A coalition of passionate solar workers, veterans, community leaders, and entrepreneurs gathered on Capitol Hill to make one message clear: solar energy is not just about the environment—it’s about equity, economic empowerment, and the future of American jobs. At the solar rally, advocates from across the country spoke powerfully against proposed cuts to critical solar tax credits and emphasized how clean energy is transforming lives on the ground.

Fighting for Solar Access: A Voice from Philadelphia

Julian David Burnett of PosiGen Solar traveled from Philadelphia to fight for what he calls “solar for all”—affordable access to renewable energy for everyone, especially low-income families. “With the solar leasing provisions, I’ve seen lives transformed,” he said. “People who could barely pay their utility bills are now saving enough to take their grandkids to the Jersey Shore.” Burnett, who serves as the Senior Community Impact Manager, stressed that solar equity in Philadelphia is a reality: more solar adopters earn less than $50,000 annually than those earning over $150,000.

Burnett’s personal connection to energy insecurity adds urgency to his advocacy. “I grew up knowing what to do when the electric man came—get the candles. When the gas man came—get the kerosene heater.” For him, solar isn’t just policy—it’s a means to break the cycle of poverty and restore dignity.

From Battlefields to Rooftops: Solar as a Career for Veterans

Steve Rutherford, CEO of Tampa Bay Solar and a military veteran, linked his journey from Afghanistan to Florida’s rooftops. “I took solar to war zones to save lives. Now I use it to save customers money,” he said. Rutherford’s company employs 30% veterans and has helped thousands achieve energy independence. “When your customers see you at the grocery store and hug you—that’s how you know solar is making a difference.”

But Rutherford warned of looming danger. The reconciliation bill threatens to eliminate tax credits that support solar leases, potentially gutting 50% of the industry. “If this goes through, we’ll see massive job losses and price hikes,” he cautioned.

A Financial and Environmental Mission

Adam, Senior Project Manager at GreenBrilliance, transitioned from banking to solar with a mission to create real impact. He described how his company helped a church in Pennsylvania go solar, enabling them to launch a meal program for underprivileged children. “That’s what solar can do—it can feed kids, grow food, and empower communities,” he said.

Adam criticized the proposed repeal of the solar tax credit as economically shortsighted and environmentally irresponsible. “We are here to end this nonsense and preserve the credit that powers our industry and our values.”

A Salesman’s Perspective: Putting Working-Class Families First

Jacob Head, a territory sales manager with PosiGen, emphasized the practical benefits of solar. “We focus on working-class families,” he said. “If we can save them $50 a month, that’s huge.” Head credits his solar job with changing his own life—he bought a home and started a new chapter for his family. He fears the proposed legislation will jeopardize that opportunity for others: “Taking away the ITC will devastate what we’re building.”

Community Solar in the DMV: A Developer’s Passion

Abby Thompson, a solar developer with Community Power Group, highlighted the industry’s high demand and community impact. “Solar is part of the solution, not the problem,” she asserted. Her favorite part of the job? Working with landowners and farmers, building lasting partnerships that benefit the environment and local economies alike.

A Call to Congress

The rally’s message was unified and urgent: preserve the solar tax credits that make this progress possible. Without them, advocates warned, the industry risks contraction, job loss, and a setback in the fight against climate change. But with continued support, they believe solar energy can remain a beacon of hope, equity, and resilience for communities nationwide.