Faces of Solar: Twiggy Mendenhall, Senior Policy Associate at CleanCapital

For Twiggy Mendenhall, a LinkedIn post was the spark she needed to dive headfirst into the solar industry.

Twiggy came across a digital flyer on the professional networking app about an informational session on renewable energy and a new bill called the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) while working toward an Associate of Science degree at the City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College.

“I wanted to join an industry dedicated to reducing the burdens of energy expenses while remaining climate conscious,” she said. “The FEJA solar training program was the perfect chance to join a mission-driven industry while securing financial stability.”

As a part of FEJA’s Cohort 3, she earned her OSHA 10 certification in 2020 and received hands-on training in hand tools and construction through the Introductory Craft Skills program at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). She also joined the largest clean energy lobby day in Illinois history, advocating for the groundbreaking Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), which passed the next year. Though her passions started in construction, this experience introduced her to a new sector of the solar industry: policy and advocacy.

“I realized that, while construction was initially my goal and a vital part of solar project development, I could also support the industry in a different way. By shaping legislative and regulatory policy, I could influence key rates, programs, and incentives essential for project financing and deployment,” Twiggy said. “This proactive approach would help streamline the process, foster job creation, and open new opportunities for underserved communities in Illinois.”

In 2022, Twiggy became a first-generation college graduate, earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Sustainability Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and now works as a Senior Policy Associate at CleanCapital.

“I threw my name into the hat at every possible corner until my name was pulled, and that persistence paid off,” she said. In her role, Twiggy advocates for distributed solar and energy storage policy, making a real impact in Illinois.

“With renewable energy policies under scrutiny by the new federal administration and energy demand forecasted to dramatically increase, many are looking to state and local leaders to continue driving progress,” she explained. “Now more than ever, the industry must act proactively.”

Emerging clean energy legislation like HB 3758 / SB 2497 is taking the necessary proactive steps toward creating a stronger and more cost-effective Illinois energy economy. From economic activity at the state level to long-term cost savings for consumers, this bill resonates with Twiggy’s message:

“It’s not just about getting clean electrons onto the grid but creating an inclusive environment where people genuinely care about each other. The solar industry is driving real outcomes like affordable and accessible energy for the American people.”