Navisun Narratives: Lindsey Boyer, SVP, Head of Finance

At Navisun, our team is at the core of who we are. Over the coming months, we’ll be highlighting the individuals that make our company what it is and lead us toward a cleaner energy future. 

We chatted with Lindsey Boyer, Navisun’s SVP, Head of Finance, to learn about her extensive background in finance and accounting, her role, and how she approaches strategic decision-making in a fast-evolving industry like solar. With over a decade of experience, she brings a unique perspective to renewable energy development. Here’s a deeper dive into her journey, insights, and experiences.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself to get started? 

My background started at PwC in asset management, where I was auditing mutual funds, private equity, and hedge funds. I was part of a team that covered everything in the asset management space. This experience exposed me to how companies operated, how they invested, and gave me a sense of what I wanted to do next. After that, I moved into private equity, where I had the opportunity to work with our portfolio companies from an owner’s perspective. This shift from auditing to a hands-on, operational role was key to shaping my career.

I eventually transitioned into the energy sector, investing money on behalf of an affiliated insurance company. After that, I dove into the distributed generation (DG) space—specifically behind-the-meter solar projects—and spent about four years there, building out the company and leading the back office. During that time, I became familiar with the Navisun team and when I left, I reconnected with them to see how I could contribute. At the time, there was no accounting function beyond the founders, so I came on board to build out the team, focus on processes, and help sustain growth from a reporting perspective. 

What brought you to Navisun and renewable energy more broadly?

I was initially drawn to renewable energy because of my background in financial analysis. I had the experience of evaluating companies from an investment standpoint, but when I moved into the renewable space, it was more than just focusing on the bottom line. At Navisun, I not only analyze financials but also look at how to operate solar systems, diversify revenue streams, and ensure the business’s long-term sustainability.

In terms of renewable energy, I fell into it by chance but stayed because I’ve enjoyed seeing the evolution of the industry over the past decade. Moving from a lender to a developer and now an owner, operator has given me a unique perspective. I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of investing in renewable energy and how much potential there is for growth.

With such a rich background in finance and accounting, what do you think are the most important financial challenges facing solar developers today?

Solar developers and operators face a number of financial challenges. Two of the main pressures are the constantly evolving political landscape and the fluctuating cost environment—rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor costs have all added pressure to the industry. Additionally, interconnection costs and the overall cost of capital are tied to broader economic factors like interest rates. On top of that, solar projects take years to develop, and we always have to look ahead and find ways to lock in costs when we can. There's also the constant need to find capital, such as tax equity, each year, which requires us to stay adaptable and learn from previous years to improve our strategies and expand our partnerships.

What is a misconception you hear around renewable energy financing?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about renewable energy financing is the belief that securing capital is easy. The reality, especially for smaller companies like Navisun, is that it’s a constant balancing act to find providers who are easy to work with but also offer favorable terms. Large projects and the biggest players often get the headlines, but the day-to-day reality for smaller firms is much more complex. Securing favorable financing terms is a dance, and it’s a lot more challenging than the media sometimes portrays.

One of your main focuses is guiding long-term financial decisions. How do you approach strategic decision-making in a fast-evolving industry like solar development?

‍The solar industry is fast-paced, and you have to be comfortable with uncertainty. When making decisions, you weigh the risks—knowing that things will change and evolve. It’s not about having a crystal ball to predict the future; it’s about making the best decision with the information you have at the time and sticking to it. If something doesn’t work out as planned, we address it head-on. You can’t let the unknowns paralyze you; you have to make decisions and move forward.

You’ve been in your current role for just over three years now. What are you most proud of accomplishing in that time?

I'm really proud of the fact that our team has grown and evolved, especially given the challenges we’ve faced. When I joined Navisun, there was a lot of work to do to create structure and put systems in place, and the fact that we’ve been able to stay nimble while still focusing on our goals has been incredibly fulfilling. Our team has grown from 8-9 employees to over 30, and throughout that growth, we’ve maintained a strong, collaborative atmosphere. It's been a continuous learning experience, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

What trends do you foresee in the renewable energy finance sector over the next 5-10 years, and how is Navisun positioning itself to take advantage of these opportunities?

I think the renewable energy sector, particularly solar, will continue to grow despite any political pressures. At the state level, there’s still a big push to expand renewables, and Navisun is working hard to diversify into new markets and explore new products to ensure we’re positioned for success. We’re always looking for the next big market or state to expand into, and we’ll keep pushing to be at the forefront of these opportunities.

What inspires you to want to come to work every day?

What keeps me motivated is the common goal we have as a company. The work is challenging, but I enjoy being independent and self-reliant. I believe in the value of hard work, and there’s always something new to solve. The energy industry is fast-paced, and it’s fulfilling to be part of a company that’s making a difference in a growing industry.

Outside of work, how would you spend your ideal day?

Most of my time outside of work is spent with my daughter, who is 9 years old. She’s involved in a variety of activities, including snowboarding, field hockey, and even competing nationally in American Ninja Warrior style competitions. Watching her grow and supporting her passions is incredibly fulfilling and always keeps me on my toes!

Are you a landowner or developer interested in learning more about working with Navisun? Contact us here.