About Cotuit Solar’s Philosophy, Founder, Team and Experience.

Our Philosophy

We are passionate about bringing solar energy to as many people as possible in order to conserve local resources and reduce our carbon footprint.  We are proud of our work installing solar on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket households and businesses.  The Cotuit Solar Team is a group of conscientious individuals who try to live in concert with the philosophy – believing that small actions by many are the means to a sustainable future.

Our Founder

Conrad is the principal of Cotuit Solar and is NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified in both PV and Solar Thermal. He has directed over five hundred system installations to date ranging from small off-grid to 1.14 MW.

Our founder has been an instructor for Cape Cod Community College, Cape & Islands Self Reliance solar workshops and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In the past, he served on the Board of Directors of SEBANE (Solar Energy Business Association of New England) and the Board of Advisers for the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. Conrad monitors a number of technical journals around the Renewable Energy and sustainability fields.

Additional sustainability projects include:

  • Designing and producing the Cotuit Dry Toilet
  • Nutrient recycling gardening
  • Local sustainability indicator projects
  • Quahog sub-tidal aquaculture
  • Various window thermal insulation methods
  • Quick response Radiant floor systems

When he’s not working (kind of rare) you can find him gardening, sailing, kite boarding, flying airplanes, boat building, chopping wood, daydreaming up some strange design or keeping one of his ancient vehicles on the road.

Meet Our Team


Katie

Katie steers Cotuit Solar through the ever changing solar tides helping to navigate and adopt new procedures. She looks at the bigger picture so that the team  meets its goals in timeliness, efficiency, innovation and customer support. Katie has managed hundreds of residential and commercial solar installations funded in part by tax & rebate incentives. She has secured nearly 50 US Department of Agriculture, US Treasury and Massachusetts Department of Agriculture grants for solar installations at local farms and businesses including a highly competitive $113,000 USDA REAP Grant for a large scale commercial solar project. Katie has a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in fine art, from Colorado College. She has been with Cotuit Solar since 2006 after a short career in furniture conservation and a few years of running her own business designing and reworking clothing.  Katie is passionate about reducing her family’s imprint by living a low-impact lifestyle. She lives with her husband and four young children in a passive solar home powered by solar thermal.


Nikki

Nikki is our Scheduling Coordinator and likely the first voice you will hear when you call. She graduated in 2002 from Simmons College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Art. She brings career experience from the fields of Social Work and Corporate Operations and Marketing. Nikki is passionate about helping others and strives to make sure Cotuit Solar customers are happy and confident in their Solar experience.


Diane

Diane keeps our Accounting books and Human Resource needs in order and comes to us with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Bridgewater State College. Working previously with various types of businesses including construction, property management and insurance, Diane is in her element working at Cotuit Solar. She is a Falmouth resident who enjoys driving the backroads of beautiful Cape Cod in her Jeep.


Barbara

Barbara is the former Executive Director of Clean Power Now. Over the course of the past 30 years she has held a variety of management positions focused on renewable energy, land preservation and affordable housing. She is a certified Kind Yoga Teacher.

Matt

Matt comes to Cotuit solar with a background in sustainability and business studies and a passion for positive systems change. Born and raised in Falmouth, Matt has worked in permaculture, chili farming, and composting, and he now spends his days in the Cotuit Solar office. In his free time Matt is a musician, a tinkerer, and an outdoor enthusiast.

Nina

Nina Landau joined us last fall. Nina has broad experience in many community-based endeavors including solar design and integration. She works magic helping customers through the labyrinth of adopting solar. She also is known for her unique vessel the Sunseeker – a three-masted Sampan built by Rusty Strange and a fixture in Quissett Harbor for decades.

Graham

Graham Piercey joined us in March. Graham has a broad background in sustainability, renewable energy, and related public policy. His expertise, experience, and positive energy are very welcome. When he’s not nerding out on all things clean energy, Graham enjoys working in his woodshop and walking in the woods with his wife, Eve, and their dog, Frankie.

