Cynthia Silverthorn is a solar advocate, an avid bicyclist, and a GRID Alternatives volunteer

In a new and groundbreaking partnership, GRID Alternatives and Grand Valley Power (GVP) teamed up this year for nation’s first community solar array dedicated exclusively to low-income customers. The project has generated interest from utilities and policy-makers across the country, and Grand Valley Power and GRID Alternatives were invited by United States Congressman Jared Polis to brief a congressional working group on Innovation in Alternatives Energies on May 6.

GRID Alternatives Colorado is very excited to announce that work has officially begun on our first ever Community Solar project. In partnership with the Grand Junction based utility Grand Valley Power, GRID has broken ground on a ground-mounted solar system that will provide solar energy to 7 local families....

Matthew Yaeger is not your typical high school senior-- read about this solar advocate and the Solar 4 Everyone Transcontinental Relay

When Charlie Wilde started taking classes at Solar Energy International in 2013 he knew already what his goals were. Many people jump into the solar industry for lots of different reasons and with different outcomes, but for Charlie he had already made plans and was committed to following through with them. That’s why when NPR reached out to Solar Energy International to hear more from their students, they mentioned Charlie right away. His dedication to learning, positive attitude, and the reasons for joining the solar movement all stand out among the many people who move through the beautiful SEI Campus.

In Nicaragua last year, I joined a team of strangers as we traveled to the small Central American country to install solar for a rural village and see another part of the world with the GRID Alternatives International Program. Throughout the week people commented on “Nica time” warning us not to worry if things didn’t always follow the prescribed path. Over the week we all learned to let go and give the schedule over to the circumstance, to let the days flow uninhibited, to laugh, to work hard, and to understand that what will be, will be. It was a powerful experience to see a transformation as the group settled in with a different culture and concept of time.

Ever hear that charming song that plays as the clock strikes midnight, year after year amid cascading balloons and confetti? Auld Lang Syne is its traditional name, and this song carries with it a sentimental meaning and deep history. Check out our version, as we recall all the memories, friends, and hard work of 2014.

GRID’s impact is best told through the words of our clients. Having recently joined the GRID team here in Colorado, I have been taking time to get to know some of our clients so that I can better understand the work that we do. The following transcript is from a conversation I had with Amy Sue Pinto, who we installed a 3kw solar system for back in March of 2014.

Clay Chism and Bilal Qassem are from different parts of the world that are no strangers to conflict. But these two sure know that the key word in team leader is “team”. Their friendship stands out among the crew of volunteers, as they work together to help one another achieve important goals.