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 all 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 are going to do. Our team looks forward to the opportunity to create a custom design system and installation for your PV solar project.
Sam’s focus is on guiding homeowners and business owners as they implement renewable energy systems.
Sam performs system design, material specification, and project management for customers’ projects. Sam also oversees fieldwork and occasionally works alongside the crew in the field.
Sam is focused on customer satisfaction and is personally committed to accountability from initial customer contact through successful project completion and beyond. After an early career as a carpenter and construction manager for a design-build firm, Sam established Stone Cottage Contracting, a general contracting company focused on working with homeowners to manage and implement remodeling and renovation projects.
A lifelong interest in renewable energy and high-efficiency building practices led Sam to pursue a career in the growing solar energy sector. Prior to establishing Maine Solar Solutions, Sam worked as an independent installation sub-contractor, sales, and project manager for two Portland area renewable energy companies.
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.
Kalvin is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who studied solar energy design with Solar Energy International (SEI) after returning from his two years of service in Tanzania. Aside from the work itself, one of the things Kalvin enjoys the most about working at Maine Solar Solutions is the people he works with (who are always ready to talk nerdy about solar). Post-install you will find Kalvin speaking with customers about how excited they both are to see solar installed on their homes! When Kalvin isn’t on roofs, you will find him out in the mountains hiking and down in the rivers canoeing.
Aaron is a solar installer at Maine Solar Solutions who is in the process of becoming an electrician. Before working at MSS, he worked as an electrician’s helper doing residential and commercial work for three years. Aaron chose to come to Maine Solar Solutions and earn his electrician hours because he wants to make a difference in the climate crisis. He has always believed that solar is one of the best resources for renewable energy because of the relatively small footprint and cost-efficiency. In addition, Aaron enjoys working with the good people at Maine Solar Solutions, so together, they can complete installs that help our customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint. In his spare time, you will find Aaron fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. He also likes to garden and cook exciting meals. He also really enjoys woodworking with reclaimed wood.
Caleb has always been interested in renewable energy technologies and their future but has always been most intrigued by solar energy and its potential to supplement and hopefully replace non-renewable energy one day. Caleb is one of our solar installers here at Maine Solar Solutions and comes to us with a construction and maintenance background. He loves his job at MSS because he is helping people achieve their solar dreams. When not climbing on roofs, he plays music, cooking, hiking, reading, and hanging with his friends.
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.
Heather’s main role at Maine Solar Solutions is directing marketing, guiding customers through the process of going solar, and ensuring top-notch customer service. 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 all over the state with her dog Finnigan.
Ian is one of the Lead Solar Installers on the team. He earned his BA in both Biology and History at St. Lawrence University. The Certificates he earned over the years are also quite impressive and include everything from Wilderness First Responder to Avalanche to Fire Fighter training. Ian grew up on a Dairy Farm in Maine and attributes this to his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors.
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!”
Cameron believes that renewable energy and specifically solar is the way of the future and that alternative energy will help our planet. Cameron is a solar installer and electrical apprentice at Maine Solar Solutions. He’s excited to work here and make renewable energy more reliable and efficient for his fellow Mainers. When not working or studying, you will find Cameron play in a lot of basketball in multiple men’s leagues. He really enjoys being outside, whether hiking, swimming,
paddle boarding or all the other great outdoor activities Maine has to offer. You will also find Cameron and his wife traveling all over the US and abroad. We like to travel around the country and see the national parks.
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.
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!
Corey has been living the off-grid solar life for many years now, not only designing and building his personal system but doing so for others. Corey is excited to be working alongside (and outside) with the Maine Solar Solutions crew while also earning electrician hours towards his degree. When not installing solar, you will find him sailing, mountain biking and just being outdoors.
John works as a Solar Installer at Maine Solar Solutions and working on completing his Electrician License Certification. He has had many years working in construction and enjoys building and collaborating with teams to get the job done. John is excited to be part of sustainable energy and use his skills and expand his knowledge because renewable energy needs all of our participation to guarantee success.
He is grateful to be getting that experience at Maine Solar Solutions because we are a company that “cares and is compassionate” about its customers and employees – he is impressed with the strong relationships, communication among colleagues. He is also thrilled that Maine Solar Solutions encourages employee growth and cares about the safety of its employees – because that is “What Maine Solar Solutions is all about!”. When not at work installing solar or study electrical codes, you will find John boogie boarding on Wells and Moody Beach (he has since he was born!). He also has longboards, bikes, and hikes. When he isn’t in the mood for physical activities, you will find him quietly drawing, painting, sculpting, and building art or unique designs. Lastly, I’d like to improve my cooking and gardening skills to catch up with my friends and sister to be more self-sufficient and stay healthy.
Gabe is one of our solar installers at Maine Solar Solutions. He chose to work in renewable energy because he wanted to make a positive impact on the climate crisis and learn new skills in a growing trade.
Before Maine Solar Solutions, he worked in construction and maintenance jobs, including historic preservation work for the National Park Service and carpentry training with youth in Maryland.
Gabe’s favorite part of working at Maine Solar Solutions is the strong culture of teamwork and camaraderie that enables them to do high quality work safely and efficiently. He loves seeing the finished product on the roof at the end of the day and knowing that customers are happy with our quality of work! When Gabe isn’t installing solar, you will find him hiking, canoeing, gardening, and reading.
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!
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.
Bio Coming Soon!
Kristin helps install solar modules which involves setting feet on the roof, cutting and installing rails, and then laying the modules. She enjoys that the team rotates through different duties each day to help keep it fresh while also making sure everyone can do all aspects of the job. For Kristin, working in the renewable energy field was a no brainer because she genuinely cares about what she is doing and wants to make a positive impact on the environment. Kristin was also recently interviewed by Solar Power World for her work as an installer. She enjoys the team mentality of her coworkers and how they all pull together equally to get the job done right. Kristin’s favorite interactions are when she can get off of the roof and share the excitement with the customer over the job that is completed. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys hiking, boating, camping, long drives, relaxing, and spending time with the wonderful people in her life.
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.
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.