ABOUT US

SolShine Energy Alternatives is a full-service provider of electrical and solar electric (photovoltaic) contracting services for home and business in the greater Roanoke area.

SolShine specializes in the design and installation of solar electric systems for home and business. We also provide electrical contracting services such as residential wiring, service upgrades, and troubleshooting & repair services. 

We are excited about starting your solar installation. As we work on the final preparations to begin your installation, we would like to introduce ourselves so you know a little bit about the people who will be working for you.

MEET OUR TEAM

RICK BROWN

OWNER, MASTER ELECTRICIAN & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Rick is passionate about bringing the benefits of solar – environmental and financial – to each of our customers. He and his wife, Christy, have had a solar installation at their tiny home in Check, VA for the past 12 years. Living with solar gives Rick an informed understanding of the value of solar in our community.

Rick will be on-site during portions of the installation process. He is available for any questions about the project, solar technology, and system functionality. rick@solshineenergy.com

JIM LEONARD

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Jim has over fifteen years of experience as a project manager and problem solver. He thrives at directing business operations and implementing process improvements. Prior to joining SolShine, Jim has worked for several consulting firms and he has done volunteer work with some Roanoke-area nonprofit organizations. Jim has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. In 2017 Jim earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. jim@solshineenergy.com

GUS ZIMMERMAN

PROJECT MANAGER

Gus graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in economics. After realizing that he didn’t want to sit behind a desk anymore, he started working for a construction company in Blacksburg. He then studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College.

Gus’s knowledge of construction and electrical wiring makes him a great addition to the SolShine installation team.

LEWIS NEWMAN

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Lewis has a background in commercial and residential electrical work. He studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College. Lewis has been excited about the solar industry for many years. He jumped at the opportunity to help our customers make the switch to solar. He takes pride in making sure that our customers understand the work we are doing on their property. He believes in delivering quality craftsmanship. In his own words, “Our work will be art.”

DEVIN JONES

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Devin has several years of experience installing PV systems. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Devin also enjoys spending family time with his wife and two children.

CHUCK THOMAS

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Chuck has several years of experience installing PV systems.  He is passionate about the solar industry. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Chuck will be on site during the entire installation process.

RICK BROWN

OWNER, MASTER ELECTRICIAN & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Rick is passionate about bringing the benefits of solar – environmental and financial – to each of our customers. He and his wife, Christy, have had a solar installation at their “tiny home” in Check, VA for the past 12 years. Living with solar gives Rick an informed understanding of the value of solar in our community.

Rick will be on-site during portions of the installation process. He is available for any questions or concerns about the project, solar technology, and system functionality. Email: rick@solshineenergy.com

JIM LEONARD

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Jim has over fifteen years of experience as a project manager and problem solver. He thrives at directing business operations and implementing process improvements. Prior to joining SolShine, Jim has worked for several consulting firms and he has done volunteer work with some Roanoke-area nonprofit organizations. Jim has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. In 2017 Jim earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Email: jim@solshineenergy.com

GUS ZIMMERMAN

PROJECT MANAGER

Gus graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in economics. After realizing that he didn’t want to sit behind a desk anymore, he started working for a construction company in Blacksburg. He then studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College.

Gus’s knowledge of construction and electrical wiring makes him a great addition to the SolShine installation team.

LEWIS NEWMAN

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Lewis has a background in commercial and residential electrical work. He studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College. Lewis has been excited about the solar industry for many years. He jumped at the opportunity to help our customers make the switch to solar. He takes pride in making sure that our customers understand the work we are doing on their property. He believes in delivering quality craftsmanship. In his own words, “Our work will be art.”

DEVIN JONES

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Devin has several years of experience installing PV systems. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Devin also enjoys spending family time with his wife and two children.

CHUCK THOMAS

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Chuck has several years of experience installing PV systems.  He is passionate about the solar industry. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Chuck will be on site during the entire installation process.

RICK BROWN

OWNER, MASTER ELECTRICIAN & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Rick is passionate about bringing the benefits of solar – environmental and financial – to each of our customers. He and his wife, Christy, have had a solar installation at their “tiny home” in Check, VA for the past 12 years. Living with solar gives Rick an informed understanding of the value of solar in our community.

Rick will be on-site during portions of the installation process. He is available for any questions or concerns about the project, solar technology, and system functionality. Email: rick@solshineenergy.com

JIM LEONARD

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Jim has over fifteen years of experience as a project manager and problem solver. He thrives at directing business operations and implementing process improvements. Prior to joining SolShine, Jim has worked for several consulting firms and he has done volunteer work with some Roanoke-area nonprofit organizations. Jim has a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. In 2017 Jim earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Email: jim@solshineenergy.com

GUS ZIMMERMAN

PROJECT MANAGER

Gus graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in economics. After realizing that he didn’t want to sit behind a desk anymore, he started working for a construction company in Blacksburg. He then studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College.

Gus’s knowledge of construction and electrical wiring makes him a great addition to the SolShine installation team.

LEWIS NEWMAN

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Lewis has a background in commercial and residential electrical work. He studied electrical wiring at Virginia Western Community College. Lewis has been excited about the solar industry for many years. He jumped at the opportunity to help our customers make the switch to solar. He takes pride in making sure that our customers understand the work we are doing on their property. He believes in delivering quality craftsmanship. In his own words, “Our work will be art.”

DEVIN JONES

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Devin has several years of experience installing PV systems. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Devin also enjoys spending family time with his wife and two children.

CHUCK THOMAS

SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Chuck has several years of experience installing PV systems.  He is passionate about the solar industry. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Chuck will be on site during the entire installation process.