GRID IE reached a new peak in May 2016 when job trainees and volunteers worked alongside our construction team to install our first commercial solar system on the headquarters building for partner NPHS (Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services). The installation highlights a three-year partnership between GRID and NPHS based on our common client base and a commitment to making renewable energy available to income-qualified homeowners. Since 2014, GRID has installed four solar systems for NPHS houses that were acquired, rehabilitated, and resold to first-time home buyers in communities such as Victorville and Perris. GRID will also be installing systems at six NPHS homes over the next year.
The system represents another first for GRID IE: expansion of our established hands-on residential solar job training program to commercial properties. “The solar industry is rapidly growing and we want to give our volunteers different experiences and skill sets to make them more competitive in the solar workforce,” said GRID IE Regional Director Bambi Tran.
The NPHS system includes 42 solar panels generating 11 kW of power and is expected to save an estimated $93,000 over its 25 year life span. “The installation of solar at NPHS represents a celebration of two organizations focusing on environmental sustainability,” said Clemente Arturo Mojica, President and CEO of NPHS during a ceremony marking the installation. “We are happy to work with GRID because the system they installed will allow NPHS to direct financial resources to projects as opposed to electric bills.”
Are you interested in a solar career? Based on recent economic trends, the U.S. solar market is expected to expand by 15% in 2016. GRID’s training programs capitalize on this growth with a proven track record of job trainees obtaining positions with solar contractors. You can learn more about commercial solar installations, solar construction internships, and SolarCorps Fellowships at GRID by calling 951.471.7043 or visiting the volunteer portal today.