Your Solar Team

Micah Gold-Markel, Founder

Micah Gold-Markel founded Solar States on August 4th, 2008 after thinking long and hard about elements that are missing from todays public school curriculum. Micah spoke with with teachers, researchers, scientists, state representatives, and business leaders to help focus the goal of Solar States. He takes inspiration from Van Jones who is a leader in green collar job training. Micah sat on the board of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) and currently sits on the board of Green Woods Charter School. He is a lifelong resident of the city of Philadelphia and for more than a decade has run the web based software firm avEIGHT.

Sandip Shah, C.T.O

Sandip D. Shah, Ph.D.  joined Solar States in October 2008 to support the technical aspects of Solar States’ PPA projects. His interest in alternative energy systems and background in Environmental Engineering are an asset to every project. Since joining Solar States, his interest in solar projects has expanded beyond the technical aspects and now includes financial modeling, investor vetting and project management.

Sandip taught at Temple University in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Before Solar States, he spent five years in the automotive industry working on emissions related research.

Bob Simon, V.P.

Bob Simon joined Solar-States in August of 2008, to assist in business development.

Bob has become increasingly interested in solar energy as a means for individuals & businesses to gain a measure of control over their energy sources & costs.As many people now perceive, this is an historical tipping point for solar energy. There is an emerging convergence between public environmental awareness, government support for renewable energy, & a steady reduction in the cost to execute a solar project. Solar power generation is moving into the mainstream of our economy.

Bob has had a long career in Business Management & budget development in both the Marketing & Printing industries.

John Steele, Communications Director

John Steele started out as a freelancer for Philadelphia Weekly and several local blogs. He soon became a columnist, writing about environmental issues and the sustainable business community of Philadelphia. When he interviewed the owners of Solar States  for a column, he developed an interest in the company’s multi-disciplinary approach to creating green-collar jobs. When they offered him a job, he gladly accepted.