8minute is Now 'Avantus'

In September, 8minute Solar Energy (8minute) revealed its new vision beyond solar development to include an advanced ecosystem of clean energy products and services. To reflect its expanded scope of advanced technologies in the renewable energy space, 8minute has rebranded to Avantus. 

While the company has a new name, the team and its commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement remain unchanged.   

Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, CEO and Founder of Avantus, says the company was founded to deliver on goals central to the fight against climate change – making renewable energy lower cost and more reliable than fossil fuels.

He said, "Now, with more than a decade of experience, we have accomplished more: we've proven we are a category-defining company on track to become one of the first pure-play clean energy majors. And today's announcement introducing Avantus recognizes that.” 

Avantus assures the rebrand will not affect solar development projects like the Red Antelope Solar project in LeChee, Arizona. Avantus and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) remain committed to earning the support of the local Navajo residents through partnership and education. 

A recent community survey indicated that 68% of residents support utility-scale solar development, while 25% are unsure. 

"It's a good start," says Avantus Vice President of Project Development Robbie Horwitz. "But the survey tells us we need to do more outreach and education to gain the support of the community members who are unsure about solar development. Our Community and Tribal Relations Director, Collette Brown-Rodriguez, is spending a lot of time with permittees, business owners, and other community stakeholders to understand their questions and concerns."

Avantus' involvement in the LeChee community began in 2018 when the company and NTUA approached the Chapter and local land users seeking suitable land for solar farm development. In 2020 when the Navajo Nation was severely affected by a deadly pandemic, Avantus was happy to donate supplies to the LeChee Chapter and distribute them to community members. In addition, Avantus contributed to NTUA's Light Up Nation initiative to bring electricity to off-grid homes during the pandemic. 

Avantus looks forward to future partnership initiatives with LeChee and other communities where Avantus' clean energy development projects are located.

Learn more at www.Avantus.com.