We’re not just passionate, we’re purpose-led
Our team is driven to find new ways to harness solar energy and make it useful unlike anything ever seen before—not just because we’re dedicated innovators, but because we believe solar is integral to a more sustainable future.
We’re not just passionate, we’re purpose-led
Our team is driven to find new ways to harness solar energy and make it useful unlike anything ever seen before—not just because we’re dedicated innovators, but because we believe solar is integral to a more sustainable future.
We see a brighter future with perovskite
Imagine solar PV on any surface, anywhere—leveraging the power of the sun for a cleaner energy, a healthier society, and a thriving environment. It’s why we founded Rayleigh.
Our History
2016
Dr. Sam March founds Rayleigh out of Dr. Ian Hill’s lab in Dalhousie as a continuation of his PhD research.
2018
The team expands with the addition of Dane George and Irina Valitova. Rayleigh’s first mini module is produced.
2019
Rayleigh’s scalable process is developed and the first manufacturing trials are conducted. Process patent applications are filed.
2021
Rayleigh commissions R&D and pilot manufacturing facility. Additional scientists and engineers are hired.
2022
Rayleigh engages in pilot projects and expands manufacturing facility. The team continues to grow.
Environmental, social and governance impact
At Rayleigh Solar Tech, we know that climate change is a serious threat. That’s why we’re dedicated to developing and commercializing a flexible, lightweight and scalable perovskite solar film that will support a clean transition to renewable energy. Our tech can be produced at far lower temperatures than traditional silicon solar technologies, and it can be applied in places where solar has never been practical before.
Since our founding in 2016, Rayleigh has grown from a single scientist in a lab, to a diverse and talented team working in a pilot manufacturing setting. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that our company is operated in a way that aligns with our principles. That’s why we have created this strategy. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to do our parts to achieve sustainable development.
Our ESG priority areas

Prioritizing Ethics & Transparency

Managing our Environmental Impact

Maintaining our Team’s Health & Wellbeing

Promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization & Inclusion
Our Team
DO NOT EDIT
Paul Pynn, CEO
PEng, Memorial University, currently completing MA, International Development, SMU
Paul is an entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience building and scaling renewable energy companies. He was founder and president of One Wind Services, one of North America’s leading wind, solar, storage and EV infrastructure service providers. He also co-founded several renewable energy asset ownership companies and was integral in financing, constructing, and operating over $100 million in renewable energy projects.
Outside of work, Paul can be found playing guitar in his band, or spending time with his family at the cottage. He loves his work at Rayleigh, but is always on the lookout for opportunities to make it big with his band.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Sam March, Co-founder, CTO
MSc Solar Energy Engineering, TU Delft & PhD Physics, Dalhousie University
Sam founded Rayleigh Solar Tech in 2016, building on work from his PhD research. He has been working with perovskite solar cell materials and fabrication techniques for more than six years. Sam also has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry and has worked on solar projects around the world.
Outside of work, Sam can be found hiking, foraging, or riding his electric bike. He is rarely seen without his wool sweater (pictured above).
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Irina Valitova, CSO
MSc Condensed Matter Physics, MIET Moscow & PhD Materials Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal
Irina is an expert in thin film device design, fabrication, and optimization with more than 18 years of experience. She is a part time professor at Kazakh British Technical University teaching Photovoltaic courses for graduate students. She also specializes in organic electronic devices, and metal oxide electronics.
Outside of work, Irina can be found hiking, camping, or spending time with her two sons. She is usually the best dressed person in the office too.
DO NOT EDIT
Dane George, Co-founder, COO
PEng, MSc Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University
Dane has been with Rayleigh since the beginning. He is a professional engineer with a diverse background in education, renewable energy project management and building energy management. Previously, Dane worked with the Applied Energy Lab at NSCC as a project lead doing product development research for industry partners.
Outside of work, Dane can be found playing music at the farmers’ market, teaching capoeira, and spending time with his son. He frequently treats his colleagues to tap dancing demonstrations.
DO NOT EDIT
Marshall Quinn, Product Development Engineer
PEng, MSc Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft
Marshall is an engineer with several years of experience in designing and building electric vehicles. He holds a MSc in aerospace engineering from TU Delft, and a BASc in mechanical engineering from Queen’s University. He has a passion for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.
