My name is Claire Rutenberg, and I'm this summer's Marketing and Communications Intern at Sol Systems. I'm excited to be part of this year's cohort of interns, who are united by a shared interest in building a sustainable energy future. 

This summer, our intern class brings together students and early-career professionals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including engineering, finance, business, communications, and environmental studies. From developing solar projects and analyzing energy markets to supporting procurement, construction, client relations, and communications efforts, each intern contributes a unique perspective to Sol's mission of advancing clean energy and community impact. 

Here's a look at the 2026 intern class: 

Alexis Le — Interconnection Intern 

Alexis is pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Finance at the University of Maryland and previously worked as a Data Visualization Intern at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. This summer, she is excited to deepen her understanding of data engineering and the solar industry while contributing to her community through Sol's work. 

David Jiang — Interconnection Intern 

David is a rising senior at the University of Maryland studying Computer Science and Mathematics. He is looking forward to applying his data science skills to real-world challenges while supporting a sustainable energy future. 

Cole Thompson — Business Development & M&A Intern 

Cole is pursuing both an MBA and a Master's in Renewable Energy at CU Boulder and previously worked with Sigma Renewables, focusing on distributed solar and battery storage development. He is excited to learn how development, finance, and mergers and acquisitions come together in practice while contributing to meaningful clean energy projects. 

Claire Rutenberg — Marketing & Communications Intern 

I’m the author of this post - but also wanted to introduce myself! I recently graduated from UCLA with a degree in Environmental Science and previously worked as a Marketing Intern for an EV charging startup and an environmental engineering firm. I have also worked in marketing for two Los Angeles-based art galleries, producing newsletters and content related to gallery openings and events. This summer, I’m looking forward to learning more about clean energy marketing while working for a company that prioritizes community impact. 

Giang Vo — Commercial Asset Management Intern 

Giang is a rising junior at Franklin & Marshall College studying Economics and Psychology. Prior to joining Sol, she interned across commercial banking, ESG-focused real estate, and environmental policy research. She is excited to learn more about renewable energy operations while connecting with colleagues across Sol. 

Harrison Mufushwa — Engineering Intern 

Harrison is pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at George Washington University. Prior to moving to the United States, he spent three years working in Zimbabwe's power generation sector. This summer, he is eager to learn how utility-scale clean energy projects progress from design through construction while contributing to projects that create meaningful community impact. 

Antonia Awad — Client Relations Intern 

Antonia studies Environmental Studies and Business Administration at the University of Richmond. She is looking forward to meeting clients, collaborating with the team, and strengthening her communication skills this summer. 

Mykyta Skyba — Performance Engineering Intern 

Mykyta is a junior at George Washington University studying Electrical Engineering with an energy focus. He also founded the University Engineering Team, which develops hands-on engineering projects, including a Smart Solar Ecosystem and a Cascaded Stirling Engine Microgrid. This summer, he is excited to learn from Sol's solar performance team and contribute to projects in Washington, D.C. 

Conrad Newton — Procurement Intern 

Conrad is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Chicago and most recently worked as a Strategic Planning Associate at direct air capture startup ZeoDAC. He is looking forward to learning more about the solar industry through the lens of procurement, supply chains, energy markets, and operations strategy. 

Alioune Niang — Construction Intern 

Alioune studies Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University and previously worked at Lennox, where he supported contractors and dealers with HVAC equipment, parts, and operations. He is excited to learn how engineering, construction, and project execution come together in renewable energy projects while gaining hands-on industry experience. 

We're excited to learn from one another, contribute to Sol's mission, and spend the summer helping advance clean energy projects across the country. Stay tuned to learn more about our experiences throughout the summer.