About Us
By Suzan Elichaa

Who we are

The decision to create a solar installation company came out of personal needs. Suzan is from California, where solar energy is common. Back in 2006 she was looking into alternative energy for her home. Even finding sources of equipment proved a challenge and she could not find a company she was comfortable working with. Being well aware of the extent to which the rest of the world has embraced solar power, she was amazed at the lack of vendors and realized there is an incredible opportunity open to someone interested in providing solar installations in Maine. She thought that since most homes in Maine are heated with baseboard heat, which utilizes hot water - it was a perfect match for solar thermal power AND a recipe for big savings for homeowners.

Solaris started to take shape in 2006 when Matt took the Maine Certification class and became and authorized Solar Energy Installer. His work and technical background made him a great fit. Matt and Suzan have both run their own businesses before. Suzan had been a customer of Matt's long ago. They both knew that getting a solar company off the ground would take a lot of effort. After a year of researching, planning, learning and deliberating, they made the decision to start a solar energy installation company.

Since Matt's name was on the State of Maine's installer list, he was getting phone calls from people wanting a solar system. After a few installations it became apparent that Solaris needed to get going full-time. Solaris started backwards; Matt had customers calling, but no business cards, no logo, no stationary - nothing! 2008 was a mad dash to get everything in order. By attending several home/green trade shows and exhibits, we met hundreds of people considering solar power. It was our privilege to help them see the benefits of solar energy systems and thereafter to install many systems that save our clients money every month.

Why use Solaris?

In 2008 we were awarded the Infloor/Thermomax dealership for Southern Maine. CM McCormick and Sons Plumbing and Heating, near Augusta, had the dealership for the state. Steve and Shawn are the "sons" in the name. Their dad was installing solar back in the 70's, so they have grown up in the industry. No company in Maine has been at it so long. But, servicing customers in the lower part of the state took too much drive time. CM McCormick gave us the dealership for the southern part of Maine. We constantly work together and we effectively cover the whole state. We are grateful to them for the support and training they have provided, their experience in invaluable.

Thermomax has the best quality evacuated tube on the market. The ratings prove it. Their strength is in winter output in Northern environments. It is the perfect product for space heating. They also have an outstanding commercial line for industrial process heat.

A gentleman at a home show asked "why should he buy from us instead of our competitors"

• Our first reason is that solar energy is not just a job for us, it has become our life. We really know the products and options, we care about our customers, filling their needs and making sure they are satisfied. That is where we get our reward.
• We have a truly superior product in Thermomax solar thermal and Tangarie wind turbines.
• Matt's technical ability and understanding is astounding. He absorbs technical information quickly and then applies it, allowing us to provide custom solutions that take advantage of your existing systems. We do not sell one-size-fit's-all prepackaged systems. Additionally, we have Thermomax's top-notch engineering department for large or complicated jobs and our distributors engineering department for PV and wind. By utilizing these engineers we keep our costs down, and we get designs from experts that do the work 8 hours a day. They have seen everything. We really know solar, how to configure systems, and follow correct installation procedures. Our staff is honest and devoted to both the industry and to reducing mankind's impact on the environment. We are determined to make Solaris the premier name for Solar in Maine.

In 2009 we became the Southern Maine dealer for the Tangarie Gus Wind turbine line, CM McCormick handles the north. This exciting product got us to change our mind about wind power. It is a vertical turbine. It has no arms/blades. It looks like a dual twisted ribbon and has many advantages over the standard turbine design.

We believe that educating the public is an important part of our job. We often meet people that have no idea what solar power is and some even see it as a gimmick. Many have no idea the high percentages of homes using solar worldwide. Too many think it does not work in Maine because it is too cold (cold does not impact evacuated tubes and actually helps PV electric). We are happy to answer the "stupid" questions, we asked them too. We have provided classes for groups and schools and we have regular classes at our site. To get homeowners away from the upheaval of oil dependency is largely an educational process. We are happy to help, really!

Our Staff

We are lucky to work with a great group of people.

Matt - His technical ability is amazing. He absorbs information and then can apply it to whatever comes along. He loves to find creative ways to integrated solar power. He hates our dependence on oil companies.

Suzan - Has a life mission of making sure new homes use free solar thermal power for their radiant heat floors. Thinks utility scale "green" is not the answer because the infrastructure cannot support it, and the upgrade cost is not necessary if we install home systems.

Ryan - The neatest, most conscience plumber you will meet. Shows no plumbers crack, is the nice, quite, smart type and a dedicated bike rider. Took the solar installer class with Matt long ago.

Nick - He picks up new information so fast no one can keep up. Loves to learn, super creative (art graduate of MECA). Well mannered, polite, helpful, and fun to be around.

Eric - A salesperson that is not pushy, dedicated fisherman, smart guy, owns the 1st LEED platinum home in the East (Cranberry Ridge in Freeport). His whole family loves to push the "green" envelope.