Innovation

The core innovation at Crossroads Solar lies in its business model, which combines sustainable energy production with a strong commitment to social responsibility. Rather than solely focusing on solar panel manufacturing, the company aims to employ only formerly incarcerated individuals. This provides previously incarcerated individuals with a stable and skilled job. This approach emerged from founder and CEO Patrick Regan’s background as a Professor at Notre Dame. He shared that he decided to begin teaching a course in prison and saw the challenges former inmates faced when re-entering society and the workforce. Inspired to address this issue, Regan left his academic career to create a new business that would not only support renewable energy but also offer second chances to the same population he had been inspired by while working in a prison. He stated that “I wouldn’t have quit my academic job just to make solar panels. I was more interested in the mission of seeing whether you could take socialist principles and develop a company around them, that hired only men and women coming out of prison.”

The innovation was developed through a combination of Regan’s vision and financial backing from supporters who believed in his mission. He shared that this allowed him to turn his experiment into a fully operational company. Early on, Regan worked closely with a small team to refine the business model, ensuring that it provided fair wages and respect for all employees, while also meeting industry standards for high-quality solar panels. Regan’s approach reflects a deeper sense of purpose, aiming to change perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals by showing that they can contribute positively to society if given the opportunity. He noted, “I think I’ve demonstrated that they’re actually pretty good people at the core. And if you treat them with respect and dignity, then they're going to do a good job for you”. This commitment to dignity and fairness supports Crossroads Solar’s larger mission of helping people reintegrate into society and protecting the environment. The company’s approach and mission are unique, as it combines making solar panels with giving second chances.

Inspiration

For Patrick Regan, he shared with us, two key experiences inspired him to establish Crossroad Solar. Regan worked with incarcerated people through the Moreau College Initiative and was able to see how difficult it could be for them to get into any workforce, coming out of prison. He stated that his vision was to be able to give the previously imprisoned men and women another chance at social acceptance within the workplace. Additionally, Regan previously worked as the director of the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, where he researched climate change. His research was used to rank countries based on how well they could defend against climate change. This research he conducted served as another catalyst for starting up the company. He combined his experience in climate initiatives with a commitment to social responsibility to form Crossroads, offering training and employment to those reintegrating into society by creating meaningful job opportunities.

Overall impact

The overall impact of Crossroads Solar is that it contributes to environmental sustainability by manufacturing solar panels and promoting clean energy adoption. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. As solar panels become more accessible through companies like Crossroads, individuals, and organizations can more easily adopt eco-friendly practices, amplifying the impact on reducing global environmental degradation. Crossroads promotes a renewable energy future, aligning environmental efforts with community-building and rehabilitation. By blending these missions, Crossroads Solar is a model for integrating social and environmental impact in business.

Business benefit

The innovation at Crossroads Solar brings several unique benefits to the business. By employing formerly incarcerated individuals, the company has built a loyal, motivated workforce that values the chance they get to rebuild their lives. This approach creates a positive work culture and stable productivity. Additionally, Crossroads Soar’s mission of giving second chances makes it stand out from competitors, attracting customers who care about social impacts. This unique approach enhances the brand’s identity, appealing to clients and investors who support both sustainable energy and social responsibility. 

Social and environmental benefit

Crossroads Solar’s innovative approach has meaningful benefits for society and the environment. By offering employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals, the company helps reduce recidivism and promotes social reintegration, giving people a chance to contribute positively to their communities. A report released in 2010 by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that over 50,000 individuals released from federal prisons encountered much difficulty with finding employment after being released. Crossroads Solar alleviates some of this difficulty by hiring solely previously incarcerated individuals and creates a domino effect for individuals. By giving them another opportunity to work, they get a chance to start over, earn money, and even reconnect with their families. Environmentally, Crossroads Solar supports the transition to clean energy by producing high-quality solar panels that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This focus on both social good and renewable energy supports bigger goals of fairness in society and protecting the environment, leading to positive changes in many areas. 

Interview

Patrick Regan, CEO