We spoke with Sachu Constantine about his journey leading Vote Solar, the organization’s bold new strategic plan, and how centering equity in the clean energy transition can create a more just and sustainable future for all.
You’ve been working in the clean energy sector for some time now. What brought you to Vote Solar and what keeps you excited and energized about leading this organization?
I grew up with the expectation that my life would be in service one way or another. As my career advanced, my expertise and knowledge with respect to energy and the environment also grew. I was looking for a place to apply myself that also matched my optimism and ultimate faith in people to make good decisions for them and their communities. That may sound trite, but I have kids and grandkids. Passing a livable–and in fact abundant–world onto them is my primary motivation and passion.
Solar energy is by its nature a great leveler–the sun shines on us all equally. I admired Vote Solar’s voice: forceful and effective, but with a sense of joy and humor. Working with as daunting a task as climate change, I really needed that levity. This voice is certainly deliberate as a way to disarm opposition and then overwhelm them with facts and strong analysis. But it is also a reflection of the people who work here. It is such an honor to lead this organization and all the incredible staff. I couldn’t be in a better place to affect change for the better.
Your new 5-year strategic plan outlines an ambitious vision for Vote Solar’s future. What are some of the most exciting priorities you’re tackling as you roll it out?
The energy system of tomorrow cannot simply be a patchwork fix for today’s inequalities. Our current grid is outdated and rife with systemic inequities, disproportionately impacting low-wealth and frontline communities. Reimagining our energy future means envisioning an inclusive, equitable framework that ensures everyone access to affordable, clean energy—regardless of zip code or income. Local solar solutions can empower communities to become active participants in their energy systems while driving economic opportunities and improving resilience. A bold transformation is needed to create a just and equitable energy future.
Our strategic plan is based on the proposition that if we can deploy enough solar–both distributed and large-scale–it will benefit not only those with solar on their roof, but actually transform the system by putting downward pressure on the cost of electricity from the grid. By providing consumers with alternative energy options, we can overcome the resistance from utilities and partner with them to take advantage of solar resources, thus making solar more accessible for the individual. This kind of flywheel effect, where good action begets more good action, is going to be an exciting work environment.
Vote Solar has committed to ensuring its work benefits all communities, particularly those often left behind in the clean energy transition. How are you bringing that commitment to life?
Our energy future belongs to the people, not corporate shareholders. Investor-owned utilities too often prioritize profits over equity and affordability, leaving low-income and underserved communities with inflated bills and limited clean energy options. It’s time to hold these utilities accountable and re-center our energy system on community needs. By embracing policies that promote local solar solutions, we can return power—both literal and figurative—to the people.
Centering equity in our work is both a moral imperative and a strategic approach to climate progress. We cannot ward off the worst effects of climate change–economically or politically–without creating solutions that work, and are affordable, for everyone.
We have also committed to partnering effectively and honestly with environmental justice partners. This core competency informs all of our campaigns and activities. It is not an add-on to our work; it is a core part of our effectiveness. By being an authentic partner, we are more likely to find common ground and common cause that makes us stronger.
This past year has been a big one for Vote Solar, with a lot of transitions and planning. How did support from Development Guild help the team stay focused and move the mission forward?
Fundraising is the lifeblood of a nonprofit like Vote Solar, and the vacancy in our Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) position was a huge risk to our continued success. Our department had been well managed by the previous CPO and is enormously competent, but a good manager and strategic thinker is absolutely essential to success. While we sought a new CPO, we connected with Development Guild to provide interim management. With their recommendation, we specifically partnered with Lynn Shevory, and we could not have been more fortunate. She brought incredible experience and skill in terms of fundraising and team management, but also the right energy, drive and attitude to immediately step in and make an impact.
Lynn was the amazing leader and strategic thinker we needed during this time of transition. She not only ensured the continued success of our team, but helped us define what we wanted in the full-time position. We always think of employment, particularly for leadership, as a partnership, and Development Guild definitely acted like a partner in this.
For nonprofit leaders who are also navigating transitions or planning for the future, what’s one piece of advice you’d share from your experience this past year?
Sometimes openness and transparency can be hard, even internally. In the short run, it invites questions, pushback, and resistance. But in the long run, it paves the way for agreement and a path forward as a team. We are in an environment where our policies are being threatened, and our actual values and institutions are being undermined. It is more important than ever for leaders to be honest and straightforward about what is possible, and compassionate when what is possible is less than the expectation. But mutual respect and understanding can actually move the line on what is possible. When seeking change, the only option is to keep pushing forward.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Vote Solar, and how can others support your vision for a 100% clean energy future?
We are rededicating ourselves to the proposition that everyone should have access to safe, clean, affordable energy with our new strategic plan. Vote Solar is doubling down on a future where the sun powers our communities and our energy system prioritizes people, not profits. In this vision, energy is no longer a burden for low-wealth families, who today often spend up to a quarter of their income on utility bills. Instead, affordable and locally generated solar power brings stability, sustainability, and self-reliance. Local solar solutions provide communities with the tools to generate clean energy where it’s needed most—lowering bills, reducing pollution, and empowering households to participate in the clean energy movement. By expanding access to these solutions, we can ensure that no family is left behind in the transition to a sustainable, clean energy future.
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