About Sunlink Solar Energy

Decades of Solar Experience, Rooted in North Central Florida

Sunlink Solar Energy LLC was founded in 2014 by Charlie Squires and his wife, Karen Squires, bringing decades of solar industry experience to Gainesville and the surrounding communities.

Charlie Squires — Founder & Licensed Solar Contractor

Charlie's career in solar energy began in Miami in 1982, installing solar water heating systems. After relocating to Gainesville in 1989, he joined a local solar company that employed Florida's first licensed solar contractor.

Over the next 25 years, Charlie advanced from installer to President of ECS Solar Energy Systems, developing extensive experience in solar pool heating, solar water heating, and photovoltaic systems. Following a change in ownership at ECS in 2014, Charlie and his wife, Karen, established Sunlink Solar Energy.

With more than four decades in the industry, Charlie has helped design, install, and service thousands of solar energy systems throughout Florida. His greatest areas of expertise are solar pool heating and solar water heating, where decades of hands-on experience have given him an exceptional understanding of system design, installation, performance, and repair. His ability to diagnose complex problems and restore aging systems reflects a depth of knowledge that is increasingly difficult to find in the solar industry.

Charlie takes personal pride in the quality of his installations and the relationships he builds with customers. He approaches each project with care, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to provide dependable solutions that serve his customers well for years to come.

Charlie obtained his Florida solar contractor license in 2010 (CVC56812).

Rachel — Lead Solar Installer & Service Technician

Rachel began her career in the solar industry in 2016, gaining experience in photovoltaic installations, solar pool heating, solar hot water systems, and system maintenance before joining Sunlink Solar Energy in 2017.

As Sunlink's lead installer and service technician, Rachel is involved in nearly every aspect of a solar project, from system planning and equipment selection to installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and long-term maintenance. Her experience spans residential photovoltaic systems, hybrid inverters, battery storage, and the repair and modernization of existing solar installations.

She has developed extensive expertise in diagnosing complex system failures, particularly with SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers, and has hands-on experience with Enphase, Sol-Ark, SMA, SunPower, and other solar technologies. Her work also includes system monitoring, manufacturer warranty coordination, and helping customers navigate repairs and equipment replacements.

Rachel takes a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to her work, with an emphasis on understanding how each system operates, identifying the underlying cause of problems, and delivering solutions that are both practical and reliable. 

Our Commitment

At Sunlink Solar Energy, we believe in providing knowledgeable, dependable service and solutions tailored to each customer's needs.

Whether we're designing a new solar installation, troubleshooting an existing system, or helping a homeowner navigate an equipment warranty, our goal is to provide quality workmanship, clear communication, and personal attention from start to finish.