Episode Summary:

In this episode, Lily Valdez takes us through her journey into solar and founding Women United By Solar to help reduce gender inequalities in the solar industry. She also talks about starting her company, SunLily, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on her business and details about her mentorship program.

Insights from this Episode:

• How Lily got into solar
• Details on founding Women United By Solar
• Inclusivity of women in solar
• Starting SunLily
• Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on her business
• Details about her mentorship program
• What to expect from Lily

Quotes from the Show: 

• “You know, once you get that entrepreneurial spirit and that bug, like it’s very hard to go back to working for someone” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”
• “But when I found solar, I was like, this isn’t even a sale, like people are already paying for this and I get to help them save a bunch of money, add value to their home and literally own it now instead of renting at ever increasing prices” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”
• “I love collaborating and helping because I think that we’re the trailblazers and the pioneers of the industry, especially being of a very few women that started the movements” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”
• “I started it because I didn’t find what I was looking for and what I think people needed in the industry” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”
• “I believe that people follow people that lead by example and don’t expect them to do something they wouldn’t do” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”
• “You know, let’s be real about what really happens in solar, not just the pretty side, don’t sell dreams, tell people the reality, tell them why we’re doing this, you know” —Lily Valdez in “The Sunnyside Podcast”

Episode transcript:

Sharon Lee:

Welcome to The Sunnyside, the podcast that makes solar energy relatable, accessible, and attainable. Join us as we journey behind the scenes with women taking amazing strides in all parts of the solar industry. I’m your host, Sharon Lee, and thank you for joining us today.

Hello, and welcome back to The Sunnyside. We are so excited to be well into 2023, and I think solar has a fantastic outlook for this year. But since we were here on The Sunnyside last, let’s go in Sharon’s Corner. What have I been up to? Well, first of all, the Tennessee Vols did win their bowl game, just like Katie and I predicted. So yes, we can at least cheer them on. But football in the Lee house is over. My 12-year-old, he’s done with football. Both my boys have moved into baseball, so that’s just a whole different, all-consuming animal. So everyone send me a moment of silence or vibes or something because we’re going to be all over the place this spring.

But as far as solar is concerned, as we know, the rate case passed here in Georgia last month. And so we have a whole different set of tools to work with for this coming year. So we’ll see how well we can make those work. But when it comes down to it, I really do think we’re settling in well to 2023, so it’s just going to be a banner year. So I’m really, really excited about it.

Here on The Sunnyside, we normally focus on commercial solar installations, but when I met my next guest, I thought, you know what? We need to expand into the residential for a conversation because I had stumbled across a Facebook group, and it’s called Women United By Solar. And so I joined, of course, and I reached out to the owner of this group and said, “Hey, let’s have a chat. Let’s talk about what you do, what inspires you,” and that sort of thing. And she’s just a wealth of information and a little bundle of energy. And of course, I was like, “You’ve got to be on The Sunnyside.” So with that said, welcome, Lily Valdez, how are you?

Lily Valdez:

Hi, Sharon. Thank you so much for having me. I felt the same way about you. I was like, “Oh, she gets it. She’s one of us.” So I was really happy to have you join our Facebook group, of course. And we always have women that need commercial, and they’ll raise their hand and be like, “Who does commercial here?” And so I love being able to have you as a resource for the women as well, and just for them to see that we’re not limited to residential. There’s commercial, there’s utility scale, there’s so much solar out there, manufacturing side, operations. So thank you, I appreciate that. I’m so happy that you joined, and I’m excited to be here with you to share a little bit about what we do.

Sharon Lee:

Fantastic. So before we get further into the women’s group, let’s back up a little bit. So your background is in California, you went to school there, that sort of thing. And I usually ask people, did you intend to go into the solar industry, or did the solar industry grab you and keep you?

Lily Valdez:

That’s a great question. I didn’t intend to go into solar. I actually went to Cal State Long Beach, and I was doing some early childhood education. That’s what I have my AA in. And I wanted to be a teacher, a preschool teacher at that. And then once I was in it, I started to like business because I actually started working at Verizon Wireless, and they had that whole where they paid for your college. And I was like, “Oh, I’ll try it.” And I ended up really liking business. So I did change to a business management bachelor’s, and then that’s how I got into business. And further, my background with my family is lots of small businesses, so I grew up around my mom having a beauty salon, my uncle had a pizza place we all worked at, daycares, painting. There was all kinds of little businesses in my family.

