interest in environmentalism and conservation with a professional history in the construction industry when he started Maine Solar Solutions over ten years ago.
Sam’s mission has always been to empower prospective customers with the information they need to make informed decisions about the benefits of renewable energy.
As Maine Solar Solutions’ workforce approaches 50 people in three Maine locations, he finds gratification in the development and mentoring of solar professionals and licensed electricians.
Jacob has been an electrician for over 8 years working on commercial, industrial, and residential electric projects. Jacob finds solar to be a progressive industry that is laying the stepping stones to a greener future and is grateful to play a part in it. He loves the views he gets to see every day from the roofs and the awesome people that he works with on a daily basis. When he is not at work, you will find him fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Everything that Tod enjoys is affected by the climate. He loves to ski, fly fish, etc., so “it feels good to be working in a field taking steps towards climate awareness and consideration.” He is excited to be a part of an industry that is essential and continuing to grow consistently.
At Maine Solar Solutions, Tod is the interface with potential clients during site assessments, where he measures their roof planes and assesses their property’s potential for harnessing solar power. He works with the clients through the decision and purchasing process to ensure they have all the information they need about their property regarding solar. He designs solar system layouts for clients and informs them of the different components of a system, warranty information on those components, and financing options so that the customer can make an informed and sound decision. Tod graduated from UVM in 2016 with a BS from the Rubenstein School for the Environment and Natural Resources.
The team of people I work most closely with is energized and passionate to be working for this company. He is excited to be part of the team at Maine Solar Solutions because though we are a small business, we are positioned in the Maine market and primed for some considerable growth as the industry continues to
grow.
When Tod is not working, he needs to be outside! In the winter, he likes to ski and surf. Come spring/summer, he will be exploring small brook trout streams with my fly rod
Erica loves working in an industry that is mindful of our planet’s resources and respected by its customers. Erica is our customer experience associate and has worked in customer service for nearly nine years. Erica enjoys creating meaningful customer relationships. She was drawn to Maine Solar Solutions because we are a small local company, and our entire team is respectful not only to our customers but to one another. When not helping customers go solar, you will find Erica spending time with family and her dog Oliver. She also dapples in painting and writing. Erica also loves hanging at the beach, cooking, and baking gluten-free! Erica admits she has many hobbies and interests too long to list but really enjoys breaking out of her comfort zone to try new things.
Meet our senior electrical engineer, Rick. He supervises electrical inspections and also oversees NEC code requirements. He has been in the renewable energy field for 25 years and was an electrical engineer consultant for 10 years. He loves the solar technology we are providing, and he has been a firm believer in it all of his adult life. When not at work, you can find him spending time with his family and working on his 12-acre farm from 1860!
Working in a large corporate environment as the Senior Site Surveyor and PV Installer at SolarCity taught Aaron a lot about the process and efficiency that he has been able to apply at Maine Solar Solutions. Aaron attended Kalamazoo College where he earned a degree in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. He earned his NABCEP PV Installation and Design at Kennebec Valley Community College and his Residential, Commercial, and Battery Solar certificates from Solar Energy International. Aaron enjoys working at Maine Solar Solutions because it has a community feel, and creates jobs in Maine. When not visiting with solar customers you can find Aaron skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Stefan wanted to work towards a more sustainable society, and renewable energy plays a significant role. To get started on the greener path, he completed his MBA with a concentration in Sustainability in 2017 from Clark University. Stefan is grateful to be working for a small business filled with hardworking people who care about what they do. He also likes that as a solar consultant, he sees not only homeowners being positively impacted by going solar but that it also has a noticeable impact in the long term for all the communities we all live in. When not climbing ladders to assess a homeowner’s solar potential, you will find him hiking, rock climbing, backpacking (ask him about his AT adventures), and he is an expert on board and puzzle games.
Dade is another crew member that is part of the solar installation team. Dade decided to pursue his career in electricity and earned his electrician’s license while working with us here. Working with Maine Solar Solutions particularly caught his eye because not only is there is an electrical component, but the renewable energy field is one of much potential and growth in Maine. In his free time, you will most likely find Dade fishing or skiing.
Kevin is a solar installer and electrician’s apprentice and loves the idea of using his electrical training for green energy. He comes from a background in customer service and sales and is excited to be shifting his gears and learning a trade. He loves working at Maine Solar Solutions because helping people convert to renewable energy is rewarding, and everyone here is “SUPER nice.” When not installing solar and studying electrical codes, you will find Kevin and his wife playing games, reading comics, and going on hikes. He has two kitties and a dog that also keep him busy.
Bio Coming Soon!
Heather’s main role at Maine Solar Solutions is directing marketing and making sure that customers solar questions are answered with no pressure. Heather’s favorite part of her job is offering personalized customer service that exceeds customers’ expectations both during and after the install. Heather was also interviewed by Solar Power World for her work in ensuring our customers have a great experience both before, during and after their installs. Heather is working on getting her NABCEP PV Associate certificate and currently has earned certificates in both Solar Electric Design and Installation and Advanced PV System Design and NEC from Solar Energy International.
Before solar, Heather worked for 10 years in nonprofits, including as the senior associate director of donor engagement at The Jackson Laboratory, the Center for Grieving Children, and Good Will-Hinckley. Heather feels privileged to work for a great company that is playing a part in helping keep the trails, oceans, and mountains she frequents clean for future generations to enjoy. When she is not assisting her fellow Mainers with solar, she is hiking with her dog Finnigan. She has completed her NH 48 and is Wilderness First Aid Certified.
Moe is the welcoming voice on the other end of the phone when you call our office. She wears many hats at Maine Solar Solutions including facilitating post install inspections, applying for permits, scheduling site assessments and assisting our customers throughout the entire solar process. Moe enjoys playing an instrumental part in a small business that is not only growing by leaps and bounds but is also making a difference in Maine. When she is not working, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time with friends and family.
