Andy Martinez, Solar, Illinois

Andy Martinez is a field performance technician at Sunrun and lives in Illinois. He’s been in the industry for 5 years.

Why is clean energy important to you? I’ve seen what clean energy can do for residential homes and how people can benefit from it. Since becoming a service tech I’ve learned so much from a technical standpoint. Growing up I have always wanted to work with my hands and help people at the same time. I have achieved this in my current role at Sunrun.

What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? Being recommended to a My Climate Journey podcast by other people who have seen the work I have put in this industry and telling my story to the world and getting positive feedback!

What did you do before entering clean energy? Front desk agent at a hotel.

When were you first introduced to clean energy? I went to an electrical trade school in Chicago,  and they landed my first interview with Sunrun!

What should more people know about your role? Solar has boomed in Illinois and has not slowed down one bit. People have become more interested in what solar can do for them from a financial standpoint in the long term.

What does your job mean to you and your family? My job has opened many doors for me and helped me achieve other goals beyond work!

Why should Congress invest in clean energy jobs, not fossil fuel jobs? I am the product of someone who works in clean energy, and I have accomplished quite a bit for myself the last 5 years. Everything I have earned for myself is due to hard work and applying myself in this industry to keep learning and making myself valuable.