What happens when a solar company decides to work where others won't go?
Today on the Clean Power Hour, we sit down with the leadership team of Windfree Solar - a minority-owned, equity eligible contractor that's proving diversity isn't just good for society, it's good for business. CEO Eric Heineman, Head of O&M Cynthia Myers, and Chief Marketing Officer Steve Larosiliere share how they've built a thriving solar company by focusing on underserved communities in Chicago and Cook County.
Discover how Cynthia went from growing up in foster care to becoming one of Illinois' first female solar installers and a licensed electrician. Learn why Eric believes diversity is their competitive advantage, and how Steve is helping scale their mission-driven approach to solar development.
We dive deep into Illinois' groundbreaking Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), exploring programs like Solar for All and Illinois Shines that are creating pathways for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the clean energy workforce. The team discusses the challenges and opportunities of working in environmental justice communities, and why they've made it their specialty to go where other solar companies won't.
This episode also touches on the broader transformation happening in the solar industry - from a predominantly white, male sector to one that's actively embracing diversity and inclusion. You'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to succeed in challenging markets and how authentic community engagement drives both social impact and business success.
Key Topics Covered:
Equity-eligible contractor status and what it means
Breaking gender and racial barriers in solar installation
Working in underserved communities and environmental justice areas
Building diverse teams for competitive advantage
Community solar development strategies
If you'd like to support Cynthia Myers during this challenging time as she navigates her partner's immigration case, please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign - every bit of support helps.
Connect with Windfree
https://www.linkedin.com/in/etheineman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-myers-9b8460a3/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelarosiliere/
https://windfree.us/home
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 10GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 350kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 Introduction to the Solar Industry
01:49 Guest Introductions
02:31 Challenges and Opportunities in the Solar Industry
03:49 Equity and Inclusion in Solar
05:16 Guests' Personal Journeys in Solar
09:17 The Impact of CEJA and Solar for All
14:08 Windfree's Unique Approach
22:54 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
26:10 Final Words and Contact Information