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio Coming Soon!
Nicole works as a Solar Advisor at Maine Solar Solutions. She is the first point of contact between people thinking about solar, gathering information, and setting them up to work with one of our consultants on the next part of the process! Most of her work is in educating people on how solar works, the benefits of solar for a homeowner, and explaining net-metering in Maine.
Nicole has always loved working for companies that impact the people, community, and world around her, so working for a company that is actively helping people switch over to clean energy was a no-brainer for her. Nicole cares a lot about her footprint on the world, so she enjoys helping other people reduce theirs!
In her last job, she worked in community outreach to help bridge the connection between local businesses and their schools in a fundraising capacity. Nicole enjoys building rapport and meaningful relationships with our customers at MSS. When asked why Nicole loves working at Maine Solar Solutions, and she responded: “I love working at a small business that feels like a family! From my first day working at MSS, I could tell the comradery that everyone here had was special and that everyone genuinely cares for each other, the business, and our customers. The people that work at MSS really are a team, and that feels really good!”
When Nicole is not working, you will find her spending time with her nephew (pictured with her) and her family. In the summers, she spends a lot of time at the family camp on Sebego boating and reading good books in her favorite hammock! In the spring and fall, you will find Nicole outside hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the beautiful state of Maine! In the winter, Nicole likes to hibernate because “Maine is COLD!”
Steve is a solar consultant at Maine Solar Solutions (MSS) and believes working in this field is a “win-win of being in the position to solve the customer’s problems in an industry that benefits the global community. He enjoys the culture here at MSS, and in his free time, you will find him mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, cross country skiing.
Keith Carlon is Maine Solar Solutions’ Drone Program Coordinator. First, Keith had to undergo FAA Part 107 certification, the license required for legally piloting a drone for commercial applications. This certification typically takes about two months to complete and requires passing an exam in order to pilot a drone in FAA airspace. Next, he learned how to maneuver the drone in tight spaces safely and effectively. He’s a drone-flying solar professional!
Tom has always wanted to make an impact on the world by advocating and working towards sustainable energy for future generations. At MSS, Tom educated customers on the benefits of solar power. Tom has always been in sales roles, but what he refers to as “education roles” because to him it is about connecting with the amazing people he meets and ensuring they have all the information they need to make an informed decision. When not working, Tom enjoys spending time with his significant other and their poodle, Phoebe. All three are avid adventurists who enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, biking, or fishing. If he is not in the woods or the middle of a lake, you will find him practicing his guitar until his fingers hurt!
Pauline is in her 10 year of living off the grid tucked in the middle of the Maine woods! Pauline enjoys sharing her off grid experience with others and feels working here at Maine Solar Solutions is the perfect fit for her! In her off time she enjoys spending time with her family and critters. Pauline is a creative soul engaging in many forms of fiber arts including needle felting woodland animals and hand knitting socks for family and friends!
Bio Coming Soon!
Bio Coming Soon!
As someone who has always appreciated the earth and all that it provides for us, David wanted to continue a career that would help keep it in a better condition for the next generation. Before starting at Maine Solar Solutions, David worked as a farmer on various bio-diverse farms for eight years throughout college and after college. He has always had a knack for wanting to fix or build something for himself and others. David appreciates being a part of a small team where everyone knows one another and all learning from one another. It also brings him joy knowing that he is making a difference by helping others lessen their
environmental impact on the world. When David is not working, he enjoys exploring with his fiancé all the trails and beaches that Maine provides, fly fishing, rock-climbing, camping, baking, and hanging out with friends and family.
What does a Solar Administrative Assistant do? I act as a concierge for our current customers fielding questions, finding answers and providing guidance and expertise when dealing with CMP processes in addition to general office tasks.
What do you enjoy most about working here? I really enjoy working for a company that cares about what they do and are providing services that genuinely help their customers meet their energy needs.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your current role?
I was surprised to learn the Utility Companies have such an impact on our ability to install a job.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out? I’m really a road biker at heart.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Telepathy.
What’s one thing on your bucket list? SkyDiving
Bio Coming Soon!
Philip is our off-grid expert at Maine Solar Solutions. Phil also assists with taking care of the crews in making sure that they have all their supplies as well as answer any questions they have to ensure a seamless install. He has a bachelor’s in Human Ecology, and he has his NABCEP solar installer certification. He has been with our team since 2016 and he’s done almost every part of the process. When he is not at work you can find him hiking, canoeing, and exploring Maine.
Bio Coming Soon!
Mark is our Warehouse Manager and has worked in warehouse environments for many years. He is excited to work in renewable energy to better the environment while learning a new industry. Mark was a Maine Solar Solutions solar customer and had a great experience working with the MSS crew, so he is happy to be a team member. When Mark isn’t keeping the warehouse operating smoothly, you will find him mountain biking, playing Disc Golf, or hiking with his dog.
Bio Coming Soon!
Jim is a solar installer at Maine Solar Solutions. He spent most of the last year as a helper electrician, working primarily on new construction residential projects and wiring heat pumps for a local heat pump installer. Before that, he worked in the Regulatory department at a natural gas utility, where he was on a team that secured approval for the company to construct a renewable natural gas production facility. With the impacts of climate change worsening daily, Jim is excited to be an active part of the solution and notes, “It’s also an excellent opportunity for me to continue my education and earn hours towards my electrician’s license.” In addition, he loves working at Maine Solar Solutions because everyone is incredibly friendly and kind. When not at work, you will find him outside with his husband (and quite often their two dogs), boating on Sebago Lake, white water rafting in the Forks during the summer, or snowmobiling up north in the winter.
Bio Coming Soon!
