On a dark and chilly Saturday morning 120 volunteers and community supporters devoted their time helping five families receive solar on their homes in Biola, California. The sound of chit-chatter filled the air as homeowners, community volunteers and supporters sat around tables chatting about the day’s event with their neighbor over a plate of mole, rice, and homemade flour tortillas. Fueled and ready to go, volunteers completed the installations before noon.
Tony Vargas, a student from Proteus Inc., one of GRID’s employment and training partners, had a great time prepping installs prior to Saturday’s event. “I enjoyed working with the high school students from Madera County Office of Education. The experience helped me gain insight on how I can become a Team Leader and instructor in the field. I enjoyed sharing my excitement and passing it onto the students” states Tony. In addition, GRID is proud to have hosted, Matthew Monroe who flew from Atlanta, Georgia to help prep the homes for Solarthon. With background experience in green and sustainable design, Matt’s interest in solar brought him out to the Central Valley. “My experience volunteering with GRID was excellent from day one…I had the opportunity to go on a site visit with Andy and Oscar on my first day. I had the chance to do a little bit of everything such as, conduit bending, installing quick mounts, wiring, and working with both micro and string inverters” states Matt. Five years from now, Matt plans to have his own small contracting business building homes that are energy efficient and affordable. Thank you Matt for flying out to help Central Valley homeowners receive solar on their rooftops!
GRID Alternatives recognizes that partnership is the key to success in many communities and owes Wells Fargo, Lifestyle Solar, Proteus Inc., Madera County Office of Education, Central Valley Opportunity Center, Fresno State Sundogs, and Perez’s T-shirts & more and community volunteers a great deal of gratitude for their support in making the 2015 Solarthon a success. We look forward to next year!