Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineering students trekked from the east coast to Pasadena this week to spend their spring break installing no-cost rooftop solar panel systems on local homes.

GRID Alternatives’ unique workforce development model utilizes multifamily solar construction projects like this one as “classrooms on the roof” where community members interested in careers in solar construction get skills to increase their chances of being hired in the booming industry.

The solar photovoltaic system, which adds a significant source of new, clean power to the area’s electrical grid, benefits an important local nonprofit providing housing during a countywide shortage.

GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, the largest solar nonprofit in Southern California, announced today that it would construct multiple solar arrays in March on one of Community Corporation of Santa Monica’s Broadway properties serving low-income residents.

"It throws a wrench into plans that we had and into an industry that is really trying to address climate change," said Michael Kadish, executive director of Grid Alternatives in greater Los Angeles.

"In the grand scheme of things a 30% tariff on panels is a small percentage of the overall system cost, and solar still has a really nice value proposition despite that."

Clients served by [the] Jenesse [Center] will get hands-on training from GRID Alternatives during the installation, gaining skills to access the growing solar industry, thus providing economic opportunities as part of Jenesse's core aim of empowering women and fostering financial independence, aims shared by the NAACP.

The report includes recommendations for designing a virtual net metering tariff in Los Angeles to help maximize these types of benefits.

Solar energy is booming in the United States, but companies riding the wave fear that President Donald Trump could undercut them with new tariffs on imported solar panels. A green-technology research firm estimates that tariffs could cost up to 88,000 U.S. jobs related to installing solar-power systems.

The NAACP said that the Jenesse [Center's] installation is expected to save the center an estimated $48,825 in lifetime financial savings and will help reduce harmful toxins and offset 90.06 tons of carbon emissions—the equivalent to planting more than 2,000 trees or taking 17 cars off the road.