Our Team > Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Solar Gain’s leaders have a diverse range of expertise—from 30 years of electrical and mechanical engineering and contracting to technical financial analysis and real estate development. We bring all of our experience to bear when designing your system and customizing your financial plan.

 

 

Roman Black

President and CFO

 

.Roman heads up finance and sales at Solar Gain. After earning his degree in Finance from the University of Arizona, Roman spent several years in Costa Rica expanding his knowledge and skill set in sustainable industries. While away, he acted as project manager for the construction of custom homes that integrated LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, black water recycling and solar and wind power. At Solar Gain, he runs the show but especially enjoys matching the customer with the right financing. Roman is a founding board member of the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce (SAGCC).

 

 

Christopher J. Martin

Vice-President, Electrical Contractor, Senior Advisor


Chris wears two hats. Not only is he our Vice President, he is also owner of CJM Electric. As such, he contributes over 30 years of commercial and residential electrical experience to Solar Gain. In addition to his electrical expertise, Chris has founded and operated several successful businesses. One of his successes is Wilson Produce, where he is currently co-owner and CEO. Chris is developing a 1-megawatt solar panel system for his Nogales produce facility and has solar electric and hot water systems on his home.

 

Melissa Black

Founder and Senior Advisor


Melissa has 27 years of experience in engineering, high-end real estate development, and business management. She began her career as the lead construction engineer at Pacific Gas and Electric Nuclear plant in San Luis Obisbo, CA. After moving to Tucson, she led the development and sales of high-end, custom home communities. It was her passion for sustainability, though, that led her to start Solar Gain and later co-found the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce (SAGCC), where she served as president for two years. Melissa holds a BSME from California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo, CA.

  

Max Martin

Quality Control Specialist


If there’s an installation challenge, Max knows how to solve it. He joins the Solar Gain team after many years in the Special Events industry, where he installed large temporary commercial structures, electrical distributions, lighting and HVAC in various locations throughout the US. He also brings extensive experience in residential electrical design, layout and installation to our team.

 

James Martin

Business Development, Technical Sales


James joins the Solar Gain team after completing service with the US Peace Corps in the Federated States of Micronesia, where he was a development facilitator in the fields of Education and Community Development. He has working experience with both US and foreign government officials, and is actively developing Solar Gain’s presence as an EPC in Latin America. Having studied in Cuba, Denmark and the US, James holds dual BA degrees in Philosophy and Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What people are saying about Solar Gain…

“Very accommodating…just very good.”

~ Teenu Hebbar

“I like them, I like working with them, I just like everybody.”

~ Ken Day

“I really enjoyed working with the people. I went out for 3 bids and Roman was very good to work with. The quotes were very precise, the knowledge base that he has to explain it all to the layman…. and on the back end, working with the installers, they were very good about explaining everything.”

~ Carlos Marquez

“One of the systems we did in particular was very complicated and they were flexible and creative to make the system work for me. I really appreciated that.”

~ Joan Werner

“It was a very professional installation--they were very careful. I thought they did a good job.”

~ Ken Day

“When we decided to put a system in we went to 3-4 contractors that were recommended, but truthfully, Roman and Felix and the people at Solar Gain were so quick to respond and so enthusiastic about the system that it felt good working with them. It was a no-brainer. And they were competitively priced.”

~ James Henley

“The install was very clean, very well done. The crew was very respectful. The product at the end was phenomenal.”

~ Dan Kalm

“I like doing business with Solar Gain. I like that they’re a local business, and that I can work with Roman directly.”

~ Ken Day

“They were very good about modifying the design to meet my requests.”

~ Carlos Marquez

“I have nothing but good to say about Roman.”

~ Dan Kalm

“I like the fact that Solar Gain monitors the system and makes sure it’s working properly. We had a [part] go out in a rainstorm and Solar Gain noticed it and repaired it, no problem.”

~ Ken Day

“They were very responsive to our needs.”

~ James Henley

“They were unfailingly cheerful and helpful.”

~ Joan Werner

“The main thing for me is it’s local company, a small business. I felt like I got special attention—not like working with one of those Phoenix or California guys. I like them, I like working with them, I just like everybody.”

~ Ken Day

“I got quotes from 5 installers and they were far and away the least expensive—on top of the excellent customer service.”

~ Joan Werner

Solar Gain did a great job. They handled the situation very professionally, bringing the project from idea to fruition. Town West is very pleased with the end result.

~ Toby Horvath, Town West Realty

What people are saying about their solar arrays…

“I love it! I’m coming out ahead of the game—I get a check from the power company!”

~ Chuck Thomas

“We basically have covered 100% of our electrical expenses. I like that.”

~ Barry Friedman

“We’re totally happy with it. Nine months out of the year, our bill is seven dollars.”

~ Teenu Hebbar

“What’s really exciting is watching the meter send all that power back to the electric company.”

~ Dan Kalm

“Other people who’ve come and looked at it [our solar array] have really been impressed—even competitors have said it was a first class job.”

~ James Henley

“The overall feeling is a good feeling. I’m like a junkie—I go in every day and see how much electricity we produced and how much we used.”

~ Dan Kalm

“You know what I tell people? I go home and flip the switch and look at my day of sunshine.”

~ Joan Werner

“As a business owner, it was one thing that actually helped.”

~ Dan Kalm

On going solar.....

“We’re totally happy with it. Nine months out of the year, our bill is seven dollars.” Teenu Hebbar

“I love it! I’m coming out ahead of the game—I get a check from the power company!” Chuck Thomas

“We basically have covered 100% of our electrical expenses. I like that.” Barry Friedman

“What’s really exciting is watching the meter send all that power back to the electric company.” Dan Kalm

“The overall feeling is a good feeling. I’m like a junkie—I go in every day and see how much electricity we produced and how much we used.” Dan Kalm

“As a business owner, it was one thing that actually helped.” Dan Kalm

“Other people who’ve come and looked at it [our solar array] have really been impressed—even competitors have said it was a first class job.” James Henley

“You know what I tell people? I go home and flip the switch and look at my day of sunshine.” Joan Werner