Our History
About Stateline Solar
Established in 2017, Stateline Solar is Stephenson County’s first dedicated solar company. Ethan Fiene leveraged his construction skills and passion for renewable energy to create a highly successful and dedicated solar team in the Midwest.
Stateline Solar is proud to consist of a team of local solar experts and to nurture a family business that will be passed down through generations. This commitment ensures that our solar customers will receive exceptional care well beyond the lifespan of their systems!
Your Local Solar Experts
When you choose Stateline Solar, you’re not just selecting a solar provider—you’re partnering with a dedicated local team that treats every customer like a neighbor. We are deeply committed to enriching our community through high-quality, sustainable solar solutions. Our approach is centered on transparency and education, ensuring you feel confident and informed, without the high pressure sales tactics. With roots firmly planted in the region, our team brings a thorough understanding of local energy needs, allowing us to tailor solutions that enhance your home or business while supporting environmental stewardship. At Stateline Solar, we’re more than a company; we’re your neighbors committed to making a positive impact.
Why Choose Stateline Solar?
Our Values and Beliefs
Product Quality & Reliability
At Stateline Solar, we are committed to delivering high-quality and reliable solar solutions. Every product we install is rigorously tested to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and durability. Our focus on quality helps ensure that each system provides optimal energy efficiency and longevity.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to exceed expectations through personalized service, tailored solutions, and attentive support throughout each phase of your solar project. Our goal is to ensure that every customer is delighted with their investment and the experience they have with us.
Full Transparency
Transparency is key in our business operations. We provide clear, honest communication about the costs, processes, and outcomes of our solar installations. Our customers are fully informed and involved in every decision, reinforcing trust and confidence in our services.
Team Oriented
Our team is our greatest asset, and we foster a collaborative work environment where each member's input is valued. We believe that by working together, we can achieve greater innovations and efficiency in our solutions, enhancing the overall success of our projects and satisfaction of our customers.
Education
We believe that education is the cornerstone of success. Our commitment to continuous learning ensures that our team stays at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. By investing in learning, we equip our team and clients with the skills to achieve their fullest potential.
Trusted Solar Partner
Recognized for our reliability and expertise, Stateline Solar is your trusted partner in renewable energy. Check out what our satisfied customers say about us.
Meet The Team
CEO / Founder
Ethan is the Founder & CEO of Stateline Solar. He started this path in the renewable industry with his strong construction background, graduating from University of Wisconsin Platteville with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Technology Management. After graduation, he pursued the start of Stateline Solar in 2017; spending countless hours training and educating himself through accredited renewable programs. Present day, Ethan works alongside his wife, with a team of local solar experts, providing the top solar services in the state-line area.
Outside of work, Ethan enjoys spending time with his family, taking SXS and snowmobile trips, playing hockey, and pheasant hunting with his reliable bird dog, Hank Earl.
Outside of work, Ethan enjoys spending time with his family, taking SXS and snowmobile trips, playing hockey, and pheasant hunting with his reliable bird dog, Hank Earl.
Ethan Fiene
Chief Office Manager
Hilary is Stateline Solar’s Chief Office Manager and has been working alongside Ethan from the very beginning. Hilary has watched Stateline Solar grow, managing all of the behind-the-scenes human resources duties; including gathering the perfect group of individuals to make up their team.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Hilary and Ethan have 3 children: Waylen, Lily & Chett.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Hilary and Ethan have 3 children: Waylen, Lily & Chett.
Hilary Fiene
Chief Operations Manager
Zach is one of the first employees of Stateline Solar. He has been a lifelong friend of Ethan, and was eager to help Stateline Solar thrive when it was just a budding business. Zach quickly took lead with the installation side of Stateline Solar, and has trained all of our solar installers to be the professionals in installation.
Prior to Stateline Solar, Zach is a military veteran. He spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps; during one of those years, he did a tour overseas.
Prior to Stateline Solar, Zach is a military veteran. He spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps; during one of those years, he did a tour overseas.
Zach Njos
Project Manager
Kenji joined Stateline Solar in February of 2019 as the Office Manager. Since his hire, Kenji has become one of Stateline Solar’s greatest assets, taking on all of the various administrative duties and quickly learning the in’s and out’s of the technical side of solar, growing into a Chief Technology Office role on our team and now a Project Manager role.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Kenji enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, daughter, Suki, and son, Callum.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Kenji enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, daughter, Suki, and son, Callum.
