Ed Stoll was searching for something more than just an everyday electrician's job, particularly after he adopted a little girl from Vietnam to be part of his family in the Milwaukee area. "I wanted to do something to make the world a better place for my daughter," said Stoll. "I was searching for something more."

He found that something: solar and wind power. After taking some classes through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association on weekends, and staying up late at night with his laptop learning about solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and then small wind turbines, Stoll is embarked on a new career. He hopes to soon be certified through the Solar America Cities Program to teach classes on solar and wind electrical work, educating a new generation about job opportunities with renewable energy in the new green economy.

His background in union trades training gives him an advantage. "There are a lot of folks who may have the will to be in the renewable energy installation business, but they don't have the skill," he said.

The vast majority of his electrical contracting gigs are rooftop solar PV systems, though he likes the occasional small wind turbine work. "Anytime you can get power from nothing, like the wind, that intrigues me," Stoll remarked. The thrill of climbing up and down turbine towers "makes it a little more fun" than some solar PV installations, he admitted.

According to REPP, Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation in potential new manufacturing jobs created for existing companies supplying components for solar, wind, biomass and geothermal power supplies. ‘People don't realize the range of jobs available in the renewable energy sector. These companies need engineers, accountants and CEO's, just like any other business."

The Green Jobs for America campaign and the Blue Green Alliance are working to build a file of people who are currently working in green jobs, or own/operate green businesses, and are willing to share their story with others and speak with the media about their experiences.

Sara Eagle is a worker and UAW Local 1002 President from Michigan.  She works at a production facility building solar and Energy Star water heaters.

Here's what Sara says about why she feels it's important that she works in a green job:

"As the president of my local and the mother of a 5 year old daughter, I would like to leave her and other children in the best shape I can. I want her to be able to see all of the beautiful things around us. Professionally, I would like to be competitive in all industries and I would like less pollution in the environment. As UAW members we try to make the whole world a better place not just in our own backyards."

The recent "Building the Clean Assembly Line" report by Blue Green Alliance shows that Michigan can create 34,777 clean energy manufacturing jobs if we adopt a nationwide Renewable Electricty Standard of 25 percent by 2025.  Workers like Sara Eagle will get opportunities for good paying jobs, while helping to leave a better environment for future generations.

Jesse Michalski from Wisconsin is a union electrician and he says he works for the first North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified contractor in Wisconsin to install solar photovoltaics.  Jesse's company provides electrical installation, design, and service for a wide spectrum.  He says he feels it's important to work in the clean energy economy for conservation and to ensure his kids will have affordable energy. 

Ronald Schoch is the President of USW Local 2-0445 in Park Falls, Wisconsin where he works as a backtender for Flambeau River Papers.  His father and grandfather both worked at the mill and he followed in their footsteps. 

Flambeau River Papers has dramatically reduced their energy usage since they reopened in 2006, striving to become fossil fuel free.  They are developing a biorefinery to produce cellusoic biofuels and they hope to produce 7.7 million gallons of biodiesel, while exporting steam to the onsite paper mill.  The plants carbon footprint has been greatly reduced in the last three years, and their goal is to become the first self-sustained pulp and paper mill in North America, according to Schoch.

Schoch says he believes the only way the working class is going to survive and be vibrant is to explore energy alternatives and that he is proud to work for a company with the foresight to see what it will take to be successful in the future.