About Meridian
Client Quote
"Meridian Solar provided excellent leadership and knowledge in the design and the installation of the photovoltaic system for the McKinney Green Building. Their follow through was excellent, as well as all of their documentation. They were a pleasure to work with."
S. Heffernan, President, Sustainable Partners, LLC
Did You Know
Texas has a law called the Renewable Portfolio Standard that mandates all electric service providers to sell a minimum amount of renewable energy. George W. Bush signed the bill into law when he was the governor of Texas.
Our Team
Meridian Solar features a team of industry leaders with a combined fifty years of experience in the field. Our common trait is a passion for solar technology, so keeping up with the latest trends and new developments isn’t a chore, it’s a way of life. Our installation crews consist of well-trained professionals who do not compromise on quality. We believe in what we do, and it shows in our work.
Our Management Team
Andrew McCalla
Founder & CEO
Andrew McCalla is the founder, CEO and Chairman of Meridian Solar, Inc. Andrew has been a professional in the solar industry since 1995 when he joined SWPV, a photovoltaic distribution company, to head its international sales and design efforts. After 4 years, Andrew founded what was then Meridian Energy Systems to fill the regional need for high-quality renewable energy system design and installation. One of two inaugural NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)-qualified installers in Texas, Andrew has served on the board of the Texas Solar Energy Society, currently serves on the board of the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association and is a regular presenter at industry events and conferences. In addition to his extensive solar training, Andrew holds a B.A. from the University of the South. When he's not at Meridian, Andrew enjoys piloting, tinkering with old mechanics and spending time with his lovely wife, two children and beloved Pug.
Harold D. Marshall Jr. ("Casey")
COO
Casey Marshall has been the COO of Meridian Solar since June 2008. He is co-founder of Long Branch Capital, LLC, an investment firm making minority investments in private companies focused on renewable energy, clean technology and energy efficiency. Casey has 10 years of energy and alternative energy experience. This includes working as an investment banker in Chase Manhattan Bank's Global Power & Environmental Group, joining a hydrogen fuel cell start-up as an officer where he oversaw U.S. operations and joining Deloitte Consulting's Strategy & Operations Group as a Management Consultant where he was instrumental in building Deloitte's Alternative Energy Consulting Practice. Casey holds a bachelor's degree from Duke University in Environmental Science & Policy and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. In his off time, Casey likes to surf secluded beach breaks, eat pasta in Italy, and enjoys the occasional triathlon.
Mark F. Begert
CFO
Mark Begert has been CFO of Meridian Solar since June 2008. He is co-founder of Long Branch Capital, LLC. an investment firm making minority investments in private companies focused on renewable energy, clean technology and energy efficiency, an area Mr. Begert has exclusively focused on since 2006. Previously, Mark served as Chief Financial Officer of Linktone Ltd., a leading wireless technology developer based in Shanghai, China successfully leading the company in its private financing activities, strategy decisions, major acquisitions and to its Nasdaq initial public offering in March 2004. Prior to that, Mark was a Vice President in the fixed income capital markets group of Merrill Lynch in New York, London and Tokyo. Mark also serves as advisor and seed investor to several young companies in China and the United States. Mark graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a concentration in government, and a sub-concentration in international relations. In his free time, Mark likes to hike with his family, fish, golf, sing and play a mean harmonica.
Charles Farmer
VP of Design & Engineering
Charles Farmer is the VP of Design at Meridian Solar and is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™. Prior to joining Meridian Solar, Charles was founder and President of his own successful renewable energy business. He has designed and managed government, commercial, and residential renewable energy projects and has over 25 years experience designing and managing technical projects. Charles is a member of the American Solar Energy Society, the Texas Solar Energy Society and the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association. When not immersed in solar, Charles enjoys cooling off by hitting the slopes at his favorite ski resorts.
Mark Pinkman
VP of Sales
Mark Pinkman joined Meridian Solar as VP of Sales in August 2009. Mark comes to Meridian Solar with 20 years of Sales background in all aspects of computer solution sales - hardware, software and Professional Services. Mark has a wide range of management experience having worked for such companies as Dell, Lenovo and Synnex; in addition to experience in Web 2.0 with Green social website start-up, Greenwala.com. Mark enjoys alpine skiing when it turns white in the Rockies and rides his Harley in his pastime most other times. His vices include High End Audio and Home Theatre systems.
Max Davis
VP of Projects
Max Davis brings over 25 years of operations and project management experience to Meridian Solar. He has extensive experience managing commercial, educational, and government projects. Max holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and served 2 tours in the United States Marine Corps. Max enjoys traveling with his wife and working in his garden.
Linda Haas
Director of Marketing
Linda Haas brings over ten years of marketing and advertising experience to our team. Prior to Meridian Solar, Linda helped inform brand planning and B2B advertising campaigns at Leo Burnett Worldwide. She also created and managed the Strategic Planning Group for LatinWorks Marketing, providing consumer insight to craft brand strategies for several Fortune 500 brands. She was working in the high tech industry as a Brand Manager for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) when she realized the environment, not computer chips, was her calling. When offered the chance to make a difference and put her skills to use promoting solar energy at Meridian Solar, she never looked back. A California native and UCLA alumni, Linda has happily called Austin her home since 1999. In her spare time, Linda enjoys cooking with her husband, hiking and walking their beloved shelter dog, Brie.
Ryan Hunter
General Manager, North Texas
Ryan Hunter is Meridian Solar's General Manager of North Texas. Passionate about the economic and environmental promise solar energy holds for Texas and our world, Ryan began his career in solar in 2004 as a volunteer and an advocate. He is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerTM, a LEED Accredited Professional®, and he holds a B.S. from The University of Texas. Prior to coming to Meridian Solar, Ryan held positions in film production, water resource education, and the electric utility industry. In his spare time, he enjoys playing banjo and singing old time tunes.
Matt Haecker
Business Development Manager, San Antonio
Matt Haecker joined the Meridian Solar team in September 2009. Before joining Meridian, Matt spent 11 years at the nation's largest municipal gas and electric utility - CPS Energy. There Matt developed the Windtricity® program, initiated the utility's first solar demonstration project, played a key role in developing San Antonio's green building program - Build San Antonio Green and managed the CPS Energy Solar rebate program. Matt holds a BBA from UTSA and has served on the board of Solar San Antonio and on the committee for the State's largest renewable energy fair. In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his wife and son.