Outside of work, he can be found skiing, rock climbing, playing volleyball, or riding his motorcycle. Marshall is always ready to defend his opinions on where to get the best pizza.
DO NOT EDIT
Raha Khosravi, Solar Research Engineer
BSc Azad University, MASc Dalhousie University
Raha joined the Rayleigh team after completing her MASc at Dalhousie University. Her Master’s research addressed the design, test, and development of optical sensors to monitor opaque materials. Before moving to Canada, Raha completed her BSc in Iran. She majored in electrical and computer engineering. She also has published more than 5 research articles in top-tier science and engineering journals.
Outside of work, Raha can be found spending time with friends, going to the gym, or hanging out with her beloved cats, Kevin and Coco. She can often be seen turning up the thermostat when Laura is not looking.
DO NOT EDIT
Eric Bergmann, Research Scientist/Project Manager
BSc. Chemical Physics, University of Guelph, MSc. Applied Physics, Dalhousie University
Eric holds a MSc in applied physics from Dalhousie University. Before attending Dal, he completed his BSc in chemical physics at the University of Guelph. Eric has a wide range of experience in material and solar device science with a focus on characterization of electronic and structural properties of perovskite and organic solar cells.
Outside of work, he can be found camping, fishing,or playing sports. When someone brings baked goods to share with the office, Eric ensures none of it goes to waste.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Marine Cuisinier, Senior Manager Process Development
MSc Chemical Engineering and MSc Material Science, École nationale supérieure de chimie de Rennes, PhD Chemistry, University of Nantes.
Marine is an experienced chemist who is passionate about clean technology. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of Nantes in her home country of France. Before joining Rayleigh, Marine spent three and a half years doing research and development work at Salient Energy. She has also spent time working as a scientist in Qatar.
Outside of work, Marine can be found spending time with her young son, enjoying the outdoors, or baking something delicious. She also enjoys woodworking and likes to share that skill with others.
DO NOT EDIT
Laura Moore, Communications Coordinator
BA History, Acadia University, ADpPR, Nova Scotia Community College
Laura holds a BA from Acadia University, and an AdpPR from the Nova Scotia Community College. Before joining Rayleigh, she worked in the automotive industry, and with nonprofits. Laura has a passion for sustainability and is thrilled to have landed in the climate tech sector.
Outside of work, she can be found at choir rehearsal, taking Scottish Gaelic lessons, baking, or sewing clothes that have pockets. She is often seen turning down the thermostat when Raha is not looking.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Ajan Ramachandran, Optics Research Scientist
MSc Cochin University, PhD Dalhousie University
Ajan is an expert in optics, which he studied while completing his PhD. He then went on to do work on laser scribed perovskite solar modules as a postdoctoral researcher at Dalhousie university. Ajan also holds a MSc from Cochin University in India.
Outside of work he can be found practicing judo, working with computers, or spending time with his cat. Ajan can often be seen wearing mittens no matter the weather.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Ziru Huang, Research Scientist
BSc Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China & PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Ziru has been doing research in the field of perovskites since he was an undergraduate student. Part of his undergraduate work included developing a technique to control real time carrier transport in perovskite diodes using surface dipoles. His PhD work focused on materials and device engineering for stable perovskite solar cells. Ziru has conducted extensive research in the realm of perovskites and has co-authored 16 peer reviewed papers.
Outside of work, Ziru enjoys cycling around as long as there is no snow on the road. When his colleagues are debating over the thermostat, he generally takes the side of whomever wants it warmer.
DO NOT EDIT
Alex Russell, Director, Business Operations
BComm Carleton University, MBA Saint Mary’s University.
Alex has over 10 years of experience in finance and investment. He previously worked as a director at the Bank of Montreal. His position there focused on commercial real estate banking and managing a portfolio of clients. Prior to that, he spent time working with Nova Scotia Business Inc. where he worked to attract investment and companies to Nova Scotia. Alex also has experience as an entrepreneur, co-founding a past landscaping business and has been active in real estate investment for the last number of years.
When he’s not at work, Alex can be found competing in triathlons, enjoying time outdoors camping, running, and playing sports, or spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.
DO NOT EDIT
Kiera Chang, Jr Solar Engineer
BSc Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University.
