I recently began working in the Illinois solar industry, and am proud to spend my days talking to people about the advantages of solar for their homes. I love knowing that I’m doing something good for my neighbors and for the environment.
Before I joined the solar industry, I was a business writer and communications consultant. I’ve personally been a big supporter of solar since the 90s and was thrilled to see the market begin to take off in Illinois, thanks to lawmakers passing the Future Energy Jobs Act. I knew right away it was something I wanted to be part of.
The recent Solar Foundation jobs report showed Illinois adding over 1,300 new jobs from 2017 to 2018 alone. But in order to keep up this momentum lawmakers need to keep supporting good policy, which is why I’m glad that legislators on the House and Senate energy committees are gathering this week in Springfield to discuss Representative Will Davis’s Path to 100 Act.
The Path to 100 Act will strengthen the Illinois economy, while protecting the environment. It will provide careers for those interested in working in the sustainable energy field. And it will provide Illinois and its residents a future of new possibilities, as we integrate sustainable energy into our daily lives.
Working in solar is the best job I’ve ever had. I really like the fact that what I do has a long term, positive impact on the world. What could be more rewarding than helping keep our planet viable for future generations? I hope Illinois lawmakers will pass the Path to 100 Act, so more Illinoisans can make a living, while helping to create this brighter future.
Patrice Kelly
Forest Park resident and Senior Retail Solar Advisory for Sunrun