Kenji Grahame
Senior Solar Energy Consultant
Scott joined the Stateline Solar sales team in December 2019. He is a great asset to Stateline Solar with his 27+ years of sales experience and his personable, transparent personality with all of our clients.
Scott was born and raised in the Lena area. With this strong tie to our community, he treats every client like a neighbor, since they are!
Scott was born and raised in the Lena area. With this strong tie to our community, he treats every client like a neighbor, since they are!
Scott Borchardt
Solar Energy Consultant
Ryne joined the Stateline Solar sales team in March 2021. He was born and raised in Galena, Illinois, and brings an extensive background of sales experience to Stateline Solar: including solar sales! He looks forward to treating clients like family.
Outside of work, his hobbies include everything in the great outdoors and playing golf with friends and family.
Outside of work, his hobbies include everything in the great outdoors and playing golf with friends and family.
Ryne Laity
Solar Project Engineer
Dan joined the Stateline Solar team in June of 2022 as the Solar Project Engineer. He brings many years of construction and design experience to the team. He knows that working closely with team members and customers will provide the best experience possible. Dan is a lifelong resident of Lena and is happy to be working for a successful solar company established in his hometown.
Outside of work, Dan and his wife, Brooke, have 3 children, Bailey, Braden & Avery. In his leisure time, he enjoys home improvement task, golf, and grilling or smoking food for friends & family.
Outside of work, Dan and his wife, Brooke, have 3 children, Bailey, Braden & Avery. In his leisure time, he enjoys home improvement task, golf, and grilling or smoking food for friends & family.
Dan Baldauf
Administrative Assistant
Kennedy joined Stateline Solar in January of 2022 as the Administrative Assistant. Her outstanding customer service skills and energetic personality has been a great addition to our team.
Outside of work, Kennedy enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and cat, Puddles.
Outside of work, Kennedy enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and cat, Puddles.
Kennedy Brawner
Multimedia Specialist
Jenna joined the Stateline Solar team in May of 2022 as the Multimedia Specialist. Since a young age Jenna has enjoyed photography, and went on to attend a photography school in Boston, MA for two years and started her own photography business – Jenna Darcy Photography. With her wide range of skills, she is great addition to our Marketing Team at Stateline Solar.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Jenna lives in Savanna with her husband, Ben, and their dog, cat, and 9 goats. In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, embroidery, and snowboarding.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Jenna lives in Savanna with her husband, Ben, and their dog, cat, and 9 goats. In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, embroidery, and snowboarding.
Jenna Stebbins
Marketing Specialist
Grace joined the Stateline Solar team in May 2026 as the Marketing Specialist. She is excited to begin her career at Stateline Solar and looks forward to growing and learning all things solar. Most of all, she is excited to share Stateline Solar’s mission with the community and help make a positive impact through renewable energy. She is from Byron, IL, and recently graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2025 — Go Tigers! In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her pups, kayaking, camping with her family, and checking out local coffee shops whenever she gets the chance.
Grace Whitmer
Customer Engagement Specialist
Corinna joined our team in February 2026 as our Client Engagement Specialist and brings with her valuable experience in the solar industry, along with a warm and bright personality that makes her a wonderful fit for public engagement. We are incredibly lucky to have her on our team. A proud small-town girl raised just outside of Sterling in Galt, Illinois, she values family, community, and meaningful connections. Outside of work, she enjoys scrapbooking, fishing, thrift shopping, and spending time with her family, especially her four children and grandson. She and her husband of 22 years, Lance, recently settled in the Elizabeth area, where their home is full of life with two dogs and a cat named Bruce.
Corinna Eisenberg
Sales & Business Development Manager
Lance joined the Stateline Solar team in May 2026 as our Sales & Business Development Manager. With prior management experience and a strong leadership background, we are excited to have his expertise supporting our team of solar professionals. Lance graduated from Amboy High School and went on to earn a BA in Organizational Management. He and his wife, Corinna, have four children and a wonderful grandson. Outside of work, Lance enjoys golfing, cooking, barbeques, fantasy football, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends. He’s also a dedicated fan of the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Steelers, and professional golf.
