SolaREIT Spotlight: December

Santosh Rajani

At SolaREIT, our mission to accelerate the clean energy transition is driven by a diverse team of passionate, talented individuals. Each team member plays a critical role in delivering innovative financing solutions to solar and battery energy storage developers and landowners. As a minority- and women-owned business, we know that the unique contributions of every person on our team drive our collective success. 

This month, we're proud to spotlight Santosh Rajani, Finance Manager at SolaREIT. With a background in business, real estate, and finance, and a passion for learning and growth, Santosh brings focus, curiosity, and a solutions-driven mindset to every project he takes on. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. 

I grew up in Virginia Beach and have called Virginia home since childhood. After officially retiring from my NBA dreams, I went on to earn my business degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Following graduation, I moved to the Washington, D.C. area to work in real estate and finance, which eventually led me into the renewables sector and the role I'm in today. 

What inspired you to join SolaREIT? 

Energy demand is growing rapidly, and the need for renewable solutions is expanding alongside it. I saw an opportunity that aligned perfectly with both my professional background and personal interests. The combination of a small, high-impact team and a niche sector poised for decades of growth made SolaREIT the ideal fit for someone eager to learn, contribute, and grow. 

What has been your most rewarding experience at SolaREIT? 

I've always welcomed a challenge. Coming into a new industry with a small team requires asking questions, staying curious, and keeping up with a fast-evolving market. What makes SolaREIT special is the leadership and team's knowledge and passion. That sense of shared commitment creates real ownership in the work, and seeing the tangible impact we have on the industry is incredibly rewarding. 

How do you see the future of renewable energy and SolaREIT's role in it? 

As energy demand rises, renewable development will accelerate. SolaREIT is uniquely positioned to support developers nationwide by helping them scale solar and battery storage projects. I believe we'll continue to play a key role in driving the rapid adoption of renewables nationwide. 

What has surprised you most about working at SolaREIT? 

Our CEO, Laura Pagliarulo, always emphasizes that SolaREIT will remain a "small but powerful team." I used to believe in the old saying "strength in numbers," but SolaREIT has proven me wrong. Seeing us achieve major milestones, influence the industry, and operate with focus, positivity, and drive shows just how effective a small, motivated team can be. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of the office? 

I believe deeply in the idea that "health is wealth." Outside of work, I try to stay active, whether that's playing sports or doing some form of fitness training. Nutrition is also a big part of that, so I enjoy trying new recipes or checking out new restaurants around the Washington, D.C. area.