The Southern Vermont Solar Team

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”is a core belief of the Southern Vermont Solar Team. Every team member is important and leads with their unique strengths. The combined effect is SYNERGY.

From concept to the finished product that may last beyond our lifetimes, the collaborative Southern Vermont Solar team creates meaningful improvements to our customers’ lives with the goal of reducing their carbon footprints. Our expert team of electricians, installers, and renewable energy advisers are in-house, energy professionals. We do all work internally and do not subcontract parts of the project out to third parties.

Our promise is to choose the best products, design beautiful systems, and do high-quality work with integrity throughout. 

Simon Piluski, Co-founder, Owner, and Master Electrician

Owner and Solar Electrician, Simon was one of Vermont’s first certified solar electricians and is a true solar expert. Simon is the lead designer and electrician of the team, and his expertise will be behind every project we take on, whether it is a small residential or a large commercial system. He was born and raised in Westminster West, Vermont, where he discovered his ability and love for electrical work in high school while working with a neighbor who was transforming his traditional sugaring operation into a modern maple syrup production. Simon graduated from Marlboro College with a Bachelor of Science. He was working as an electrician in 2000 when his passion for solar was ignited. He built an off grid home for his family, gained NABCEP certification, and became the Lead Designer and Solar Electrician for SOVEREN Solar. He and his wife started Southern Vermont Solar in 2017 with the dream to provide green, local jobs while offering a cost effective solar option to their community. Simon lives with his wife and two daughters in Westminster.

Victoria Roberts, Co-founder, Owner, Finance, Culture and Community Director

Victoria wears multiple hats including Finance Director, Team Culture Lead, and Community Outreach Connector. She is deeply committed to supporting the local economy and community with thoughtful, personalized solar solutions. Victoria grew up around the world, graduated from Kenyon College, worked and travelled in multiple countries and settled in Vermont after attending S.I.T. where she received a Master’s in Education. She taught Middle and High School for 12 years prior to founding Southern Vermont Solar with her husband Simon. She is the mother of two fantastic teenage girls.

Chad Ives, Installation Operations Director

Chad is Southern Vermont Solar’s Managing Director of Construction, leading both the roof and ground mount installation teams to ensure each install is built to our high SVT SOLAR standards. Chad graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2006, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical engineering. He started his career as a research and development Engineer, designing and building battery-operated devices for military applications. In 2013 he switched his focus to construction and project management rounding his skills in both commercial and residential construction projects. Chad joined Southern Vermont Solar in 2017 and is an integral part of the synergy of the team. He lives in Dummerston and enjoys ice fishing and hunting. 

Erik Shifflett, Strategic Director

Erik began his professional career by working for nearly two decades with large corporations in sales, marketing and project management roles. In 2014, Erik took a leap of faith by completely changing course to redirect his energy and passion into a meaningful career in the solar industry. Following a short stint managing a small solar company in central NH, Erik co-founded, managed and operated two successful solar companies which still operate today. Having sold his stake in both of those companies, Erik joined Southern Vermont Solar in September of 2024. Erik oversees the day-to-day operations of Southern Vermont Solar and wears many hats as he interacts with clients, and the team to help realize the company’s mission of delivering the best-in-class customer experience that Southern Vermont Solar is known for.

Eaddy Sutton, Communications Director

Eaddy is a communications specialist and business consultant in a supportive role with Southern Vermont Solar since its founding, guiding the development of the brand elements, message, and marketing.  Working closely with the administrative team, she helps build and test the excellent customer experience at the core of the SVTS mission. 

Andrew Cunningham, Director of Sales and Business Development

Andrew joined Southern Vermont Solar in 2020 and brings over fifteen years of experience in the solar field in a variety of roles, from installations and design to customer support. He has a lifelong interest in clean energy and sustainable living, graduating from Columbia University with a M.A. in Environmental Policy and serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras.  He leads our sales team and upholds our standards for exceptional customer service, providing highly personal solutions designed for each unique location. Active in local sports and music, he lives in Brattleboro with his family. 

Kevin O’Brien, Customer Communications and Sales Coordinator

Kevin joined Southern Vermont Solar in 2024, coming from Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) as a financial and energy coach. He earned a Master of Science in Sustainability Science from the University of Massachusetts and brings passion to the field of renewables and sustainability, including innovative solutions for the combination of solar and pollinators/grazing/crop production in land usage. As a member of the administrative team, he brings a renewed focus to our community networking and regional development efforts. He lives in Brattleboro with his wife.

Nathan Caulfield, Construction and Installation Lead

Nathan leads our ground mount team. He is responsible for operating our excavating equipment and ensuring a high degree of safety, quality control and customer communication during the installation process. Nathan lives in Brookline with his family.

Aaron Golub, Safety Coordinator, Master Electrician, and Electrical Designer 

Aaron joined the Southern Vermont Solar team in 2024 and brings decades of experience in the solar and electrical fields.  His background is in safety, supervision, and project management in the specialized solar industry.

Jeff Kneeland, Heavy Equipment Operator and Installer

Jeff was born and raised in Dummerston, Vt, and has spent his career serving the Southern Vermont area in the construction industry. Jeff's career started out in carpentry and shifted to heavy equipment operation and repair in 2015. Jeff joined the Southern Vermont Solar team in 2024 and brought his well rounded skills as a builder and fabricator with him. Jeff is an accomplished fisherman and enjoys getting out to the coast and being on the ocean.

Shawn Derosia, Solar Installer

Shawn joined the Southern Vermont Solar team in 2022. He comes with a diverse work background from stone masonry to vulcanizing. Shawn works on the roof installation team installing racking and solar panels.