Lance Eisenberg
Solar Installation Team Lead
Drew joined the Stateline Solar team in August of 2020. Over the past couple years, Drew has developed his solar skills and ability to share his knowledge with fellow solar installers, and has grown into a Solar Installation Team Lead.
Outside of work, Drew enjoys spending time with his friends and wife, Mickey.
Outside of work, Drew enjoys spending time with his friends and wife, Mickey.
Drew Wenger
Solar Installation Technician
Carson joined the Stateline Solar team as a Solar Installer in September of 2022. He’s a dedicated, hard worker & continuously growing his solar skills everyday.
Carson is a graduate of Durand High School and has a strong interest in growing his electrical skills. Outside of work, he enjoys bass fishing.
Carson is a graduate of Durand High School and has a strong interest in growing his electrical skills. Outside of work, he enjoys bass fishing.
Carson Leman
Solar Installation Crew Lead
Quinton joined the Stateline Solar team in January 2023. He has been a great addition, eager to learn about renewables.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Q is a graduate of Dakota High School and knew a lot of his fellow installers prior to joining the team. He enjoys spending time with his friends and 2 dogs: Hawkeye & Kalli. He also loves to watch and play sports.
Outside of Stateline Solar, Q is a graduate of Dakota High School and knew a lot of his fellow installers prior to joining the team. He enjoys spending time with his friends and 2 dogs: Hawkeye & Kalli. He also loves to watch and play sports.
Quinton Heilemeier
Solar Installation Technician
Emmit joined the Stateline Solar team in early 2023. His wide range of skills in operating, mechanics, and overall hand-on capabilities have made him a great addition to the team, able to take on any task.Outside of work, Emmit is the youngest of 5 sibilings, born and raised in Freeport. He attended Highland Community College for CNC machining, welding & CAD. He participates in antique tractor pulls, and is on the board of directors for the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club and the Silver Creed Railroad.
Emmit Seefeldt
Solar Installation Technician
Alex joined the Stateline Solar team in April 2024 as a solar technician. He graduated from Durand High school. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, being outside and watching sports.
Alex Montalvan
Solar Installation Technician
Brad originally joined Stateline Solar in 2021 and brought with him a strong passion for solar energy and hands-on problem solving. After four years of experience, he has returned to Stateline Solar, ready to continue contributing his expertise in solar installation.
Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Briana, and their four kids—Melody, Braxton, Kinley, and Laklyn. He loves hunting, fishing, camping, riding four-wheelers, and sports. Brad also enjoys relaxing with friends, family, and his two dogs, Myla and Shylo.
Brad Potter
Solar Installation Technician
Adam joined the Stateline Solar team in April 2026 as a Solar Installation Technician. Before joining Stateline Solar, he built a strong skillset as a mechanic, developing the hands-on experience and problem-solving mindset he brings to every solar installation. Outside of work, Adam is a dedicated father who enjoys spending time with his son, Noah. He enjoys exploring new opportunities in technology, personal growth, and building a future he can be proud of. And if there's one thing Adam wants everyone to know, he absolutely loves ice cream!
Adam Njos
Summer Intern
Maddux joined Stateline Solar in May 2026 for a summer internship. He is excited to expand his knowledge of solar energy and gain hands-on experience that will further support his Environmental Policy degree. Maddux is from Freeport, IL and currently attends Luther College, where he is pursuing degrees in Environmental Policy, Political Science, and Nordic Studies. While there, he also plays for the college’s baseball team. He has two older brothers, and in his free time he enjoys biking, camping, and reading.
Maddux Shockey
Summer Intern
Eli joined the Stateline Solar team in May 2026 as an Installation Intern and is excited to gain hands-on experience while exploring a future in the electrical trades. Originally from Sterling, IL, Eli moved to Elizabeth with his family 10 years ago and is a recent graduate of River Ridge High School. Eli lives with his parents and has three siblings, along with a nephew. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with friends, and hanging out with his pets — Leo the Labrador, Cooper the Shih Tzu, and a cat with many names!
Eli Eisenberg
Connect with Us
Discover how Stateline Solar can transform your energy use and support your move to sustainable living. Contact us today for a personally customized solar solution.