Today, Mayor Bowser kicked off the first cohort of Solar Works DC, a job training program that installs cost-saving solar energy systems on the homes of low-income residents. A joint effort between the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services, the program will provide on-the-job technical training to more than 200 DC residents between the ages of 18 to 24 and reduce energy costs for up to 300 DC residents by as much as $600 annually.
I recently spent a day installing solar panels on the roof of a low-income housing development in a southeast neighborhood in Washington, D.C., sweating out the 90-degree heat and thinking about people who may not be able to afford to keep cool.
Last month, the D.C. Government launched Solar Works DC, a job-training program for low-income residents. GRID Alternatives will develop the training program and work with program graduates to install solar systems across the District.
DC Mayor will commit to honoring the Paris Climate Accords. This story highlights one of GRID's homeowners, Harold Thomas, his commitment to renewable energy, and his GRID solar system.
For years, solar installers in the Washington metropolitan area have grumbled about a shortage of qualified applicants for entry-level positions. They've also fretted about a lack of low-income customers. Now, a new program could address both of these concerns head-on.
It was a beautiful, cool spring day - perfect weather for being outside and climbing up on a roof. Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in an all-women residential solar installation at Bernice Rink's home in Northeast Washington, DC.
The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) have partnered to develop Solar Works DC, a new low-income solar installation and job training program. To implement the first year of the program, DOEE and DOES have awarded $950,000 to GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic through a competitive grant process.