And I saw that, and I said, “They’ve been able to make a really good living without a degree in just following what they like to do. So if I could get a degree also and then learn the business side, I think it can work better for me.” And that’s how I got into that. And I focus a lot on processes, relationship building, numbers, logic, and that’s how I came into it. But I didn’t come right into solar. I actually had a restaurant for a couple of years in Upland, California. I worked at-

Sharon Lee:

Hold on. What kind of restaurant? You’ve got to tell me what kind of restaurant is that. I’m already getting hungry.

Lily Valdez:

It was an Italian. Remember I told you my uncle had a restaurant too?

Sharon Lee:

Yes.

Lily Valdez:

So basically we already had all the recipes. He even worked there too shortly. And so it was a pizza pub. It was very fun. We had bands, we had open mic, car shows. It was super fun, but not sustainable because you work a lot. That’s what made me decide to start looking for other industries. And I did do insurance for a little bit. Then I was recruited to travel and do traveling seminar sales for those ones, how to flip a house and you go to a workshop and all that. So I did that for a while. And then I also got into the home improvement industry.

So I didn’t go directly into solar, like most people do. I did real estate for a couple of years as well. And I remember leaving and being like, “Well, I don’t want to work for someone again.” Once you get that entrepreneurial spirit and that bug, it’s very hard to go back to working for someone. So I was looking for an industry like real estate where you could build a pipeline, help people, build relationships, but it just wasn’t it for me.

So when I went to home improvements, I started where would sell windows, roofs, insulation, HVAC, everything efficient for the home. But when I found solar, I was like, “This isn’t even a sale. People are already paying for this, and I get to help them save a bunch of money, add value to their home, and literally own it now instead of renting at ever-increasing prices.” So it was a very, very logical transition to solar only for a minute. And now in my business, I started integrating home improvements again, but I did about four to five years of only solar. And I love it. That is what drove me to start the women’s organization because I did see the under-representation of us.

Sharon Lee:

Well, and I think that as women, I’ve said this before, we are collaborators. We work in groups, we work well with one another, and we need that. So you go into this industry and even like you, you’ve got this background in home improvements and energy efficiencies and all of this kind of stuff. But when it comes down to it, you also have that background of the processes and putting things in place and everything. And it seems like a natural fit that you would bring women together and find a way to empower them. So that’s what you’ve done, right?

Lily Valdez:

Yes. And this is really cool. One of the things that we do is, like you said, we don’t compete. So there’s other women that have organizations also. And instead of being like, “Oh, she started one too,” which is what most people would think, no, we’re like, “How can I support you? I have a bunch of women that are in the industry that might benefit from what you have to offer as well.” So some of my friends recently started their own, and I was like, “Oh yeah, let’s go support them because they’re bringing something to the industry that doesn’t exist.” And I think right now in solar, it’s been around for a while, but as an industry itself, it’s so new, so deregulated, there aren’t really chapters and things you could join for it. So I was like, “Well, we have to create them.”

And that’s how this happened, and it’s been great, women from across the whole country. We had SolarCon last year, and a bunch of us met for the first time after knowing each other for years through social media. And with COVID and everything, we all really knew each other, but not physically because we’ve been in a little bubble for a couple of years. So it’s a great industry. I love collaborating and helping because I think that you’re absolutely right. We’re the trailblazers and the pioneers of the industry, especially being of a very few women that started the movement, that you started the podcast. These are all the ways that we show women in leadership when there is a very small representation, maybe 15 to 20% in solar.

Sharon Lee:

Right. Well, and I did you a little bit of a disservice because I talked about the women’s group, but I didn’t introduce the name of your company. So you are the owner of Sunlily, and I think it’s interesting that that came out of the fact that you had done such a great job of pulling people together and having social media networks and that sort of thing. So you had a good pool. I don’t want to tell your story, but good pool to work for to get your shingle out. Do you want to talk a little bit about starting your Solar Lily?

