Success Stories: The Companies Behind the Solar Ready Vets Network
The Solar Ready Vets NetworkTM is a collection of initiatives designed to strengthen solar career pathways for veterans and support the industry’s efforts to invest in military talent. Funded by the U.S Department of Energy, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is working alongside the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), industry, and other partners to develop resources that help the solar and storage industry recruit and retain veterans and the broader military-connected community.
Solar and storage companies are eager to hire veterans because they have highly transferable skills that are in demand across the solar workforce. To do this, they’re following a variety of recommendations from Strategies for Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining Military Talent: A Guide for Solar Industry Employers. The resource contains a multitude of new strategies, including suggestions to create competency-based job descriptions, implement new workplace policies that accommodate veterans, provide mental health services and resources, and establish veteran focused employee resource groups (ERGs).
In addition, companies are a key part of the Solar Ready Vets Fellowship Program, which is a work-based learning program where service members receive on-the-job training from solar employers. This program directly connects solar companies and military-connected talent, helping veterans prepare for a career in the solar industry and a full-time role within the company.
Solar companies are also participating in Skillbridge, a Department of Defense (DOD) program that helps service members gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. The Solar Ready Vets Network partners with Skillbridge training programs to help create a clear recruiting pipeline of skilled, military-connected talent.
Below are success stories about the companies that are making this work possible.
SkillBridge: Sunrun’s Commitment to Recruiting Military Connected Talent
Since 2020, Sunrun has been engaging with SEIA and SkillBridge training programs to support military service members and enhance the company’s workforce diversity and strength. For Sunrun, this initiative was not just about filling positions, it was about enriching their company culture with the dedication and exceptional talents of the military-connected community.
As the years progressed, Sunrun welcomed 22 participants from its SkillBridge internship program and three of them are now thriving as full-time employees. With support from the Solar Ready Vets Network, the company also forged partnerships with notable organizations to broaden its recruitment efforts, including Airstreams Renewables, Inc., Home Builders Institute, and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. By connecting military candidates with internal recruiters, Sunrun ensured a seamless and positive experience for these potential hires.
As a result of integrating SkillBridge into their recruitment strategies, Sunrun’s talent pool expanded significantly, bringing in disciplined individuals with diverse backgrounds. These efforts helped to foster a more inclusive company culture and contributed to Sunrun’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice goals, making Sunrun a more attractive place to work.
Photos courtesy of Sunrun
Over the years, the Sunrun team has helped several veterans find careers in the industry and quickly advance to leadership roles.
Brandon Howard started as an installer and quickly became a team leader within three months. This work led to a position within the inspections department, where he now serves as a department manager for Florida. Similarly, Blake Litogot was hired as an installer in San Diego and transitioned to a role as an inspection coordinator in Connecticut.
Looking ahead, Sunrun plans to attend military hiring events and continue strengthening partnerships with organizations that support military families. By sharing information about their comprehensive benefits and education programs, Sunrun aims to attract and retain top-tier military-connected talent, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the military-connected community.
Clearway’s Veteran Onboarding: Empowering Military-Connected Talent
At Clearway, one of the largest renewable energy companies in the United States, engaging with the military-connected community has become a cornerstone of its growth strategy. Clearway currently has 37 military-connected employees on board. The company has prioritized recruiting veterans through programs like Skillbridge and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) because of the unique leadership, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that veterans contribute.
In partnership with its veteran inclusion group, VETRN EIG, Clearway developed a comprehensive veteran-focused onboarding strategy designed to set veterans up for success. It includes four key components:
- Mentorship & Buddy Program: Each veteran is paired with a mentor from VETRN EIG and a peer buddy. Hiring managers are also encouraged to dedicate time each week to professional development.
- Onboarding Experience: Veterans join the company’s “Launch” orientation session, where they’re introduced to Clearway’s operations, teams, and the renewables industry.
- Professional Networking: Veterans meet with colleagues from their team and adjacent departments to build strong professional relationships and network within the company.
- Formal Learning & Training: New hires are given tailored training to help them integrate smoothly into their roles and enhance their knowledge of the business.
This approach has already yielded impressive results. Two alumni of the HOH Fellowship were promoted to full-time leadership roles and now co-chair the VETRN EIG, using their firsthand experiences to refine and improve Clearway’s veteran programs. Additionally, veteran talent pools were created in the applicant tracking system to, streamline future recruitment and provide ongoing access to military-connected talent as new opportunities arise.
Photos courtesy of Clearway
Clearway plans to build on its success and further expand its veteran engagement efforts. This year, the company is focusing on incorporating site-based technicians into its outreach and onboarding programs, allowing new hires to connect with experienced veterans on the ground for mentorship and support.
A key factor in the success of Clearway’s veteran programs has been securing executive buy-in and active involvement from the VETRN EIG. Their support ensures a seamless onboarding process, with veterans being highlighted in projects and meetings, further elevating their visibility and contributions within the company. Clearway’s military-connected employees are thriving, making meaningful contributions, and helping to shape the future of clean energy.
The EDPR NA Veterans SynERGy Group: Shaping Company Culture and Core Values
In 2017, EDPR Renewables North America (EDPR NA) established the Veterans SynERGy Group, a grassroots initiative aimed at connecting military veterans and the company’s military-connected employees. What began with a few veterans coming together to share their experiences quickly grew into a thriving Employee Resource Group (ERG) with more than 20 members from across the organization — and the group’s impact was immediate.
The EDPR Veterans SynERGy Group became more than just a place for veterans to connect; it evolved into a driving force for company culture and values, ensuring that inclusivity and respect for military service became ingrained in the company’s approach to its employees and its mission.
One of the group’s most significant achievements was the introduction of the EDPR Veterans Challenge Coin in 2023. Rooted in military tradition, the coin became a powerful symbol of recognition for employees’ outstanding contributions, fostering pride and unity within the organization. Presenting coins is a military tradition in which coins are exchanged and given as a sign of camaraderie and respect. EDPR’s coin program has both honored internal achievements and engaged external partners who share the company’s commitment to service.
Photos courtesy of EDPR Renewables North America
Looking to the future, the Veterans SynERGy Group plans to expand the recognition program and leverage it for recruitment efforts, particularly to attract military-connected talent. Beyond the walls of the company, EDPR NA continues to be a steadfast supporter of veterans and service members. Employees who are currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves are given the flexibility and support they need to fulfill their duties without fear of reprisal. Through the ERG, veterans and military-connected employees have found not only a community but also a company that deeply values their service and contributions.
Through its ongoing work, the EDPR NA Veterans SynERGy Group continues to exemplify the company’s deep commitment to honoring veterans and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all employees.
