From Grief to Growth

My Journey as a Woman in Solar and Why You Can Do It Too

BY LIBBY VALENTINE

“How Did I Get Here?”

Do you ever just wake up and need to pinch yourself because you feel you must be dreaming?

I do that regularly.

Not because my life is so perfect and everything is wonderful, but because when I stop and think about it, it’s wild to me that I get to wake up every day and do something I absolutely love.

Five years ago, my life looked nothing like this. I was living in Singapore, caring for my fiancé as he battled pancreatic cancer, raising a teenage daughter, and navigating life as a full-time sales executive.

Today, I’m running a solar business with my husband, living on the road in an RV, and helping families become energy independent.

How did I get here?

It’s been nothing short of a wild, transformative journey.

From Loss to a New Beginning

On January 1, 2020, I was living in Singapore with my fiancé, who was dying from pancreatic cancer at age 53.

I was juggling full-time work—selling sponsorships for Asian music festivals—and trying to support my teenage daughter, who was navigating one of the toughest seasons of her life at age 13.

Fast forward nine months: I was widowed, living in California, and closing my first solar sale. It was quite a big life shift.

Running a Solar Business on Wheels

Jump forward another several years and now my husband John and I own a small EPC in Southern California. We’re recent empty nesters, and although we own the house of our dreams (thanks to the NEM 2 sales boon!), we spend 95% of our time living in our RV with our two dogs, going from job site to job site across the state.

What I love most is that I’ve learned to take a customer through every single stage of their solar journey:

  • Generating a lead

  • Creating a proposal

  • Closing a sale

  • Completing a site survey

  • Submitting for permit

  • Scheduling installs

  • Ordering parts

  • Commissioning systems

When I say I do it all, I mean it.

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Image of Libby's 134 solar panel deal.

The Sale That Defined My First Year

Every sale tells a story, but one in particular stands out.

In my first year in solar, I closed my biggest residential project ever—a 134-panel solar installation in Rancho Mirage.

The client was a crypto miner using massive amounts of power, and she had been burned by contractors in the past.

She needed a very custom agreement to meet her legal requirements and was determined to get the best price possible. John didn’t have the patience to deal with her, but I refused to give up.

By understanding her fears, forming a bond, and earning her trust, I was able to close the deal. It felt incredible to overcome the obstacles and deliver something she was thrilled with.

Wearing All the Hats: Life as a Solar Business Owner

John likes to say I’m the boss, but in reality, he is. In our company, I wear many hats:

  • Crew Mom: I make freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast burritos from my mobile kitchen.

  • Team Leader: I handle install scheduling, inspections, and liaise with project managers and salespeople.

  • Solar Tech: I’ve completed training on every battery system, so it’s usually me commissioning them during installs.

  • Right-Hand Partner: Whether it’s grabbing rare tools or delivering a cold Pepsi, I’m by John’s side.

The reality? Being a woman in a male-dominated industry isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

Libby with her Husband at a solar install site

Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman in Solar

Here’s the hard truth: sometimes being a woman in a male-dominated industry is lonely.

There are moments when I’ve doubted myself and my ability to perform. But over time, I’ve learned strategies to overcome these blips:

  • Find your tribe: Build an inner circle of trusted allies. I’m so blessed to have my dream team and a female business coach who has been a lifesaver. I also meet regularly (virtually) with other women in business to share insights and advice.

  • Work through the hard stuff: I’ve always told my kids, “God gave us brains to solve difficult problems.” Challenges aren’t always fun, but digging in and solving something complex is extremely rewarding. I may not be naturally mechanical, but I’m determined to master every part of the job.

  • Use your strengths: My greatest strengths are listening and empathy. These qualities make me an excellent salesperson because I genuinely care about my customers’ needs.

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The Challenges of 2024: A Tough Year for Solar

“Hey, we survived 2024. Lots of people in solar didn’t.”

2024 was a notoriously challenging year for the residential solar market. A combination of rising interest rates and policy uncertainty caused a 26% contraction in the industry.

Many companies struggled to adapt, but we made it through. Resilience was key.

What’s Next for Me and My Family

Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

Installing a $250,000 residential project in Newport Beach, complete with 8 Tesla batteries and 4 SPAN panels.

Our first commercial carport project.

Bringing my kids into the business in various roles—a dream come true for me, as family always comes first.

If I Can Do It, So Can You

My encouragement to other women is simple: If I can do it, so can you.

I spent over 20 years as a stay-at-home mom and never finished my college degree. After a difficult divorce, I had to learn how to support myself. Now I’m closing deals, running a company, and making a real impact in people’s lives.

Whatever your dreams are, trust in your ability to make them happen. The solar industry is exciting, rewarding, and in need of more women like you.

About The Author

Libby Valentine

Libby Valentine co-owns Solar Going Up in Canyon Lake, California, with her husband, John. A self-taught solar expert, Libby’s passionate about helping other women succeed in the solar industry.

References:

  • Solar Market Insight Report – SEIA: This report provides comprehensive data on the U.S. solar market, including the projected 26% contraction in the residential segment in 2024 - SEIA.

  • The Rooftop Solar Industry Could Be On the Verge of Collapse | TIME: This article discusses the anticipated 12% contraction in residential solar growth in 2024, highlighting challenges such as high interest rates and policy changes - Time.

  • Solar Additions in US Reach 8.6 GW in Q3 2024, Down 13% from Q2: This report details the factors contributing to the downturn in the U.S. solar market, including the bankruptcy of key installers and financiers - Mercomindia.com

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