Meet the eTeam
Partnering with the team at EfstonScience gives you the greatest return from green energy solutions.
We have put together a knowledgeable team of renewable energy specialists to help put together the optimal system configuration for your unique requirements. Our team combines a solid understanding of core renewable energy technologies, product specifications, system configuration and installation options with a comprehensive knowledge of Ontario’s energy subsidies, building and electrical code, incentive programs and financing options. The result: partnering with EfstonScience will help ensure you get the most from your solar investment.
Nick Efston, President
EfstonScience’s commitment to renewable energy innovation goes all the way to its roots. In 1970, Nick’s father and EfstonScience founder Evan Efston started selling a range of scientific products, including early solar cells and alternative energy experiment kits. In 1981, the Efstons were already ahead of the curve when they designed and built their flagship EfstonScience SuperStore to be passively solar-heated.
Taking over the helm in 1995, Nick Efston continued to expand EfstonScience’s involvement in green technology, sourcing innovative products from suppliers around the world. After commissioning Toronto’s first Hybrid Wind+Solar LED Streetlight to be installed at the SuperStore, Nick established eSolar as the division of EfstonScience dedicated to renewable energy solutions.
Nick continues to build on EfstonScience’s position as Canada’s largest science retailer to forge strong relationships within the solar and wind power industries and secure Canadian access to innovative green technologies. Under Nick’s direction, EfstonScience has gained membership in the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CANSIA) and Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA). He has also assembled the team of industry experts that make eSolar a leader in Solar, Wind and Hybrid energy in Canada.
Nick is directly involved in many of the larger FIT projects and in developing new opportunities for the GUS Vertical Access Wind Turbine and ePole Hybrid Wind+Solar LED Streetlight. His focus is on consistently delivering the level of professionalism and customer service that has earned EfstonScience its 40-year reputation as a leader in its field. You can reach him at nick@eSolar.ca
Tim Bird
Tim is eSolar’s resident solar energy expert, fully certified in solar photovoltaic system sizing, design and installation. With years of solar installations under his belt, Tim has experience with virtually every kind of solar PV scenario: off-grid and grid-tied configurations;, pole-mounted, pitched and flat-roof installations; and the first ground-mounted SolarGiant installation in North America. Tim also understands the ins and outs of Ontario’s MicroFIT & FIT subsidy programs. He puts this expertise to work daily, custom designing every eSolar installation to maximize our customers’ return on investment. You can reach him at tim@eSolar.ca
Bob Ross
Bob is eSolar’s man in the field, personally overseeing every installation. He has earned an impressive list of certifications (from SMA America, Home Energy Solutions, Conergy, Xantrex and the American Solar Energy Society, to mention just a few) But it’s Bob’s 20-plus years’ experience as a homebuilder and general contractor that makes him such a valuable asset to the eSolar team. Bob understands more than just the mechanics of solar installations—he understands the important underlying roofing and structural issues, as well as the complex building and electrical code requirements that are crucial to an efficient and trouble-free installation. From simple residential systems to complex large-scale projects like the installation of 25 Hybrid Wind+Solar LED Streetlights outside of Chicago, IL, Bob has the hands-on know-how to supervise any solar installation. You can reach him at bob@eSolar.ca
Irene Efston
The daughter of founder Evan Efston and Nick’s sister, Irene grew up at EfstonScience. As eSolar’s director of marketing and communication, she is responsible for identifying and responding to the needs of the renewable energy marketplace. The driving force behind the eSolar website, Irene creates helpful communication tools that seek to turn mountains of sometimes confusing and often dense technical data into concise, useful information for EfstonScience customers. A familiar figure at the the EfstonScience booth at the Green Living and Cottage Life shows, Irene stays involved in the renewable energy conversation through EfstonScience’s blogs, Flickr and Facebook fan pages. Irene co-ordinates sponsorship and co-promotion activities and is always game to discuss interesting and new collaborations. You can reach her at irene@eSolar.ca