Faces of Solar: Mitchell Heydenberk, Operations Manager at Continental Energy Solutions

When a position opened in the renewables department at Continental Energy Solutions, despite his experience in non-renewable electricity, Mitchell Heydenberk trusted his instincts and went all-in on the solar industry.

“Many industry colleagues cautioned me that renewables were a short-term trend and weren’t here to stay. Others cautioned about the volatility of a market that was still not “mainstream,’” Mitchell said. “However, my heart and my gut told me I had a promising career path ahead of me.”

As the Operations Manager at Continental Energy Solutions, Mitchell works to ensure people across Illinois have access to solar energy to power their homes and businesses. His belief in renewables and the important role they play in the fight against climate change fuels his passion for this industry.

“Every day we show up to work, we are all collectively making a tangible difference to the communities, states, countries, and world we live in,” he explained. “Renewables are necessary to progress as a society and to take care of this planet we call home. While policy and politics are ever-changing and remain uncertain, we hold steadfast in our vision for a brighter future.”

To combat this uncertainty, Mitchell encourages lawmakers to support strong clean energy legislation that will educate, lobby for, and implement meaningful change in the solar industry.

“The industry needs stability on both the state and federal levels,” he explained. “This includes more robust incentives surrounding Battery Energy Storage Solutions, or BESS. This emerging technology unlocks so many applications and opportunities in various geographical markets to push solar forward—if communities are willing to take the step.”

Mitchell encourages others to join the solar industry, just as he did. He points out there are many ways to make a difference in solar, from desktop occupations within the industry to rewarding opportunities within the trades and specialty niches, such as programming or commissioning.

“Whatever ‘space’ you’re in, be a catalyst in the global movement and effort to reduce carbon emissions. Be a forward-thinker, and be proud of your contribution toward breathable air and a habitable planet years down the road,” Mitchell said. “Across the industry, there is this sense that we are all working toward the same goal—a goal that is lofty but worthwhile.”