Lily Valdez:

Sure.

Sharon Lee:

I’m sorry. Sunlily, not Solar Lily. Sorry.

Lily Valdez:

So everything just fell into place. It’s funny that you said that though, because Solar Lily was not supposed to be my name in the industry. But on Facebook, when you change your name, it tells you you can’t change it for six months? I didn’t read that, and I was trying to put Solar Lily Valdez, but since I put Solar Lily, and I had saved, I was like, “Oops.” And it kept it. And I was like, “Now I can’t change my name. I’d have to start a new profile.” So I was like, “Oh well, I’m going to keep it for six months.” But as time went on, people were just like, “Oh, Solar Lily, Solar Lily.” So I was like, “Well, I just will leave it then.” So that’s how it happened.

And then when I made my company, the reason it’s not Sunlily Solar is because I always had it in the back of my mind that we would bring energy efficiencies back. So I needed energy so that it could be anything energy efficient for a home. So now when we’re positioning solar, we’re saying, “Hey, you’re going to be saving so much with solar,” at least here in California where we do the majority of our business. Not all. We’re nationwide, but I have about 35 sales reps across the United States in my company alone. More than 50% are women, so I’m really proud of that in an industry that a very small amount of women are in it.

So that’s what we do. We raise awareness. We give the key. And I didn’t start this business because I was like, “I want to start my own sales org.” Actually, it’s a lot of hard work. I started it because I didn’t find what I was looking for and what I think people needed in the industry. I did work with five or six companies, platforms. I explored every option before finally saying, “I have to do this because I have identified the things that need fixing. I know how to lead women, and I know that they’ll feel more comfortable.” And it’s a blessing. People think that it’s just about the money or oh, she just wanted to start her own, but it’s not. It’s about being completely transparent, available.

And I’ve had women that made me literally cry when they told me, “Six months ago, before I found you, I was going to quit on solar. I was done. I didn’t get paid. This company took advantage or this happened and that.” And to me, that’s a big part of it. I’ve been not paid by companies as well, and nobody wants to admit it. Nobody wants to talk about the elephant in the room, but we’ve all been there, big companies too, very known ones. So I just said, “I can’t find this in a company, so it’s time to build it.” And that’s how it came about.

Sharon Lee:

Well, I think it’s fantastic because you’re right, you’re not just trying to build your own company. Because I always ask about mentorship, and you’re living it, man. That’s really cool. There’s a lot of people that say, “Well, I don’t have a specific program that I follow, but I want to help women, and I want to help them network and all this.” But you actually, whether they’re at your organization or others, you put information out to help them overcome objections and address challenges and all that. And these are more, I guess I’ll say sales 101. Correct me if I’m wrong. But I do love the fact that you are living this whole mentorship model and not just trying to build your own company, which I’m guessing helps. It all goes hand in hand.

Lily Valdez:

It does. But it’s very organic, like you said. So I put on my trainings for anybody. You don’t have to be at Sunlily. You don’t have to be a woman. You don’t have to be part of the Facebook group. I post it on my regular page on groups because it’s for anybody. And then if people find value in that and they want to connect with me, then I don’t ever pitch people. I don’t recruit people. They reach out and they say, “Hey, I’ve been following you. I want to see what you do. I’ve thought of it.” Or they’ll come from other companies where they didn’t have a good experience, and they’ll say, “I know that you’re about transparency. How does your program work?”

So my program is actually a big mentorship. And if they already have experience, not really. I just teach them our processes, and we do that. But we take anybody with zero experience, and we basically do three deals with them. We close them with them. There’s no monthly membership with my company or anything like that. And then we basically close the first three deals with them while showing them how to run credit, how to do the whole sales process. And then I put once-a-week trainings, how to generate leads, how to close a deal virtually, how to close a deal in person, networking, how to build a pipeline, everything that I would have wanted someone to give me when I started basically.