Jeny

We welcomed Jeny Christian to Cotuit Solar in November of 2021. She is working toward being a full-time farmer and educator. In addition to helping Cotuit Solar, Jeny is involved in many facets of local food production and sustainability efforts. These include running the Falmouth Farmers Market and being a founding member and chair of Farming Falmouth an educational non-profit. Jeny has been a great help at Cotuit Solar in many roles. Along with her community spirit, we especially appreciate her ability to absorb the thousands of square feet of cardboard from PV module cartons – for mulch/weed suppression at town owned Andrews Farm.

Steve

Cotuit Solar is grateful for the wide variety of knowledge that Steve brings to the Cotuit Solar Team! Steve not only oversees the general accounting at Cotuit Solar but also helps in managing our larger-scale projects. He is our company expert on tax incentives and laws and how they affect the Solar Energy Industry. Steve’s extensive experience includes a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, a Master’s in National Resource Management, and an Associate’s Degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting.


John

Master Electrician’s License, Construction Supervisors License (CSL), Weatherization Certified. A Cape Cod Native, John not only has experience with solar but has attended a boat building school. He has years of construction experience and has been with Cotuit Solar since 2009. John lives in Mashpee with his beautiful wife and two daughters.


Jeff

Jeff is a licensed Master Electrician with an interest in alternative energy, energy efficiency, & reducing one’s carbon foot. Jeff has 30+ years of experience in the computer industry designing power, cooling, and physical infrastructure systems for large data centers. In his off time he enjoys spending time with his 2 grandchildren, family & friends. On the weekend you’ll find him four-wheeling on Sand Neck Beach, snorkeling, mountain biking, fishing and visiting some of the hidden gems Cape Cod has to offer.


Dylan

Solar PV Technician. Dylan has been with Cotuit Solar since 2015. He has a background in carpentry and construction. He enjoys the blending of trade skills required to successfully install PV systems. When not on a roof, Dylan is an aspiring musician/audio engineer with a degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He is now in school to become a licensed electrician.


Jesse

Solar PV Technician. Jesse has been with Cotuit Solar since 2015. He grew up working with his dad’s company, Vaughn Homebuilders, in all phases of home building. Jesse has a passion for skateboarding and ramp building that has led to the design and builds of multiple skate parks with his brother, Dylan. Jesse likes being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family. Jesse also plays music, and although there is no official brotherly beard contest, it seems Jesse is in the lead.

Joel

Solar PV Technician. Another Cotuit native, Joel brings extensive carpentry experience to Cotuit Solar and has an interest in sustainable living. Brother to Arden, the Lockwood brothers are a great addition to our Solar team!

Saiful

Saiful Bahrami joined us in September 2021.  He is a pleasure to know and work with.  Saiful was evacuated from Afghanistan as the Taliban would probably have taken his life for aiding the US.  He has a family that he hopes to be reunited with – they are still in Kabul.

Muhammad Khasib ( hasib )

A citizen of the Russian Federation, Hasib was born and studied in Afghanistan. While still in Afghanistan he worked as a supervisor at a paper factory and doing plumbing work in Kabul International Airport. He then lived in Russia from 2010 to 2023. In 2010 he started his wholesale trade of home textiles in Moscow until he came to America in 2022. He is a hard worker and a great addition to the team!

Sam

He was a teacher in Myanmar for over 7 years. Came to US with a Scholarship Visa. Because of political situations in the country he cannot go back. He will be joining electrical school to become a licensed electrician. Passionate about renewable energy and loves the environment. He lives life using the  three “R” ( Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) lowering his life’s footprint.

Karen

After graduating from UVM with a degree in Math and Animal Science, Karen worked on Nantucket as a commercial fisherwoman, farm manager, boat captain, and mother. Karen has always had a deep concern for conservation and the environment. In the hope of working in the renewable energy field, Karen returned to school for Electrical Engineering. In 2013 she graduated from Vermont Technical College Sum Cum Laude and a Tau Beta Phi member. When not working towards converting everyone on Nantucket to solar power, she spends her time surfing and running in the summer and Nordic ski racing in the winter.

