Solarthon, a solar installation block party and fundraiser is an annual event held by GRID Alternatives. It is a wonderful way for GRID staff and volunteers to get together and help a local community while also raising funds to continue the work that we do.

As part of our annual Central Valley Solarthon, which was held this year in the City of Orange Cove on December 2nd, representatives from Bank of America presented a check in the amount of $500,000 to support our GRID Alternatives SolarCorps Fellowship Program.  SolarCorps Fellows come from various backgrounds and parts of the country; this program provides hand-on experience in the field of solar photovoltaics as well as builds administrative skills, program knowledge and work experience in numerous renewable energy job categories.

Students from across the Central Valley region got a crash course in solar energy last month thanks to our longtime partner, SunPower! SunPower Solar Academies were held in the communities of Lemoore, Cutler-Orosi and Bakersfield, giving students the opportunity to learn about the solar industry, explore career options, and develop team projects to present to their peers. GRID Central Valley staff also participated in the events, presenting to students about our Solar Futures program, designed to provide classroom and hands-on solar education to high schools.

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.