As a solar technician at Sunnova, Elijah Vasconez has dedicated nearly eight years to the renewable energy industry, a path that started with a leap of faith, an apprenticeship, and a desire to find a career with purpose.
At 17, Elijah began his working life like many young people—taking jobs in fast food and restaurants. But he soon craved something more fulfilling. After enrolling in an electrical apprenticeship program with Strada, he started working as a residential electrician. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career in the clean energy industry.
Despite the initial challenges—like overcoming his fear of heights—Elijah found the solar industry captivating. He embraced the technical demands, learned to navigate rooftops, and discovered a tight-knit community of like-minded professionals.
For Elijah, one of the unexpected joys of working in solar is the sense of community within the industry. “You meet a lot of people from different backgrounds doing solar, and it’s kind of like a small world,” he says. Even in Florida, where he’s based, the solar sector feels connected. Elijah stays in touch with former colleagues, catching up with them at supply warehouses or industry events.
“Solar has a better community compared to other trades,” he explains. “It’s close-knit, and I keep up with a lot of people I’ve worked with over the years.”
Elijah’s career has been marked by memorable moments, including unique projects like shaping solar panels into a Mickey Mouse design—a challenging request he tackled while subcontracting earlier in his career. “The mapping for that was intense,” he says with a laugh.
Running his own subcontracting projects also gave Elijah a deep sense of pride and responsibility. “Everything was on my shoulders—how the work went, how the jobs were completed. It was a big learning experience.”
Still, working in solar isn’t without its challenges. Elijah notes that public perceptions of solar power can sometimes be skewed by misinformation or bad experiences with smaller, less reliable companies. He wishes more people knew about the long-term benefits of solar energy, from cost savings to environmental impact. “When I buy my own house, I’m definitely getting solar and batteries,” he says.
When asked what advice he’d share with others, Elijah emphasizes the importance of chasing dreams and seizing opportunities. “The money’s out there, the careers are out there. Always provide a positive impact on the world,” he says. For him, solar energy isn’t just a job—it’s a way to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Elijah’s story is a testament to the power of taking chances, building skills, and finding community in unexpected places. From a fast-food worker to a seasoned solar technician, he has carved out a career that’s both impactful and inspiring, proving that clean energy isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, too.
