What Is Your Why? Solar Professionals Tell Their Career Stories

What Is Your Why? Solar Professionals Tell Their Career Stories

There are many reasons to start a career in solar. Whether you like working with your hands, enjoy solving technical problems, or want to help combat climate change and make a real impact on people’s lives, the opportunities are varied and the perks of a job in solar are abundant! Not only that, but these jobs offer family-supporting wages and benefits with excellent opportunities for advancement. Plus, depending on the job, solar careers are open to people at all levels of experience and education, from a high school diploma to an advanced degree. 

We interviewed four real professionals working in various roles across the U.S., asking them why they chose solar and why they love what they do.

What will be your why?

Jessie Arevalo, Construction Superintendent | Nexamp

A Career That Powers Progress

Jessie Arevalo's career in renewable energy started right after he graduated from the University of Illinois in May 2023 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering and a focus on Renewable Energy Systems. He was quickly hired as a Construction Superintendent at Nexamp, a national clean energy developer, where he now oversees the construction of solar farms.

While Jessie came into the role with a degree, he points out that formal education isn't a requirement for a career in solar. He suggests focusing on your transferable skills, noting that many of his coworkers successfully transitioned from related industries. "I know a lot of coworkers who didn’t go to university or study solar," he says. "They came from adjacent industries where they were working on power plants or refineries and they were able to transition all that knowledge from the construction field into solar.”

Jessie finds his on-site work incredibly rewarding, as it allows him to apply his academic knowledge to a tangible project. He enjoys "seeing all the solar panels go up, all the foundations, and connecting everything to the grid," adding, "it’s really nice to see that progress."

Where are they now? 

As of August 2025, Jessie is still working as a Construction Superintendent at Nexamp.

Brianna Krzewina, Electrician | NorthWind Solar

A Career for Everyone

Brianna’s path to a career in solar took a little while to get started, but it’s a journey she’s incredibly passionate about. After volunteering for the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, she enrolled in college at 29 and earned a degree in Solar Energy Technology from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She quickly advanced from a roof technician to a crew lead at NorthWind Solar and is now progressing in her registered electricianship with the company.

Brianna's excitement for her work is palpable. "My favorite part of my job is that I’m working in clean energy. I’m working in something that is making the world a better place." She also loves seeing the immediate, tangible results of her work, adding: "To be able to work on something electrically and then plug it in and see it working immediately, to see it all happening . . . to see those solar panels on the roof actually making electricity in real time . . . it’s really exciting."

Another aspect of the job that she enjoys is the creativity involved in designing and building systems. When a project is finished, she says, "you take a step back, it’s like ‘WHOA. I did that! Look at how cool that looks!’”

When it comes to advice for others, Brianna stresses that there’s no single path into the industry. "I waited a long time before I figured out what I was going to do," she shares. "I was 29 years old before I started my first year of college. Now I’m 37 years old and in a career that’s going to last a long time." She also emphasizes that you don't always need a college degree or prior experience. "We’ve hired people that came straight out of high school. They had zero experience. Some of them had never even held a hammer before," she says. The most important thing, she adds, is a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute to the team.

Where are they now? 

As of November 2024, Brianna has completed her apprenticeship and is now a Journeyman Electrician.

Carl Arellano, Plans Drafter | Planet Plan Sets

A Career That Drives You

Carl Arellano started his career in the solar industry in 2015 as a photovoltaic (PV) systems layout designer and has worked as a Plans Drafter for Planet Plan Sets since 2018. He creates the permit plans for PV and energy storage systems that customers submit to their local building and electrical authorities for approval.

While Carl holds a degree in mechanical engineering, he credits his training and hands-on experience with preparing him for his role. He found an advanced training course from Solar Energy International especially helpful for understanding solar systems and the National Electrical Code.

For Carl, hands-on training was key. “Getting the hands-on training really helps you get that visual and I think really played a big role in preparing me for the plan set generation from the perspective of an installation, such as stringing considerations and ease of installation.”

According to Carl, this job is an excellent fit for those who enjoy working with computer programs like CAD and designing plan sets with specific needs and requirements. He also says it's an ideal role for people who enjoy mentally stimulating work and solving puzzles. Each project is different and requires a unique configuration.

What Carl loves most about his job is that he's making a difference. Beyond the potential for growth in the solar industry, he feels good about his career choice because he is "playing a role in getting clean, renewable energy systems out into the world.”

For those looking to get into the solar industry, Carl recommends attending conferences and events, as well as seeking out training opportunities. Events like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Continuing Education Conference are great places to learn about new products, stay up-to-date on industry advancements, and network with others in the field.

Where are they now? 

As of August 2025, Carl is now working as a Drafting Manager at Planet Plan Sets.

Ashley Owens, Director of Operations | Freedom Forever

A Career With Advancement Opportunities

For Ashley Owens, the path to becoming Director of Operations at Freedom Forever has been an incredible journey. In just four and a half years, she's advanced from her initial role as an Install Coordinator to overseeing four branches. Ashley, who started her career in construction administration, quickly found her passion for the solar industry and the team-oriented culture at Freedom Forever.

Ashley describes the solar industry as an exciting, ever-changing "solar coaster" and values the opportunities the company has given her and her colleagues. She credits their success to a strong sense of teamwork and open communication, where everyone works together to solve problems and share knowledge. Ashley also believes that team morale is boosted when leaders are willing to tackle any task, no matter how small—from filing a permit to getting on a roof.

For anyone considering a career in the industry, Ashley has one piece of advice: "Don't be scared. Just do it." She emphasizes that you don't need to know everything. What matters most is being coachable, teachable, and ready to learn.

Where are they now? 

As of August 2025, Ashley is still working as Director of Operations at Freedom Forever.