Shelton Man Wants to Power Berlin With Solar Energy

By Patch Local Editor Aaron Leo.

For Chris Stapleton, Trumbull is just the beginning - and Berlin might be next.

The Shelton resident recently opened a storefront in Trumbull Center for his 5-year-old business, catchinraysusa.com. His company deals with the entire process, from sales to installation to maintenance. And now Stapleton has his eyes set on Berlin, hoping to use solar energy to help power the town.

Stapleton, a Trumbull native, started his own company five years ago after working for other solar panel companies.

"I liked the tech first. Then I followed the money," Stapleton said. He added that he hopes the new office, at 922 White Plains Road, will the first of several storefront offices in the tri-state area. Eventually he wants to take the company public.

Stapleton does residential work in Massachusetts, Connecticut  and New York, and commercial work in Vermont and New Hampshire. 

"We are a full service, one-stop residential solar company commissioning, installing and maintaining it for 25 years," Stapleton said.

Electricity from his panels costs about $3.80 a watt, he estimated. Users need the Internet to make sure their panels are working to their full potential.

CatchinRays Solar offers "competitive pricing and higher quality warranty and equipment package," according to Stapleton. 

"I'm really excited about being in the Trumbull marketplace. The town of Trumbull is good with south-facing homes," the businessowner said. He explained that panels get the most sun exposure in this hemisphere from the south.

If a south-facing roof is not available, he can mount the panels on the ground. "We're willing to go the extra mile," Stapleton said.

In addition to offering the panels, Stapleton said he is creating jobs. In particular, he needs inside and outside salespeople and office staff. Anyone interested should call the office or send an email to info@catchinrayssolarusa.com.

— Jason Vallee contributed to this report.

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