Faces of Solar: Ky Ajayi, President of Central Road Energy and Solar Access Manager for StraightUp Solar
- Solar Powers Illinois
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Key Takeaways:
Ky Ajayi is President of Central Road Energy and Solar Access Manager at StraightUp Solar
He helps individuals, businesses, public facilities, and other customers access solar through Illinois Solar for All
His work focuses on equity, education, and growing Illinois’ clean energy workforce
He has led numerous Solar for All projects for public facilities in Central Illinois, such as the Bloomington Public Library
Ask anyone in Central Illinois for someone who has guided them in a decision related to solar energy – whether that be career advice to an aspiring solar worker or assistance with accessing cost-saving programs – and there is a good chance Ky Ajayi will come up.
Ky joined the ranks of the solar industry 7 years ago, bringing a 14-year background in academia to his current positions as President of Central Road Energy and Solar Access Manager for StraightUp Solar. Although he made the transition to solar, he still finds education to be his favorite part of the job.
“Seeing someone’s eyes widen when they ‘get it’ is one of the most fulfilling feelings,” Ky said. “There is often obtuse and confusing language in regulations, and a lot of legalese. While such precise language is important, to boil it down to terms that people understand is very rewarding.”
Making Illinois Solar Accessible
There is a deep-rooted passion in Ky’s education and advocacy, centered on reducing carbon emissions for the common good and to protect the environment. He has helped numerous individuals and communities navigate Illinois Solar for All. Illinois Solar for All is a state program that enables low-income households, nonprofits, and public facilities to install solar with little to no upfront cost.
Two prominent examples of Solar for All projects that Ky led are the Bloomington Public Library and Normal Activities and Recreation Center. Both are public facilities that are saving taxpayer dollars – and their surrounding environment – through Solar for All.
“Educating private individuals and business owners is imperative if we are serious about addressing climate change,” Ky said. “There are many communities that are underrepresented in the clean energy economy and unfortunately, they are usually the most impacted. Spreading the word in those communities and getting folks involved is especially important.”
Ky Ajayi's Advice for Aspiring Solar Professionals
Not only is Ky committed to helping more people access solar energy, but he is also committed to getting more people working in the industry. Illinois clean energy experts say the industry has a bright future thanks to the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), which is spurring growth in clean energy storage and helping maintain programs that were impacted by last year’s federal clean energy policy changes.
With all the positive momentum in Illinois, Ky’s advice to people aspiring to join Illinois’ solar workforce is simple: Get involved any way you can, because there is no shortage of roles in a complex and ever-evolving field.
“Look beyond installation,” Ky said. “The industry needs drone operators, CAD designers, electricians, marketing professionals, salespersons, and more.”’