Total Installations

Our Experience

Cotuit Solar is the most experienced solar installer on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.  We are fully insured and maintain all necessary state and local licenses in compliance with the MA Clean Energy Center.  And we only use licensed plumbers, electricians and engineers.
Since 1988, we have installed over 950 solar systems.  Our work includes: residential PV systems; a 1 MW solar farm in Acushnet; agricultural solar installations (Cape Cod Organic Farm, Truro Vineyards and Northern Pines Farm on Martha’s Vineyard); community organizations (Housing Assistance Corporation, Hyannis Recreation Center, Truro Center for the Arts, MA Audubon, and Cape Cod Community Development Partnership; and, churches (Cape Cod Church, St. Davids, Sacred Heart and St. Augustine’s).

Testimonials

At Cotuit Solar, we aim to please. Your feedback matters and we would love to hear from you! Review us on Google or email us about your experience working with us. We strive to continually improve our process. We love our happy customers! 

Woods Hole Research Center

“I would like to thank you and the rest of the team at Cotuit Solar, my interactions with you folks have been nothing but positive. Great job!

Falmouth, MA | 2018

 
Cotuit Solar
2018-09-22T16:50:34-04:00
“I would like to thank you and the rest of the team at Cotuit Solar, my interactions with you folks have been nothing but positive. Great job! Falmouth, MA | 2018  

Anita Zlatev

“Arden, Joel, Jesse, Dylan, and Jeff were here this week doing our installation!! There are not enough good words to describe them!! I know you assured us that we would be pleased, but seriously - we’ve had so much work done in this house and NO CREW comes close to the professionalism of Cotuit Solar. Your group is truly exceptional!”

Bourne, MA | 2018
Cotuit Solar
2018-10-26T15:09:47-04:00
“Arden, Joel, Jesse, Dylan, and Jeff were here this week doing our installation!! There are not enough good words to describe them!! I know you assured us that we would be pleased, but seriously - we’ve had so much work done in this house and NO CREW comes close to the professionalism of Cotuit Solar. Your group is truly exceptional!” Bourne, MA | 2018
cotuit solar installation falmouth

Steve Colman- Year in Review

"I just passed the one-year anniversary of the installation of my photovoltaic system, which consists of 25 LG300 panels, 7500 W, installed by Cotuit Solar. The post-installation analysis estimated that my yearly production would be 7875 kWh. My actual production for the year just past was 8310 kWh. I’m very happy about that we exceeded expectations, and I’m glad that the estimate was honest and conservative. My net meter was at 550 kWh, so my total use for the year was 8860 kWh. Of this, I estimate that 5360 kWh was for my house and 3500 was for my electric vehicle. So solar covered all of my household needs, and almost 94% of my total usage. I’m very pleased with the system and with the work that Cotuit Solar did. The people are great and my system has performed flawlessly."

Falmouth, MA | 2018

 
Cotuit Solar
2018-06-25T19:59:36-04:00
cotuit solar installation falmouth
"I just passed the one-year anniversary of the installation of my photovoltaic system, which consists of 25 LG300 panels, 7500 W, installed by Cotuit Solar. The post-installation analysis estimated that my yearly production would be 7875 kWh. My actual production for the year just past was 8310 kWh. I’m very happy about that we exceeded expectations, and I’m glad that the estimate was honest and conservative. My net meter was at 550 kWh, so my total use for the year was 8860 kWh. Of this, I estimate that 5360 kWh was for my house and 3500 was for my electric vehicle. So solar covered all of my household needs, and almost 94% of my total usage. I’m very pleased with the system and with the work that Cotuit Solar did. The people are great and my system has performed flawlessly." Falmouth, MA | 2018  

Ed & Peg Crawford

“Our home is all electric heat! We had been planning a solar array for a while and trying to decide between whether to own or to lease. We decided that owning was in our best interest and found a local company, Cotuit Solar. From the initial inquiry through the design and installation to the final PTO they were with us every step of the way. We did ask a lot of questions and they taught us about solar energy as it pertains to our setup. Communication was great and the whole crew did an excellent job. We like that they are local, committed to renewable energy, and are experienced. Thanks, Ed & Peg Crawford.”

