Meet the Cascade Solar Team
We’re a group of Oregon-based solar professionals with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. From design and installation to coordination and support, each of us brings a different strength to one shared purpose:
We believe in good design, honest work, and a brighter future!
Nicole Nicholls
General Manager
Nicole is an experienced bookkeeper and office manager with a strong background in financial administration, operations, and small-business management. She’s been an entrepreneur since her teens, running her own business creating and selling art and handmade bath and body products.
Her family’s farm in rural Oregon will always feel like home, but she now lives in (and loves) Portland. When she’s not keeping projects on track, Nicole enjoys animals, the outdoors, antique shopping, and a good cup of tea.
David Nicholls
Construction Manager
David is a licensed Oregon Limited Renewable Technician (#94) and graduate of the Oregon REJATC Apprenticeship Program. He holds OSHA 30 certification along with numerous manufacturer specific credentials.
Originally from Glendale, Arizona, he spent childhood summers visiting family in Oregon and has proudly called the Portland area home for the past decade.
David’s favorite thing is solar. He lives, breathes, and dreams it every day. When he does step away from work, you’ll find him around classic cars, tinkering with home restoration projects, gardening, or enjoying Oregon’s year-round outdoor adventures.
Tom Crowe
Design Manager
Tom graduated from Colorado College in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Organismal Biology and Ecology. Originally from the small coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine, he moved to Colorado Springs to pursue his degree, where his interest in renewable energy and its role in fighting the climate crisis first began.
After traveling in and out of the country, Tom eventually settled in Portland, Oregon, where he started his career in the solar industry. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Dineen, and their dog, Pepper. Hiking, camping, and canoeing are among his favorite ways to recharge.
Greg Stephens
PV Designer
Greg earned his BS degree in Renewable Energy Engineering and holds NABCEP PVIP certification, along with Air Force training in electrical systems.
Born on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Greg later moved to sunny California and then the Sierra Nevada mountains. With deep roots in Oregon, his parents are from Portland and his ancestors traveled here on the Oregon Trail. He eventually returned to earn his degree, saying, “The Pacific Northwest is my home, and I believe it’s worth protecting.”
A technologist and electrical systems specialist, Greg focuses on energy conversion and power electronics. His purpose comes from designing the most efficient systems possible and helping move America toward a zero-emission future.
Robert Olson
Solar Consultant
Born in Corvallis and raised in Minnesota (without the accent, somehow). Robert brings a background that spans psychology, marketing, sociology, and business administration.
Equal parts practical and philosophical, he’s found his sweet spot helping people connect with solar in a way that feels meaningful. An accomplished writer as well, he’s been published several times, including as a ghostwriter for a New York Times bestseller.
When he’s not meeting with homeowners, you’ll probably find him in the woods, working Search and Rescue, foraging, or writing under the trees. “Using words to protect the environment I love has become a passion and a cause,” he says. “Let’s catch the sun.”
Rachel O'Keeffe
Project Manager
Born in Maryland, Rachel grew up near Washington, D.C. where living close to the capital sparked her interest in environmental issues early on. That passion led her to earn a degree in Environmental Science and Policy before heading west. She moved to Portland in 2015, drawn by the proximity to the forest, coast, and mountains as well as the strong sustainability culture. She loves calling the Pacific Northwest home.
Since planting roots in Portland, Rachel’s dedication to renewable energy has only grown. In 2017, she testified before Portland City Council in support of the city’s Renewable Energy Resolution. Her commitment to a cleaner planet drives her to help people and communities transition to solar energy.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys exploring Portland’s vibrant music scene, DJing for friends, and catching live shows whenever she can. She also loves photography, snowboarding, and petting every dog she meets!
Andrew Meschter
Supervising Electrician
Andrew brings nearly a decade of experience building photovoltaic and battery-backed electrical systems. Originally from Pennsylvania, he combines deep technical knowledge with a hands-on approach that reflects his commitment to quality craftsmanship. He holds an Oregon General Supervising Electrician License (#6995S) and a NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification.
Dedicated to precision and reliability, Andrew takes pride in creating systems that perform beautifully for years to come. When he’s not on a roof or in the field, he enjoys spending time with his son and diving into high-fidelity audio projects.
Rae Hinze
Solar Consultant
Rie has a background in Global Studies and Computer Science, earning both degrees from Arizona State University. She built a solid career in IT before deciding to bring her skills into the clean-energy space, where her technical experience and her easy, people-centered communication style make a perfect match for helping homeowners understand their solar options.
Born in Tokyo, she spent her childhood in the Midwest and Germany before moving to Arizona and eventually settling into Oregon’s lush landscape. Rie is a serious foodie with a soft spot for bibimbap, and she loves mountains, musicals, learning piano, and exploring Oregon’s trails. She’s also passionate about walkable cities and accessible public transportation.
