The FinanceFlick: My First 100 Days in Solar — Not Just for Environmentalists

Welcome to The FinanceFlick! This is Ariadne, your go-to finance geek. Today I’m 100 days into my journey in the solar industry, and let me tell you — it’s been a ride. When I transitioned from Investment Banking to Solar, I expected a change, but I didn’t quite realize how similar — and yet so different — these two worlds could be.

It’s Not Investment Banking, But It Kind of Is

First off, Solar isn’t Investment Banking, but it definitely shares some similarities. There’s a ton of work to do, a decent amount of financial modeling, and, of course, the ever-present stream of meetings. From analyzing scenarios and structuring deals to meeting with potential buyers along their wealth/tax advisors, it’s clear that the skills I honed in finance are still very much in play. But here’s the twist: instead of optimizing a corporate merger, I’m helping people invest in the future — literally.

Solar Investors: Not Just Environmentalists

One of the biggest surprises? Not everyone buying solar is an environmentalist. Sure, some are in it for the love of the planet, but many are simply here for the financial benefits. With tax incentives, predictable cash flow, and depreciation advantages…