By Kristan Kirsh
At Nextracker, we’re proud to work alongside talented individuals whose commitment to service extends far beyond their time in uniform. For many veterans, transitioning to the solar industry is a natural continuation of their mission-driven careers—a chance to protect, serve, and impact the world positively. Solar offers veterans a purposeful new chapter, contributing to clean energy and energy independence for a planet urgently in need of innovative solutions.
Our veteran teammates here at Nextracker exemplify values of resilience, dedication, and leadership as they take on a new mission: powering communities, businesses, and military installations with clean, reliable energy. We are grateful for their service to the nation and honored to stand with them in our collective journey to create a world powered by solar.
Veterans aren’t the only connection between military values and the solar industry; our technology and purpose extend to the heart of the U.S. defense infrastructure. Across dozens of military installations—from the Millington Naval Base in Tennessee to Fort Cavazos in Texas—Nextracker’s smart solar tracking solutions are working to power military operations with reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy sources. These installations are uniquely suited for energy independence, with smart solar systems that support microgrids, ensuring continuous power even when the grid goes offline. Our solutions don’t just deliver power; they safeguard it, providing a backbone of energy security critical to military bases across the nation. By embracing solar, these bases are reducing carbon emissions and fortifying the U.S. military’s operational resilience.
Today we thank our Nextracker U.S. colleagues and all veterans for their service to our country. We honor them by sharing some of their stories.
Daniel Hernandez
Senior Field Tool Technician Daniel Hernandez served in the U.S. Navy from 1999-2003. Stationed in Atsugi, Japan, Daniel was a Structure Mechanic on the F-14 Tomcat, responsible for the maintenance and repair of all aircraft structural components, from the cockpit control panels to the landing gear and everything in between. The job required troubleshooting skills and critical thinking—identifying and considering approaches and solutions to problems using logic and reasoning. “My time in the Navy taught me to be professional, pay attention to detail, put pride in my work, and be a team player,” said Daniel. “These are all qualities that I put into my work today.”
Christopher Cortazar
“It’s hard when you get out of the military and transition back to civilian life,” said U.S. Army veteran Christopher Cortazar. “Solar gives vets the opportunity to have much more than just a job—it gives them a career, and Nextracker has definitely given me a career opportunity and I am very grateful.” Christopher, a Nextracker construction manager, enlisted in the Army in 2017 as a 31 Echo—military policy officer—specializing in corrections and detainee operations. Stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he was assigned to the U.S. military’s only maximum-security prison. Rotating through assignments with the facility, he was eventually promoted to a specialist role and became a team leader. “The military teaches you structure and how to successfully work with a team. It taught me professionalism and how to be an effective communicator. I use everything from my military experience and apply it to my career today.”
Dave Brandt
Nextracker Test Engineer Dave Brandt was a mechanical operator on a nuclear-powered submarine in the U.S. Navy from 1990-1998. “My service ended more than 25 years ago, but I still use lessons and behaviors from the service every day. I learned things like the ability to work with many different people with diverse backgrounds, being five minutes early to meetings, and respecting others and their views,” said Dave. “I think solar is a great opportunity for vets. The teamwork and work ethic that are needed to achieve big things tend to be second nature for vets.”
Matt Bradley
Former Marine Infantry Platoon Sergeant Matt Bradley is now a director of operations at Nextracker. Matt was stationed aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California and was deployed in support of combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 and Operation Iraqi Freedom 5-7. According to Matt, solar is a great opportunity for veterans because it transitions their disciplined work ethic and technical training to a challenging and rewarding career. “Solar offers careers in the field, office, and workshops that relate to a large number of military occupational specialties.” An advocate for hiring veterans, Matt says that a resume with military service speaks monuments about the applicant’s character and work ethic.
Matt Miller
Asset Manager Director Matt Miller served eight years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear electronics technician primarily on the USS Salt Lake City, a fast attack submarine. Matt’s military skill set—operating a power plant—had direct applications to the solar industry, but he says that, in general, veterans are equipped to operate and maintain complex systems of all types and are highly adaptable. A supporter of bringing more veterans Nextracker, Matt has hired three other veterans on his team. “Solar is a great opportunity to be part of the team fighting against global climate change and energy independence from fossil fuels.”
Marcel Duran
Marcel Duran joined the U.S. Army to serve his country and instill discipline in his life. Now a senior director at Nextracker, Marcel’s roles in the solar industry have included processes and procedures, deployment, component deliveries, inventory, installations, and demobilization of projects—all similar activities he practiced week in and week out in the Army as preparedness for being called into action. Marcel also participates in military endurance events like the Nijimegan Marches, an annual four-day event consisting of four, 40 km marches. Participants march in uniform and maintain their formation while carrying at least 10 kg of dry weight.
Join us in thanking our veterans and active-duty military today and every day.