Ben Tatum just started a six-month internship with our partner, Synergy Home, as a solar electrician assistant. He recently moved to Pine Ridge near Campton, KY, in the Red River Gorge area, from Richlands, Virginia – a small town in the Appalachian mountains of Southwestern Virginia, about 3 hours away. We caught up with him on his move and his new interest in energy.
Note: Ben’s internship is one of two PAID positions — the other is currently vacant (apply here!).
Q: How did you decide to make your home in eastern KY?
I became interested in moving to Eastern Kentucky through climbing trips to the Red River Gorge. I loved the beauty and scenery of the area combined with the low cost of living and growing job market in the Lexington area.
Q: Why are you interested in solar and energy efficiency?
After moving to Eastern Kentucky, I became interested in energy efficiency and electrical work. I purchased a very old home needing a great deal of renovations, and during remodeling, I became interested in the different phases of construction. I’m looking to build my knowledge in many different areas. The property I purchased also has an old post office building that I’m currently restoring and remodeling into a vacation rental. With this opportunity with Synergy, I’ll learn many different skills in construction and energy efficiency.
I’m also interested in learning more about solar energy and its applications. I see that the future of energy conservation will inevitably lead to mass retrofitting of homes with solar capabilities. I would like to position myself to be at the forefront of this movement as it begins to unfold.
Q: What has surprised you about the internship so far?
Learning more of the benefits and cost savings of solar energy has surprised me – how even those on a tight budget can reap the benefits of solar energy savings through organizations like MACED. So far the position has sparked my interest in doing many of the same energy upgrades to my own home and, in the future, potentially offering these services to others in the area.
Synergy Home is a company based in Lexington focused on residential energy efficiency and renewable energy. To apply for the other internship, visit here.
