Meet Rhetta Maynard, Residential Retrofit Lead at Xero Solar

Rhetta Maynard leads Xero Solar's Residential Retrofit account management team, partnering with homeowners across Southern California to design solar and battery systems that match how they actually use their homes. Here's what she had to say about her path into solar, what she's learned managing residential projects, and how she carries that same discipline into marathon training.

From Environmental Engineering to Residential Solar Leadership

Rhetta grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. She moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue a career in renewable energy, and over the years she's worked on a range of technologies, including solar thermal, geothermal, utility-scale battery, cogeneration, fuel cell, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

She first joined Xero Solar as an account manager in 2021, later spent time as a Regional Sales Manager at a global electronics manufacturer, and rejoined Xero Solar nearly six months ago to lead the Residential Retrofit team.

Why solar, and why now

"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," Rhetta said. "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 She's Learned Managing Residential Projects

"Xero Solar has taught me that it isn't if a mistake happens, but how you respond to it that is the most important," Rhetta said. "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!"

Asked what she likes most about Xero Solar, she pointed to culture: "The alignment of Xero's work with my values. Not only in terms of the services we provide, but I work with a fantastic sales team that has a strong and honest sales culture."

Why Residential Projects, Specifically

"I really enjoy working with homeowners," Rhetta said. "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."

• Reducing monthly costs and hedging against future utility rate increases
• Peace of mind during power outages with battery backup
• Meeting personal sustainability goals

On stepping into a leadership role, she said: "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."

Marathon Training, On Her Own Time

Outside of work, Rhetta has run 10 marathons, with multiple sub-3-hour finishes. "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," she said. "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."

"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."

Why Homeowners Call Rhetta and the Xero Solar Team

"When you speak to our Account Management team, you'll experience our consultative process," Rhetta said. "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."

She added that homeowners who sign on with Xero Solar work with an entirely in-house team, including a project engineer, production coordinators, interconnection and permitting specialists, and the 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 weighing a solar or battery project for your home, you can reach out to our team to start the conversation, or learn more about our residential solar services.

Frequently asked questions

What does Rhetta Maynard do at Xero Solar?

Rhetta leads Xero Solar's Residential Retrofit account management team, working directly with homeowners to design solar and battery systems that fit their home's needs and driving growth of the residential retrofit business.

What is Rhetta's background before Xero Solar?

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to work in renewable energy, first joined Xero Solar as an account manager in 2021, and rejoined the company after time as a Regional Sales Manager at a global electronics manufacturer.

What should homeowners expect when they work with Xero Solar's account management team?

A consultative process with upfront education on expected energy production and bill savings, followed by support from an in-house project engineer, production coordinators, permitting and interconnection specialists, and Xero's own installation crew.