Building Power that Lasts: Jeff Gilbert Joins Got Electric to Lead Solar O&M Growth

A Career Built on Curiosity and Craft

Jeff’s fascination with energy began in a high-school physics classroom. “I was hooked right away,” he recalled. “When I discovered renewable energy, it just made sense—free power from nature.” That curiosity led him to study mechanical engineering and launch a career that would take him from small-wind projects and a National Renewable Energy Lab white paper to founding Chesapeake Solar, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s early solar success stories.

By 2007, Chesapeake Solar had shifted fully to photovoltaics, earning a spot on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing small businesses. After selling the company in 2008, Jeff founded Azimuth Solar, where he consulted, inspected, and trained professionals throughout the industry. Along the way, he achieved NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification, taught courses on the National Electrical Code, and helped prepare technicians for certification exams across the country.

Raising the Bar for Solar O&M

Got Electric’s commercial solar O&M division is defined by technician-led diagnostics, transparent pricing, and deep licensing coverage across Maryland and Virginia. Jeff’s arrival adds a new level of depth to that foundation. With 31 years of field experience and 27 years as a business owner, he understands both the technical and operational sides of solar maintenance.

“The biggest challenge is also the biggest opportunity,” Jeff explained. “The Mid-Atlantic has a rapidly growing number of commercial and utility-scale solar systems. Every minute those systems are offline means lost revenue. Got Electric can make a real impact by being the company with boots on the ground—restoring systems quickly and helping clients maximize the value of their solar investments.”

His focus will include expanding Got Electric’s service capabilities, training technicians, and developing programs that keep clients’ assets performing safely and profitably for decades.

A Perspective Shaped by Purpose

Jeff sees the next few years as pivotal for the solar industry. He anticipates consolidation as market incentives shift, yet he remains confident in solar’s long-term strength. “Companies that combine technical expertise with efficient operations and maintenance will be the ones that thrive,” he said. “This period of change is an opportunity to position Got Electric as a trusted, resilient partner that keeps systems online and navigates the evolving market successfully.”

For Jeff, the motivation runs deeper than economics. “It still amazes me that we can convert sunshine into electricity without any moving parts, and we can do it without emissions,” he shared. That sense of wonder continues to fuel his work.

Outside the Field

When he is not troubleshooting arrays or teaching technicians, Jeff enjoys time outdoors—sailing, disc golf, woodworking, and exploring new hiking trails. Those creative outlets, he says, keep him balanced and curious.

Got Electric’s commitment to excellence in commercial solar O&M is as much about people as it is about technology. With Jeff Gilbert leading its operations and maintenance program, the company continues to demonstrate why it is the sought-after partner for dependable, technician-driven solar service across the MidAtlantic.