Meet the Maine Solar Solutions Team
Maine Solar Solutions is fortunate to have a team that is 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.
Leadership
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.
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.
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.
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.
Solar Advisors & Consultants
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Why do you want to work in renewable energy (solar)?
My background was in Retail and Banking so when the opportunity presented itself to learn a new and growing industry that impacts the community, I jumped at the chance.
What do you do at Maine Solar Solutions?
My position is communicating with customers about solar, gathering information and setting them up with a Consultant to work on their next steps in going solar.
What are your credentials /past experience, for working in your position?
My experience was limited however, working for Maine Solar Solutions has since taught me a lot about Solar and renewable energy. I feel that this has helped me connect with customers who are inquiring about Solar with limited knowledge. We are learning together.
What do you like about working at Maine Solar Solutions?
I have been with MSS for just over 3 months. As a newbie to the smaller business footprint, it is refreshing and comforting knowing that everyone here is treated like family. The support for each other, clients and the business itself is wonderful to be a part of.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. When I am not working you will find me cheering on my son at his high school football and baseball games or baking with my daughter.
Jon-Luke is an individual who has a great passion for sustainability and service. He enjoys using his skills to help the local Maine community he grew up in through transparency, education, and community service. With over eight years of experience in finance, sales, and management, he is the perfect candidate to build our Partner/Dealer program. Jon-Luke recently joined us from San Diego, California, where he worked with multiple solar installers and dealer partners to manage good customer expectations and ensure proper contractor installations. He is delighted to be back in Maine and to use his experience to assist Maine Solar Solutions in helping the residents of Maine achieve their self-sufficiency and renewable energy goals.
Jon-Luke enjoys spending his leisure time with his fiance, Sarah, and their dogs, Molly and Agnes. You can find Jon-Luke at the local dog park, brewery, or eateries.
Operations & Customer Experience Team
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
Brian Clunie is the Drone Program Coordinator at Maine Solar Solutions. He served in the military for over 20 years (4 years in the Marine Corps., six years in the Active Duty Army, and ten plus years in both the Guard/Reserves). His passion for drone operations started many years ago, and he turned it into a career by completing a Drone Operations Program at the University of Maine Augusta. He also holds an associate degree in Applied Electronics and Programming from Kennebec Valley Community College. Brian is a Certified Commercial Drone Pilot and received his FAA Part 107 certification after passing the required tests. He has flown drones for over 500 hours on various commercial sites as a contractor while also working in non-drone-related jobs. He’s a drone-flying solar professional!
When not flying drones, he loves repairing, building, and creating drones and spending time with his spouse and two daughters.
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.
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!
Why do you choose to work in solar?
I appreciate getting to educate prospective customers about the advantages of solar electricity, dispel myths, and move Mainers toward cleaner energy overall.
What do you do at Maine Solar Solutions?
I work on campaigns, collateral, ads, blogs, and social media content and attend community events to help spread our message to new audiences.
What is your favorite part of working here?
That’s easy: the people. I have really enjoyed getting to know folks in a variety of roles.
What were you doing prior to joining MSS?
I have always worked in marketing roles, and prior to MSS, I was doing marketing and community outreach for Pine Tree Society and Pine Tree Camp, which provide critical services and year-round outdoor experiences for kids and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I was a fencing and historical swords instructor during high school and college.
What are you currently binge-watching or reading?
I’m rewatching seasons 1-3 of Community and reading Black Food, a combination cookbook-essay collection about the African food diaspora.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I like to hike, run, write short stories, obsess over political news, kayak, stalk houses on Zillow, and try new recipes.
Why do you want to work in renewable energy (solar)?
Growing up with plenty of Maine woods to explore, I saw the importance and interconnectedness of our natural environment from an early age. As I grew older and more and more of those woods were cut down, I felt a personal responsibility to help preserve and advocate for the plants and wildlife that make our state so unique. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of Southern Maine, I sought to become involved with the decision making processes that affect our natural resources and, subsequently Maine residents. Renewable sources of energy present one of the most exciting and effective ways to decarbonize our energy infrastructure to address issues of climate change. I feel like my role at Maine Solar Solutions allows me to do just that, by working to make our communities, friends, and neighbors more aware of the benefits to our wallet and the environment of increasing energy independence through solar electric systems.
What do you do at Maine Solar Solutions?
I am the Solar Outreach Consultant. In my role I am responsible for being a resource for all Mainers on the installation and benefits of solar electric systems. I attend trade shows and conferences to promote the great work we do and try to connect Mainres with options to to gain more energy independence through installation of solar electric systems. I engage with and educate the public on how solar works, the benefits of solar to
What are your credentials /past experience, for working in your position?
Before my role at Maine Solar Solutions I was the Communications Manager for ecomaine, coordinating their outreach, advertising, public relations, and education efforts. Previous to that role I was an environmental educator for ecomaine, teaching and engaging with the public on sustainable waste management. Other positions I’ve held in the sustainability industry include Waste Crew Lead for the Department of Sustainability at the University of Southern Maine, Green Team Leader for Whole Foods Market Portland, Lead Outreach Associate for Maine Green Power, Compost and Recycling Co-Coordinator for Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Program Developer for the USM Eco-Reps. All of these roles have provided me with a unique and informed approach to tackle many of the issues we face in the environmental and energy sector.
What do you like about working at Maine Solar Solutions?
I love that the work I do contributes directly to making my community more sustainable and energy independent as well as decarbonizing energy production to help address the issues of climate change. It also feels great to work for a Maine-owned and operated company that seeks to develop the lives and careers of its employees. But the best part has to be the people, all kind, dedicated, and seek to do the best work possible for our customers and neighbors.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
When not advocating for solar, I love to hike, camp, surf, golf, paint, write poetry, and drink espresso!
Electricians & Installers
Maine Solar Solutions has a team of 23 installers and eight State of Maine licensed electricians operating as three installation teams. All of our trained solar installers hold either an electrical license or an electrical helper license. In addition, all field employees have completed or will complete OSHA 10 certification.