Job Training

1,600 and Counting

GRID Alternatives Central Valley started with six team members and one truck and trailer in the first warehouse. Eight years later, 32 team members strong. Due to explosive growth, GRID Central Valley just finished moving into its fourth location. Since 2009, Tom Esqueda, GRID Executive Director has led his group on an adventure, from working on one install a week, to working on three installs per day. Since inception, GRID Central Valley has focused on helping the many communities it serves.

Press Release: 31 Homes in Baltimore Receive Solar through Partnership
Thirty-one homes in the Morgan Community Miles of Baltimore, Maryland, are receiving the benefits of solar power thanks to a partnership between the City of Baltimore, the US Department of Energy, Civic Works, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic,. Baltimore Energy Challenge, and Morgan State University.

Trainees Today, Mentors Tomorrow
After six weeks of solar training, the inaugural Solar Works DC cohort graduated in August. Solar Works DC is a low-income solar installation and job-training program spearheaded by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES). GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is implementing the first year of the program, preparing District residents to enter careers in solar and related fields while reducing energy costs for qualified low-income District homeowners.

Global Citizen - This Brilliant Program Installs Solar Panels for Free for Low-Income Residents
Renewable energy created jobs nearly 17 times faster than the rest of the economy in 2016, yet a common argument against the industry is that it costs traditional energy jobs, harming more workers and families than it benefits. A new initiative in Washington is aiming to put this myth to rest by showing that renewable energy not only creates jobs, but also improves society as a whole.

Washington Post - Nonprofit installs solar panels on roofs of lower-income households — free
Turnage and Garner were two of five trainees who recently installed solar panels at the Woodland home of retiree Catherine Bennett, 78. “I knew I needed a little help” with the electricity bill, said Bennett, who has lived in the house in Southeast Washington for 41 years. “This may help me some.” Decked out in green hard hats, yellow T-shirts, and harnesses, the trainees were supervised by members of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, the regional branch of a national nonprofit group that helps implement solar power for low- to moderate-income families free.