Kiera majored in mechanical engineering while studying at Dalhousie. She also participated in the co-op program, and gained experience working at The Government of Nova Scotia, and at the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment at Cape Breton University. Her third co-op term was right here at Rayleigh. The team was very keen to welcome her back full-time when she finished her degree.
Outside of work, Kiera does not let her cat allergy get in the way of spending time with her cat Jiang You (Chinese for Soy Sauce). She also loves food…especially food that she didn’t have to cook herself.
DO NOT EDIT
Seamus MacInnes, Jr Electrical Engineer
BSc Saint Mary’s University, BEng Dalhousie University.
Seamus holds two bachelors degrees: a BSc in Computing Science from Saint Mary’s University, and a BEng in Electrical Engineering from Dalhousie University. While completing his engineering degree, he participated in the co-op program. He completed his first co-op term at Innovasea, and his remaining terms were here at Rayleigh. The team was happy to welcome him back full-time when he finished his degree.
Outside of work, he can be found coaching baseball, playing hockey, snowboarding, or spending time with his dogs. Despite not being very competitive, Seamus always seems to win any competitions going on in the office.
DO NOT EDIT
Michelle Pellerin, Optical Engineer
BEng, Dalhousie University
Michelle majored in mechanical engineering while studying at Dalhousie. She participated in the co-op program as part of her degree. This gave her the opportunity to participate in a biomedical engineering research project at Dalhousie University. She has also done manufacturing engineering work at Proctor and Gamble, and optical engineering at Meta Materials Inc. Michelle has spent time in Italy teaching English as well.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys hip hop dancing, painting, and spending time with friends and family. She has spent time teaching dance lessons and hopes to add hip hop to Dane’s dance repertoire.
DO NOT EDIT
Brogan O'Brien, Business Analyst
BBA, Acadia University
Brogan majored in entrepreneurship at Acadia University. He participated in the co-op program as part of his BBA. Brogan completed work terms at the Acadia Student Union, the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre, and PBJ design, where he helped develop and implement placemaking projects around Nova Scotia. After completing his degree, he worked in marketing at Blomidon Nurseries.
Outside of work, Brogan can be found camping, backpacking, canoeing, or working on his car. He has the longest commute out of anyone on the Rayleigh team, but still manages to be the most punctual.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Charlotte Clegg, Research Scientist
BSc, MSc, PhD Dalhousie University
Charlotte recently completed her PhD in Physics. Her thesis research focused on redox flow batteries. She has also gained valuable experience working with perovskite solar cells while earning her MSc. Charlotte worked at Rayleigh part-time while finishing her degree, and we are pleased to now have her full-time.
Outside of work, Charlotte can be found cooking, playing board games, learning to knit, or spending time with her cat. She is also the most hydrated person on the team, as she is rarely seen without her giant water bottle.
DO NOT EDIT
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Production and Technology Transfer Director
BEng and MSc Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais,
Originally from Brazil, Luiza is an experienced chemical engineer. She has several years of experience working with photovoltaics including perovskite and organic solar cells. Luiza is currently earning a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Much of her professional experience is with Oninn (formerly CSEM Brazil), where she gained valuable research and lab design experience.
Outside of work, she can be found travelling, gardening, or trekking to a waterfall. While much of Rayleigh is on “team cat” or “team dog”, Luiza is on “team houseplants”.
DO NOT EDIT
Paul Pynn, CEO
PEng, Memorial University, currently completing MA, International Development, SMU
Paul is an entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience building and scaling renewable energy companies. He was founder and president of One Wind Services, one of North America’s leading wind, solar, storage and EV infrastructure service providers. He also co-founded several renewable energy asset ownership companies and was integral in financing, constructing, and operating over $100 million in renewable energy projects.
Outside of work, Paul can be found playing guitar in his band, or spending time with his family at the cottage. When Paul joined Rayleigh as CEO in 2021, he was excited to be in a position that required a WHMIS certification and wasted no time completing the certification course.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Sam March, Co-founder, CTO
MSc Solar Energy Engineering, TU Delft & PhD Physics, Dalhousie University
Sam has been with Rayleigh since the beginning. He has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry and has worked on solar projects around the world. He also has over five years of experience in working with perovskite solar cell materials and fabrication techniques.
