Meet Xavier Escobar
A Maryland native and University of Maryland graduate, Xavier studied mathematics and physics, with additional coursework in computer science. Before joining SolaREIT, the avid watch enthusiast spent nearly three years buying and selling luxury watches and jewelry.
At SolaREIT, Xavier processes project data and supports the pricing team. He describes the role as “a perfect intersection of universes,” combining the opportunity to strengthen his financial skills with work that feels meaningful.
One of his biggest takeaways has been seeing how financing, development, construction, and electricity delivery come together to move a renewable energy project forward.
He has also gained an appreciation for SolaREIT’s approach to its partners.
“SolaREIT makes it a priority to create a symbiotic relationship,” Xavier said. “The company makes an effort to be a helping hand from groundbreaking through the conclusion of the project.”
His advice to others hoping to enter the industry is to stay open-minded about where they begin.
“If you are truly devoted to the renewable energy mission, do not be picky about how you break into the industry,” he said. “Natural aptitude will be rewarded, and shared goals can supersede a lack of experience.”
Looking ahead, Xavier hopes to continue working close to the technologies and financial structures advancing renewable energy.
Meet Eamon Giles
Eamon grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is entering his sophomore year at the University of Vermont, where he studies Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with a concentration in Environmental Planning, Policy, and Law. His interest in the environment extends beyond the classroom: this summer, he has also taken up gardening, with his broccolini and red pepper plants becoming particular points of pride.
Eamon was drawn to SolaREIT by the opportunity to learn from experienced clean energy professionals and contribute to a company whose mission aligned with his interests.
“Not only does everyone work unbelievably hard, but it is immediately evident how much everyone cares about their work,” he said.
Serving as a “jack-of-all-trades,” Eamon has supported SolaREIT’s redesigned website, researched state solar policies and incentives, explored innovative solar applications, and helped the Business Development team improve its internal processes.
A highlight of the summer was traveling to the Washington, D.C. area for SolaREIT’s quarterly meeting, where he met colleagues in person and saw how the company’s different teams work together.
He is especially proud of the research he conducted into emerging solar applications, including brownfield redevelopment and land reclamation. He later presented his findings to senior leadership at the company.
The internship has also helped clarify his career goals. Eamon hopes to pursue work that combines environmental science, policy, property, and justice, potentially through graduate study in environmental policy or environmental law.
This fall, he will return to UVM, where he will serve as a peer mentor, chair the Student Government Association’s Committee on the Environment, and help organize the university’s second licensed TEDxUVM event.