And the main thing why people follow maybe me is because even though I already have my company and I have these sales reps and stuff, I never stopped selling. I’m still a solar consultant. So I believe that people follow people that lead by example and don’t expect them to do something they wouldn’t do. So my whole way that I run my business and everything I do is I don’t ever expect one of my consultants to do something I wouldn’t personally do. If they’re knocking doors, I don’t knock doors, but I’ll go knock them with them to teach them because that’s what they want to do. And I’m good at it. I just don’t do it every day.

But whatever way they want to form their pipeline, whether it’s knocking doors, cold calling, social media, I do a lot of social media training, like a blueprint, how to get leads from your Facebook groups, friends, family. And honestly, that’s how I’ve grown my business the whole time was through referrals, word of mouth. And when you do it correctly and you’re very genuine and authentic, I get people that send me deals from New York. They’re like, “Oh, I have two friends in California. I’m not licensed. Can you help me?” And then we split the deal. No problem. So it’s collaborating.

Sharon Lee:

And it’s interesting because we’re talking a lot about sales, and sales is just one part of what you manage. And so I loved talking with you about the installation side of things because that’s the meat and the potatoes. You can tell people all you want what a great deal this is and how great this will perform for you or whatever. But if you don’t have the people to back you up and actually build the-

Lily Valdez:

You’re exactly right, Sharon. I tell that to everybody. I say, “It’s not how many contracts you sign, how many deals you sold. It’s that glass hitting the roof. That’s when it’s real, or in a ground mount when it hits the field,” whatever you want to call it. But I tell them that it’s very easy in solar for people to be like, “Oh, I closed 20 deals.” It’s a lifestyle. A lot of people sell a dream like, “Oh, you can close 20 deals and make 100,000 in a month.” Yeah, but how many of those are getting installed? How many of those customers have service after the sale? What is that experience like?

And that’s another reason why I started my own company, because I get to choose my installers. So I used to work for different platforms like Power and other ones, and it’s literally random. I could sign someone up, and they’ll have a great experience, or they could have a not so great experience. And I didn’t want that for my homeowners. I take it very personal if somebody doesn’t have a good experience. So by partnering with my own installers, I know the level of service they will have. And I only work with installers that I can work with closely, that I can call, “Hey, this is going on.” Because I know if I receive that level of respect and service, so will my homeowners. And that’s at the end of the day what I do, I pair homeowners with the right company. I vet them for them, so they’re not just going with some random company.

Sharon Lee:

Well, and you have representation in, did you say 22 states? I can’t remember. And so you have to not only pay attention to who is installing in your backyard in California, but you’re also managing who is installing in Florida and other states around the country. So you still work with a company that has installation crews nationwide, right?

Lily Valdez:

Yes.

Sharon Lee:

So that gives them boots on the ground with roots, right?

Lily Valdez:

Yes, exactly. Exactly. And I vet them, and I make sure that they have warranties in place, so that if they go out of business, my customers are still good because that’s a reality in solar. That’s another elephant in the room. Let’s talk about all the companies that have gone under. And then people are like, “Oh, I have a system that doesn’t work, and I called the company and they don’t exist.” So I try to address everything from a proactive standpoint to not leave people in a tough spot. And nothing’s perfect. We learn as we go. But ensuring these things upfront gives a better customer experience. The way I explain it to people is we’re not really solar reps only. We are consumer advocates. So think of if you put that on your roof, would you want it to be some random company that’s not going to exist because they were the cheapest? No, I don’t think so. It’s a 30-year system, so I just try to put myself in the homeowner’s shoes as well.

Sharon Lee:

Well, I think that that’s great. And that turns into referrals and that sort of thing because in every industry it’s not solar. You hear about the fly by night, they come in, they do this, and then they leave, especially when you’re talking about home improvement. So when they can say, “No, we are here, we are established here, we have people working here and all that,” I just feel like there’s just so much of a better story to tell. And you would hope that they’re vetting who they’re working with, and they can easily do that for your organization.

Lily Valdez:

Yes.

Sharon Lee:

So let’s transition a little bit because I don’t care if you’re in the commercial end of things or the residential end of things or anything like that. We all got a little rah-rah with the Inflation Reduction Act passing into law back in August. So we were able to provide our customers a higher federal income tax credit. Now, in the residential side of things, there are different carve-outs for energy efficiency and that sort of thing. So what has that meant to your business?

