The Southern Vermont Solar Team

From concept to the finished product that may well last beyond our lifetimes, the Southern Vermont Solar team creates meaningful improvements to our customers’ lives with the goal of reducing their carbon footprints.

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

Simon Piluski, 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, Founder, Owner, and Business Manager

Victoria is Southern Vermont Solar’s business manager, administrator, and team builder. Victoria grew up around the world, graduated from Kenyon College, and settled in Vermont after attending S.I.T. where she received a Master’s in Education. She taught Middle and High School at The Compass School prior to working with Southern Vermont Solar. She is an educator, a community builder, and enjoys working with others to make positive change. She lives with her husband, Simon, and two daughters, Maya and Hazel, in Westminster, VT.  

Chad Ives, Engineer and Managing Director of Construction

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.

Andrew Cunningham, Director of Sales and Business Development

Andrew has fifteen years of experience in the solar field in a variety of roles, from installations and design to customer support, and believes solar power should be accessible to all. After discovering the wonder of solar as a youth, Andrew developed a lifelong interest in clean energy and sustainable living. He graduated from Columbia University with a M.A. in Environmental Policy and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, working with youth and helping rural communities plant trees. When not advocating for solar and electric vehicles, Andrew can be found tinkering on various projects, playing music, and participating in local sports. He lives in Brattleboro with his wife Sueño and their cat Arigato.

Nathan Caulfield, Ground Mount Installation Manager

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 3 sons and wife.

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. 

Chinar Abdullah, Solar Installer

Chinar worked for the US Marines and other security forces in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years, before being evacuated from Kabul with his family during the pullout of the US troops and allies in 2021. Chinar came to Brattleboro in 2022. He is a skilled mechanic with a great sense of humor and strong work ethic. He’s proud of his family, including his wife, and their 11 year old son, Zahid, 8 yer old daughter, Shabnam, 5 year old son, Ehsan, and 1 year old Hikmat, who was born in Brattleboro. His older children all attend Academy School in Brattleboro. You will see Chinar working mostly on ground mount arrays, but he also helps out when needed on the roof team. Southern Vermont Solar feels lucky and is very proud to be able to have Chinar as part of our team!