About Solaris Thermal, LLC
Who We Are
We are a locally-owned company specializing in solar energy (hot water & electric), wind, air quality, energy audits, insulation, radiant heating, condensing gas boilers, and many other products to reduce your energy consumption, cut your fuel bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
The decision to create a solar installation company came out of personal needs. Co-Owner Suzan is from California, where solar energy is common. It started in 2006 when she was looking into solar energy for her home. She could not find a local 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 local vendors and realized there is an incredible opportunity open to someone interested in providing solar installations in Maine. She realized that since most homes in Maine heat hot water with oil, it was a perfect match for solar thermal power and a recipe for big savings for homeowners.
Co-owner Matt took the Maine Certification class in 2006 and became a State of Maine certified Solar Energy Installer. His work and technical background made him a great fit for this industry. Matt and Suzan are previous business owners and were well aware 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 partner and start a solar energy installation company.
Why use Solaris?
The reason to use Solaris is simple: you need a quality product, installed right, by a dependable, experienced, honest company, that stands behind every job 110%
In 2008 we aquired the Thermomax dealership for Southern Maine. CM McCormick and Sons Plumbing & Heating, near Augusta, had the dealership for the state. They have been installing solar singe the 1970, and they have grown with the industry. No solar company in Maine has been at it longer. CM McCormick gave us the dealership for the southern part of Maine. We partenered together and effectively cover the entire state. We are grateful to them for the support and training they have provided; their experience has been, and continues to be invaluable.
A gentleman at a home show asked, "Why should I buy from you instead of our competitors?"
- Our first reason is that solar energy is more than just a job for us; it is a passion. We really know the products and options and we care about our customers. We have the experience and expertise to fill their needs and make 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. We proudly sell only the best products that we are confident will provide years of reliable service to our clients.
- Matts 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 just sell one-size-fits-all prepackaged systems.
- Additionally, we have Thermomaxs top-notch engineering department for large scale 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 have decades of solar engineering experience.
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 mankinds impact on the environment. Solaris is becoming the premier name for Solar in Maine.
In 2009 we became the Southern Maine dealer for the Tangarie wind turbine line. 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 its scoop design 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 because we asked them too! We have provided classes for groups and schools and we regularly offer free classes. To get homeowners away from the upheaval of oil dependency is largely an educational process. We are happy to help, really!