Press Release
8minute Solar Energy and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Spotlight the Stories of Solar Workers
Sep 7, 2021
This press release was originally published under 8minute. 8minute changed its name to Avantus in 2022.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif – Alongside its partners at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), 8minute Solar Energy is highlighting the stories of solar workers, whose lives and communities have been enhanced by the solar industry.
“Right now, we have the chance to create even more opportunities for hard-working Americans to advance their careers, provide for their families and create a better future for all through solar and storage – all while laying the groundwork for a more resilient and more reliable grid,” said Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, 8minute Founder and CEO. “You’ll see that the potential for solar and storage is limitless - from the energy it can provide, to the lives it can improve.”
8minute has a long track record partnering with unions: every project the company has built to date in California and across the Southwest has been built with IBEW members and other local unions. As the company executes one of the largest solar and storage development pipelines in the U.S., it remains committed to partnering with local workforces and bringing economic benefits to the communities it works with.
“Bringing in thousands of jobs from panel installers to state-certified journeyman electricians, 8minute’s projects enable our members to advance their professions and carve out new career paths in the fast-growing energy sector,” said Brian Holt, Business Manager of IBEW Local 428 in Kern County. “The solar industry has been great for members of our chapter, their families, and the local economy, and in the fight against climate change, we are all proud to be a part of the clean energy solution.”
Our country has a once in a generation opportunity to move towards 100% clean electricity, combat the climate crisis, and create good-paying, American jobs along the way. Hear from solar workers about how working in the industry is improving their lives and our planet, and join us in the clean energy transformation.