Lily Valdez:

Oh, it’s been great for our business because I already wanted to do the home improvements. But that’s even more of a reason to, because now there’s incentives on that level. Now, there’s main panel upgrade incentives. There’s more than just go solar and get 30%. So it’s allowed other solar reps to open their eyes to other opportunities. So many times you’re like, “Oh, solar, solar, solar.” With the Inflation Reduction Act, you see the ability to make money across multiple products and in turn getting a better solution to homeowners. Because I work with lenders and companies that will incorporate roof work, that will do the windows. I had a homeowner just last week did roof, windows, solar, main panel upgrade. It sounded so good to be true to him that he called me the day before install and asked, “Hey, Lily, is this really going to be mine? I’m not leasing, right?” And I’m like, “No, no, you’re buying it.”

He said, “I’m getting all those things for this monthly?” And I’m like, “Yes,” because that’s what he was paying for power. And so he keeps telling me, obviously it’s not free, but he’s like, “So it’s almost like I got this other stuff for free.” And I’m like, “Well, it’s not free. You took a loan, but you’re getting to take advantage of these programs.” And with him, we signed him up the end of last year, so I didn’t even have all the full IRE discussion with him, which I will get to have. And it’s just a huge cherry on top. So he’s all excited. So that’s really nice because it’s beneficial to homeowners, it increases their value of their home even more, and they get a tax break for it. So it’s awesome.

Sharon Lee:

Right. It goes back to the value sell. It’s complete value, and it’s customized because if you don’t need new windows, you don’t have to get new windows. But if you do, this is just an opportunity you can take advantage of, and it all works. Oh, something else that we had talked about that I really found fascinating is we were talking about advocacy groups, and you are involved, you’re going to have to help me on this, in Long Beach with an HOA. They are what? Oh, they’re creating a model city. Tell me a little bit about that and what’s your involvement with that?

Lily Valdez:

So it’s really awesome. I actually was connected to him through a referral. So I helped someone go solar. She refers me a lot of people. She was actually one of my reps in Verizon 15 years ago, I want to say.

Sharon Lee:

Oh my gosh.

Lily Valdez:

And so she connected me with the president of this neighborhood association, and he told me there’s 12 of them in Long Beach. He’s the president of one of them. And that they’ve been looking for the right company to start installing the solar where they’re getting a fair rate across the board. Because he told me the worst thing is when residents talk and they’re like, “Well, my price was this.” And another one’s like, “Oh, I feel like I got ripped off.” And he’s like, “So I just want one company that can be fair to everybody, give them a good price. Of course, make profit, but fair.” And he wanted to start with businesses.

So that was really cool. So that’s the commercial side. He wants to put solar on a market that’s very, very busy in that area and a restaurant that has its own garden. So they already produce their own vegetables, and then now he wants to put a sign in front once they go solar with us that says, “This restaurant is run on clean energy,” and then, “Reach out to this person to see how you can run your home on clean energy.” So as to make it like, oh, that’s what everybody’s doing in this community. So I think that’s great.

They’re an awesome community. They have crop swaps, which they’ve invited me to, beach cleanups because they’re right by the beach. And it’s a really good community feeling. Everybody feels good about doing the right thing for the planet, and their pockets are just a byproduct of it. So they’re doing it the right way. And he’s like, “We’ll do a press release.” He has big visions about it, and that’s great because if more people did that, it would show what that looks like. They want to be the model city in this little area that they’re in, so that others will follow a suit and just expand solar.

Sharon Lee:

Oh, I think that’s fantastic because they’re really living it. And you’re right, you reap the benefits in so many different ways that what is not to like about that. That is so fantastic. So you have done advocacy groups like that. You have done Women United By Solar. You’ve done Mastermind classes and other types of speaking events. Where else are you going? What else is there to do?

Lily Valdez:

Well, there’s a lot. I want to start my own podcast. That’s on the radar as well as write a book. I already have a title, and everyone laughs. It’s actually the opposite of your podcast. It’s The Shady Side of Solar because we’ve all been there. My job is always to bring to light the things nobody wants to talk about because we can’t fix them if we don’t talk about them. And even at SolarCon, wherever I speak, I say that solar is a new industry, unregulated. It’s up to us to bring up the problems, to bring up the solutions, to bring up the right people and put the right leadership that will actually mold and shape the industry for decades to come. And that’s a big responsibility.

