Xero Solar’s Residential Retrofit Account Management Lead
Rhetta Maynard leads Xero Solar’s Residential Retrofit account management team. She’s responsible for driving the growth of our Residential Retrofit business and partnering with homeowners to design solar and battery systems that meet their home needs.
She rejoined Xero Solar nearly six months ago after gaining experience as a Regional Sales Manager at a leading global electronics manufacturer. Rhetta originally joined Xero Solar as an account manager in 2021. Throughout her career, she’s worked on the development of a variety of renewable and energy efficient solutions including solar thermal, geothermal, utility scale battery, cogeneration, fuel cell – and of course, solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
Rhetta grew up in Cincinnati Ohio and attended the University of Notre Dame. She has a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering. She moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue a career in the renewable energy industry. In her free time, Rhetta enjoys training for and racing marathons.
We sat down with Rhetta to learn more about her interest in the solar industry, why she loves working with homeowners on their energy solution projects, and her incredible journey to run sub 3 hour marathons.
Why did you get involved in the solar industry?
When I was considering what I wanted to achieve with my career, I knew I wanted to work in a field that contributed to positive change. I set my goal to work in the renewable energy industry, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to incorporate energy-centric projects within my degree. I have been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. Working in this industry allows me to further the adoption of sustainable energy solutions by aligning them with greater economic, energy resiliency, and reliability needs.
What is something that you’ve learned while working at Xero Solar?
Xero Solar has taught me that it isn’t if a mistake happens, but how you respond to it that is the most important. It would be fantastic if I could say every project I’ve managed has been executed with zero hiccups – but that is not life. When setbacks occur during a project, I’ve learned that maintaining quick communication, transparency, and a positive attitude can transform a stressful situation into a collaborative one. (It’s a life hack that is applicable outside of work too!)
You’re unique in that you worked at Xero Solar, left to get experience elsewhere, and then returned. What brought you back?
I came back due to the alignment of Xero’s work with my values. Not only in terms of the services we provide, but I came back to a fantastic sales team that has a strong and honest sales culture. While I’m so grateful for the connections I made and the new perspective I learned while I was gone, I’m very happy to be back.
Why do you like focusing on residential projects?
I really enjoy working with homeowners. The decision to add solar and/or batteries to their home is a personal decision as well as a logical and fiscal one. Solar and battery systems can meet many different needs including reducing costs and protecting against unknown future rate increases, providing peace of mind during power outages, and/or contributing to personal sustainable goals. I like assisting our clients to discover what their wants and needs are, and what the best system design is to balance their values.
What are you most excited about as you move into your new leadership role?
It is a wonderful time in general for our industry. Costs are lower, electrification is becoming more prevalent in Southern CA (and beyond), and the need for resilient and reliable energy is increasing. Xero’s offering is a rare home improvement project that not only increases your quality of living, but also provides a ROI. I’m excited to take a role in higher level strategies to ensure Xero is empowering homeowners who are weighing whether a solar and battery project is right for them.
Not everyone might know this about you, but you’re an avid runner. You’ve run 10 marathons and have achieved multiple sub 3 hour finishing times. That’s incredible! Tell us more about your running journey.
I started running when I was 16 years old, but really found long distance running when I joined an LA-based performance centric running team in 2019. Called Good Vibes Track Club, the team became a home where I trained hard 3x a week and was able to learn from runners similar to me. Folks who wanted to push themselves, who were also working full time jobs. The team changed what I believed was possible, including running marathons in 2:58! I love running because it sharpens my work ethic in all parts of life. I’m the best version of me when I stay moving.
For homeowners who are considering solar and/or batteries, why should they call Xero Solar?
In an industry that has unfortunately been marred by some less than honest sales tactics and confusing financial deals, Xero Solar is breaking the solar industry stereotype. When you speak to our Account Management team, you’ll experience our consultative process. We provide upfront education to accurately illustrate what your system’s energy and bill savings will be so you can feel confident investing in the system.
Once you sign on with Xero Solar, you’ll partner with many of our behind-the-scenes team members (all in-house), including a project engineer, production coordinators, interconnection and permitting pros, and of course — what really sets us apart — our installation crew. Our team takes care of all the permitting, interconnection, and inspection coordination on your behalf to ensure the project is as stress-free as possible, and we’re happy to prioritize aesthetic concerns or coordination with other home improvement scopes (e.g. roof or electrical work).
If you’re considering adding a solar and/or battery system to your home, I’d love to talk and hear about your goals. Feel free to send me an email ([email protected]) or give me a call (310-376-8740) to schedule a consultation!