At Rayleigh Sam does a bit of everything. He spends a lot of time in the lab, and also works on intellectual property management, and tech milestone development. He is rarely seen without his wool sweater (pictured above).
Outside of work, Sam can be found hiking, foraging, and riding his electric bike.
DO NOT EDIT
Dr. Irina Valitova, Senior Researcher
MSc Condensed Matter Physics, MIET Moscow & PhD Materials Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal
Irina is an expert in thin film device design, fabrication, and optimization with more than 16 years of experience. She is a part time professor at Kazakh British Technical University teaching Photovoltaic courses for graduate students. She also specializes in organic electronic devices, and metal oxide electronics.
At Rayleigh, Irina leads the fabrication and development of the perovskite solar cells and works on optimizing their efficiency. She is usually the best dressed person in the office too.
Outside of work, Irina can be found hiking, camping, or spending time with her two sons.
DO NOT EDIT
Dane George, Co-founder, COO
PEng, MSc Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University
Dane has been with Rayleigh since the beginning. He is a professional engineer with a diverse background in education, renewable energy project management and building energy management. He has also worked with the Applied Energy Lab at NSCC as a project lead doing product development research for industry partners.
As COO, Dane is responsible for overseeing Rayleigh’s operational and administrative functions. He frequently treats his colleagues to tap dancing demonstrations.
Outside of work, Dane can be found playing music at the farmers’ market, and spending time with his son.
DO NOT EDIT
Marshall Quinn EIT, Product Development Engineer
BASc Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s University, MSc Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft
Marshall is an engineer with several years of experience in designing and building electric vehicles. He has a passion for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.
At Rayleigh, Marshall is working to develop applications for the company’s perovskite solar cells and establish meaningful industry partnerships. He is also always ready to defend his opinions on where to get the best pizza.
Outside of work, he can be found skiing, playing volleyball, or riding his motorcycle.
DO NOT EDIT
Daphne Palaco-Tobia, Research Scientist
BSc Physics, Dalhousie University, MSc Candidate (2022), École de Technologie Supérieure
Daphne is currently earning her MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering. Her research is focusing on large-scale deposition of semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, with an emphasis on transparent electrodes.
At Rayleigh, Daphne works in a number of areas, including slot-die coating and thin film analysis. She also focuses on large scale deposition. She is rarely seen without a cup of tea.
Outside of work, she enjoys playing video games or reading a good book.
DO NOT EDIT
Eric Bergmann, Research Scientist
BSc. Chemical Physics, University of Guelph, MSc. Applied Physics, Dalhousie University
Eric has a wide range of experience in material and solar device science with a focus on the characterization of electronic and structural properties of perovskite and organic solar cells.
At Rayleigh, Eric is leading the development of new functional materials for use in flexible perovskite solar cells. His work is set to continually prove the scalability of this technology. When anyone brings baked goods to share with the office, he ensures that none of them go to waste.
Outside of work, Eric can be found camping, fishing, or playing sports.
DO NOT EDIT
Raha Khosravi, Solar Research Engineer
BSc Azad University, MASc Dalhousie University
Raha joined the team right out of university. She has conducted research addressing the design, test, and development of optical sensors to monitor opaque materials.
At Rayleigh, Raha develops the testing platforms for the perovskite solar cells, performs stability and environmental tests, and analyzes solar cell performance. She can often be seen turning up the thermostat when Laura is not looking.
Outside of work, Raha can be found spending time with friends, going to the gym, or hanging out with her beloved cat Kevin.
DO NOT EDIT
Laura Moore, Communications Coordinator
BA History, Acadia University, ADpPR, Nova Scotia Community College
Laura’s background is in Public Relations and History. She specializes in writing and storytelling, and social media management.
At Rayleigh, she is working on developing and implementing communications strategies. She assists with funding applications, coordinates social media, and works to share Rayleigh’s story. She can often be seen turning the thermostat back down when Raha is not looking.
Outside of work, she can be found at the curling club, at choir rehearsal, or taking Scottish Gaelic lessons.
DO NOT EDIT
Ajan Ramachandran, Optics Research Scientist
MSc Cochin University, PhD Dalhousie University
Ajan is an expert in optics, which he studied while completing his PhD. He then went on to do work on monolithic electrical interconnections for perovskite solar panels as a postdoctoral researcher.