And I think that people need to take it more responsibly. If you’re an influencer in solar, be a good influencer. Don’t be the one that uses influence to … There’s people that owe reps thousands of dollars because they did a hyped up post, people went and sold for them, and they didn’t even pay them. So my job is to call those people out. And I think that podcast and a book will give me that platform along with speaking engagements. Let’s be real about what really happens in solar, not just the pretty side. Don’t sell dreams. Tell people the reality. Tell them why we’re doing this.

Sharon Lee:

Right. Well, I see us doing a joint speech when you’ve got The Shady Side and I’ve got The Sunnyside, and I’ll be all rainbows and glitter.

Lily Valdez:

No, I’m rainbows and glitter too. If you hear anything of my stuff, it’s all positive. But I make it very clear that there is a dark side too.

Sharon Lee:

That is very true. But going back to some of the educational sorts of things, I do love that you try to, in your mentorship approach, take information. For example, we’re both members, both of our organizations are members of SEIA, which is the national solar association, the Solar Energy Industries Association, which by the way, the CEO, Abi Hopper, was my very first guest on The Sunnyside. So shout out to Abi, whoop, whoop. But I love the fact that they do put a lot of information out, and it’s our job to assimilate that information, but it’s not always easy to do. And so one of the things that you were talking about when we talked before is taking some of that, breaking it down, making it palatable for a new rep to really understand. So talk a little bit about some of those sorts of things that you do.

Lily Valdez:

So those are some of the trainings I focus on. So I did a training on NEM 3.0, just summarizing what pertains to the sales side of it, like how we’re going to have to build systems, how we’re going to have to size them now, how many batteries would be appropriate, and how we would position that as a value to homeowners when they’re saving less. Now it’s a bill swap maybe. So I post infographics. So the SEIA is very good about posting the average household, how to make your home energy … So I try to share all those infographics with the ladies in the solar group and my team. So it’s digestible not just for the reps, but also the homeowners. So they could see like, oh, this person isn’t just trying to shove solar down my throat. They also care about reducing the carbon footprint. They actually care about the big picture of solar.

And so I love that these organizations do trainings, they do infographics, all that. And then I just make it more digestible. If it’s a 22-page document, I’ll make it a three-page and a training, so that everyone’s informed and then they’re not out there selling the wrong stuff. Because it’s so easy for reps to really not maliciously sell things wrong, incorrectly, and out-of-state can come into California. We have many reps come out here and sell, and they’re selling 100% offset. That would be very bad for a homeowner here because we’re on time of use. They would literally get 1,000 to $2,000 bill at the end of paying every month for solar.

So it’s up to us to educate. And that’s why we do it nationwide, because there are reps selling everywhere from everywhere. And I tell people, “Before you sell in a market, please look up their net metering and know how it works, their incentives or programs, so you don’t make solar as a scam a thing.” We’re working so hard to take that away to just make it a good industry and remove those negative feelings attached to it for people to still be selling wrong this far in the industry.

Sharon Lee:

That’s right. There are so many things that you can take advantage of on the federal level, the federal income tax credit and different types of depreciation benefits and things like that. But you’re right, then it gets into that granular piece that is state by state by state, and you do have to be that advisor and try to educate people on specifically what happens here. Is there a system cap with your utility? Is there this? Is there that? And it’s a big job. And so I think it’s fantastic that there is a resource out in the community that is keeping all that out there and up to date and that sort of thing. So I do want to ask you though, so you are such a go-getter. Like I said, you are high energy always going and that sort of thing. So when you’re not talking solar and selling solar and installing and all that, what do you do for fun?

