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.
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.
