About Shine On

I got into the solar industry back in 2006, long before it was cool—or at least before it was on every rooftop in California. At the time, I was working in silicon, staring into the future of a 30-year big tech career. I wanted something more meaningful, something that aligned with my values and, ideally, involved a lot less fluorescent lighting.

That’s when I joined a fast-growing solar installation company as VP of Finance, and later as VP of South Bay Operations after we were acquired by Real Goods Solar in 2008. In 2010, I earned my California Solar Contractor’s License, a milestone that reflected both my commitment to the industry and my desire to do things the right way.

One of my proudest accomplishments from that era? Overseeing the installation of 15,000 solar panels across five Silicon Valley high schools, including Homestead High the alma mater of one Steve Jobs. Those arrays are so large I can still spot them from the plane window on flights over the Bay Area—and yes, I point them out whether anyone asks or not.

After that chapter, I spent over a decade as founder and CEO of an online therapy company, which grew to over 200 employees before it was acquired. Running a high-growth business taught me a ton about service, operations, and staying calm when things break—skills that translate surprisingly well to rooftops and rain gutters.

Now, I’m back to my roots as founder and owner of Shine On Solar & Maintenance. We specialize in solar panel cleaning, gutter clearing, window washing, and keeping your exterior systems looking and working their best—so you don’t have to worry about lost energy or overflowing gutters.

I love being back outside, working hands-on, and meeting great people throughout the North Bay. If you see someone waving from a rooftop in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol or Mill Valley, there’s a good chance it’s me.

-Iain C

Founder/Owner