Lily Valdez:

I do a lot of that. No, I’m just kidding. I love to travel. I’ve been to 15 countries. I’ve closed deals from Croatia at 5:00 AM because of the time difference. So I don’t ever really turn it off, but it’s because I love it. I wouldn’t ruin a vacation over it, but if it doesn’t hurt me and it’s helping my reps, I wasn’t even closing my own deals. I was helping my reps close their deals via Zoom because I do a lot of remote work, and I have to show and be living that. So I do have fun. I love beaches mostly. I go to Hawaii a lot, Mexico, but I’ve been traveling for a while now. My next travel area is probably going to be, I want to go to Germany, Switzerland, so a different part of Europe. And then Costa Rica, I’m going to try to do that for a month, coming up one month remote in another country, selling solar and leading a team. So that’s what I do for fun.

Sharon Lee:

Wow. I’m just still trying to digest that. That sounds absolutely fantastic, for sure. So you’ll definitely have to let me see where you’re going, so I can keep up with you wherever you are and that sort of thing.

Lily Valdez:

Definitely.

Sharon Lee:

Of course. So if someone wanted to reach out with you, connect with you, what is the best place to find you?

Lily Valdez:

So the best place is probably Facebook, honestly. I have a big following there, kind of. My name is Solar Lily. And I also have an Instagram. It’s Solar by Lily, but my email, super easy. The personal email I use so that it’s not all my business stuff mixed in is solar, S-O-L-A-R, withlily, L-I-L-Y, @gmail.com.

Sharon Lee:

Easy enough. And I’ll make sure that we put links to that when we post the podcast. So, perfect. I am so excited about our conversation today. Thank you so much for joining us here on The Sunnyside.

Lily Valdez:

Thank you.

Sharon Lee:

Yes, and I wish you all the best as you are going everywhere all over the country and selling solar.

Lily Valdez:

Thank you, Sharon, and I wish you the best. Anything you or your listeners need, I’m always here to help. And any solar commercial things that I come across, I’ll definitely make sure they’re in good hands with you. I always am about referring them to the right person because that means so much. I don’t want them to go to some random person when you’re around. So thank you for having me as a guest. I appreciate it. I hope that I brought value to you and your listeners.

Sharon Lee:

Absolutely. All right. Well, thank you again, and let us know when next time you want to see us on The Sunnyside.

Lily Valdez:

Definitely. Thanks.

Sharon Lee:

Thank you. Bye-bye. Thanks for listening to The Sunnyside Podcast. If you like what you heard, please give us a five-star review. You can also email questions, suggestions, and compliments to sharon@velosolar.com. The Sunnyside is produced by the Podcast Laundry Production Company and executive produced by Sharon Lee.
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Sharon Lee:

Sharon Lee taps over a decade of solar sales experience, having led the creation of a solar division for a leading manufacturing/construction firm, resulting in over 17 MW of solar in its portfolio as well as solar ultimately becoming its highest-grossing revenue vertical. Lee has been involved in the GA Solar Energy Association, serving on the board of directors as the marketing chair, organizing the annual conference, as well as vice-chair, and ultimately the first female chair of the organization in 2015. She is also a charter member of the Professional Women in Building chapter of the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association, a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and Women in Solar Energy (WISE). Lee earned her B.S. degree in communications with double minors in marketing and psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, after spending three years at the University of Tennessee in the pre-health curriculum. Lee is the mom of two boys, ages 14 and 11, and a rabid college football fan. She and her husband, John, spend most of their free time at the baseball or football fields unless they can steal away for a quick round of golf.

Lily Valdez:

Lily Valdez has been in the solar and energy efficiency industry for 5 years. It’s her passion to help homeowners transition to clean, renewable energy. With solar, homeowners enjoy a fixed, lower power bill, increase the value of their home and take control back by owning, not renting, their power while contributing to saving our planet.

She co-founded Women United By Solar to promote gender equality and diversity in the solar industry. Being in a predominantly male industry, they want to create a safe space for women to have access to training, development, support, and women empowering women. They have a sisterhood and place for women to grow and learn together.

WUBS hosts weekly Clubhouses and Zooms and has a Facebook Group, “Women United By Solar,” to catch up, provide value and promote inclusivity by having their clubhouses and zooms open to all genders.

Stay Connected:

Lily Valdez
LinkedIn: Lily Valdez
Instagram: Women United By Solar

Sharon Lee
LinkedIn: Sharon Lee 
Facebook: Sharon Lee

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