West Barnstable, MA | 2017
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:36:06-04:00
“Our home is all electric heat! We had been planning a solar array for a while and trying to decide between whether to own or to lease. We decided that owning was in our best interest and found a local company, Cotuit Solar. From the initial inquiry through the design and installation to the final PTO they were with us every step of the way. We did ask a lot of questions and they taught us about solar energy as it pertains to our setup. Communication was great and the whole crew did an excellent job. We like that they are local, committed to renewable energy, and are experienced. Thanks, Ed & Peg Crawford.” West Barnstable, MA | 2017

Dick Schott

“Every single person, proposal and project with Cotuit Solar has been professional and efficiently completed using sound and logical advice. Thanks for all your help.”

West Yarmouth, MA | 2017
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:35:13-04:00
“Every single person, proposal and project with Cotuit Solar has been professional and efficiently completed using sound and logical advice. Thanks for all your help.” West Yarmouth, MA | 2017
5.1kW PV Solar Installation Falmouth, MA

Meghan Hanawalt

"We are SOOOOO excited, thank you!  We can’t believe we are generating energy - what a great feeling!  The entire Cotuit Solar Team made each and every step simple and painless.  I can’t wait to get my next Eversource bill - ha!"

Falmouth, MA | 2018
Cotuit Solar
2018-03-28T16:26:14-04:00
5.1kW PV Solar Installation Falmouth, MA
"We are SOOOOO excited, thank you!  We can’t believe we are generating energy - what a great feeling!  The entire Cotuit Solar Team made each and every step simple and painless.  I can’t wait to get my next Eversource bill - ha!" Falmouth, MA | 2018

Janice Allee

"I am totally impressed with Cotuit Solar. We had a great experience with a very well organized and impressively staffed  company. I feel that we got spoiled by the outstanding service that Cotuit Solar offered. We had a large and a challenging installation and reached out to get recommendations from 3 well-esteemed solar companies, one being Cotuit Solar.  Cotuit Solar came back with the best design and a very competitive price so we chose them . But that was just the beginning of good results. The installation went perfectly and right within the time slot we needed. Furthermore Cotuit gave us so much assistance with the financial side, the grants and loans. We realized why many of our peers recommended them. This organization is so well organized, personable and responsive. There is always a knowledgeable person at the office to answer questions. I feel so fortunate about the entire project."

Truro, MA | 2016
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:48:04-04:00
"I am totally impressed with Cotuit Solar. We had a great experience with a very well organized and impressively staffed  company. I feel that we got spoiled by the outstanding service that Cotuit Solar offered. We had a large and a challenging installation and reached out to get recommendations from 3 well-esteemed solar companies, one being Cotuit Solar.  Cotuit Solar came back with the best design and a very competitive price so we chose them . But that was just the beginning of good results. The installation went perfectly and right within the time slot we needed. Furthermore Cotuit gave us so much assistance with the financial side, the grants and loans. We realized why many of our peers recommended them. This organization is so well organized, personable and responsive. There is always a knowledgeable person at the office to answer questions. I feel so fortunate about the entire project." Truro, MA | 2016

Lincoln Jackson

Cotuit Solar was extremely helpful before, during and after my solar installation. They completely demystified the sea of paperwork, necessary for the various state and federal tax credits and other incentive programs.