At Rayleigh, Ajan is continuing the work from his postdoc while also working on Intellectual Property strategy and patent writing. He is the quietest person in the office, but also the friendliest.
Outside of work he can be found practicing judo, working with computers, or spending time with his cat.
DO NOT EDIT
Ziru Huang, Research Scientist
BSc Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China & PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Ziru has been doing research in the field of perovskites since he was an undergraduate student. Part of his undergraduate work included developing a technique to control real time carrier transport in perovskite diodes using surface dipoles. His PhD work focused on materials and device engineering for stable perovskite solar cells. Ziru has conducted extensive research in the realm of perovskites and has co-authored 16 peer reviewed papers.
Outside of work, Ziru enjoys cycling around as long as there is no snow on the road. When his colleagues are debating over the thermostat, he generally takes the side of whomever wants it warmer.
Our Board of Directors
DO NOT EDIT
Jim Spatz
Jim Spatz is the Executive Chair of Southwest Properties Limited. He is a dedicated business leader and philanthropist and spent 13 years as a medical doctor. Jim serves on the Advisory Board for the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee and is a Life Director of Neptune Theatre. He was on the Board of Governors for Dalhousie University from 2001 to 2015, serving as Chair from 2008 to 2014, and continues as a member of the Dalhousie Advisory Council. In early 2021 Jim agreed to chair the fundraising campaign for the new home of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on the Halifax waterfront, which is projected to open in 2025.
DO NOT EDIT
Karl Smith
Karl Smith was a long-time executive with Utility Holding Company, Fortis Inc. Positions held included CEO of Newfoundland Power, and CEO of Fortis Alberta. He is now retired as CFO of Fortis Inc. Mr. Smith’s volunteer and board experience includes: past Chair of Canadian Electricity Association, past Chair of Atlantic provinces Economic Council, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, past Chair Board of Governors Mount Royal University.
He currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, Team Broken Earth and Genesis Centre. He is Chair of the Advisory Board to the Faculty of Business at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.
DO NOT EDIT
Mark Dobbin
Mark Dobbin is the founder and President of Killick Capital Inc., a Newfoundland based family office.. Killick was created as a vehicle for Mark’s desire to invest in the aerospace sector as well as work and invest in Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2006 – 2008 Mark chaired CHC Helicopter Corporation, then the world’s largest helicopter company. From 1998 to 2003 he served as Chair and CEO of Vector Aerospace Corporation, Mark is Chair of Innovation and Business Investment Corporation and Co-Chair Business and Arts NL.
DO NOT EDIT
Jim Spatz
Jim Spatz is the Executive Chair of Southwest Properties Limited. He is a dedicated business leader and philanthropist and spent 13 years as a medical doctor. Jim serves on the Advisory Board for the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee and is a Life Director of Neptune Theatre. He was on the Board of Governors for Dalhousie University from 2001 to 2015, serving as Chair from 2008 to 2014, and continues as a member of the Dalhousie Advisory Council. In early 2021 Jim agreed to chair the fundraising campaign for the new home of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on the Halifax waterfront, which is projected to open in 2025.
DO NOT EDIT
Karl Smith
Karl Smith was a long-time executive with Utility Holding Company, Fortis Inc. Positions held included CEO of Newfoundland Power, and CEO of Fortis Alberta. He is now retired as CFO of Fortis Inc. Mr. Smith’s volunteer and board experience includes: past Chair of Canadian Electricity Association, past Chair of Atlantic provinces Economic Council, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, past Chair Board of Governors Mount Royal University.
He currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, Team Broken Earth and Genesis Centre. He is Chair of the Advisory Board to the Faculty of Business at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.
DO NOT EDIT
Mark Dobbin
BioMark Dobbin is the founder and President of Killick Capital Inc., a Newfoundland based family office.. Killick was created as a vehicle for Mark’s desire to invest in the aerospace sector as well as work and invest in Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2006 – 2008 Mark chaired CHC Helicopter Corporation, then the world’s largest helicopter company. From 1998 to 2003 he served as Chair and CEO of Vector Aerospace Corporation, Mark is Chair of Innovation and Business Investment Corporation and Co-Chair Business and Arts NL.