Lincoln Jackson | Concord

Cotuit Solar
2016-10-28T21:40:50-04:00
Cotuit Solar was extremely helpful before, during and after my solar installation. They completely demystified the sea of paperwork, necessary for the various state and federal tax credits and other incentive programs. Lincoln Jackson | Concord

Julie Reinemo from Nantucket

"We live on Nantucket Island. After just one phone conversation, Karen (Cotuit Solar) was able to give us a quote, and a timeline. She walked us through the permitting process which was easy because Cotuit Solar took care of everything. Installation was a breeze. We went live in October and have not had an electric bill since. I highly recommend Cotuit Solar."
Cotuit Solar
5
2024-04-02T14:55:25-04:00
"We live on Nantucket Island. After just one phone conversation, Karen (Cotuit Solar) was able to give us a quote, and a timeline. She walked us through the permitting process which was easy because Cotuit Solar took care of everything. Installation was a breeze. We went live in October and have not had an electric bill since. I highly recommend Cotuit Solar."

Honore From Falmouth

"Cotuit Solar made this such an easy process and they communicated very clearly with us. They did all the work for us to get us into the SMART solar incentive plan... we just signed a couple of documents and that was it! The models sent to our email very accurately showed us what the panels would look like on our home, so no surprises. It was such a great experience that we recommended Cotuit Solar to our friends who were so happy we did!"
Cotuit Solar
5
2024-04-02T15:15:15-04:00
"Cotuit Solar made this such an easy process and they communicated very clearly with us. They did all the work for us to get us into the SMART solar incentive plan... we just signed a couple of documents and that was it! The models sent to our email very accurately showed us what the panels would look like on our home, so no surprises. It was such a great experience that we recommended Cotuit Solar to our friends who were so happy we did!"

Phillip Hallowell

"This is my third house that I have installed solar on. Every installation has been great and I have always enjoyed working with the crew. Cotuit Solar was spot on, no surprises and the system has worked as advertised. Since I installed in the fall I’m waiting to see the full top end of the system, but I couldn’t be happier so far."
Cotuit Solar
5
2024-04-02T15:23:07-04:00
"This is my third house that I have installed solar on. Every installation has been great and I have always enjoyed working with the crew. Cotuit Solar was spot on, no surprises and the system has worked as advertised. Since I installed in the fall I’m waiting to see the full top end of the system, but I couldn’t be happier so far."

Tom Sbarra

“Your team is simply the best organization I have worked with in a long long time. Every aspect of the interaction was perfect. Thank you for your consummate professionalism.”

Falmouth, MA | 2017
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:20:21-04:00
“Your team is simply the best organization I have worked with in a long long time. Every aspect of the interaction was perfect. Thank you for your consummate professionalism.” Falmouth, MA | 2017

Steve Colman

“I was happy with Cotuit Solar and I'm glad I chose them over the national company that I considered. I had a complex installation, and there were a few glitches, but the staff responded to these quickly and well. The basic installation of my 7.5 kW system took only one day (after some weather delays), and the staff got us through the inspection and permitting process efficiently.”

Falmouth, MA | 2017
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:32:41-04:00
“I was happy with Cotuit Solar and I'm glad I chose them over the national company that I considered. I had a complex installation, and there were a few glitches, but the staff responded to these quickly and well. The basic installation of my 7.5 kW system took only one day (after some weather delays), and the staff got us through the inspection and permitting process efficiently.” Falmouth, MA | 2017

Ed Delano

"The crews were fantastic, Conrad should be proud, and consider himself lucky to have such good people. Mind you this is coming from a very meticulous and tough to please person when it comes to workmanship. I have been in the trades for 48 years and have seen it all."

Plymouth, MA | 2017
Cotuit Solar
2017-10-25T18:05:35-04:00
"The crews were fantastic, Conrad should be proud, and consider himself lucky to have such good people. Mind you this is coming from a very meticulous and tough to please person when it comes to workmanship. I have been in the trades for 48 years and have seen it all." Plymouth, MA | 2017
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Cotuit Solar
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