On this episode of Inside the Issues, we take a look at the power of the sun and the future of how California plans to use it.

Stella Ursua, who serves as outreach and partnerships manager at GRID Alternatives — Greater Los Angeles and is president of Green Education, Inc., has been elected board chair.

The job training is a key component of the Disadvantaged Community – Solar Home Program. […] It also helps the environment by installing clean energy in neighborhoods that under normal circumstances couldn't afford it.

"I grew up in gang-fested areas, and I don't think neighborhoods like that know about solar as much as they should."

The households typically save about 90% on their electrical bills in the long run, according to Danny Hom, communications coordinator for GRID Alternatives.

In the process, more than 40,000 solar panel installers like Darean Nguyen gain valuable hands-on job training for a career in solar.

GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit that installs solar systems exclusively for low-income communities, applied as the solar contractor for several qualifying projects in Ventura County.

This group of veterans in Orange County are undergoing training for work in the solar power industry.

The largest local nonprofit solar panel installer is the Los Angeles chapter of Oakland-based Grid Alternatives, which has offices throughout California, Colorado and the mid-Atlantic region. Downtown-based Homeboy Industries also has a nonprofit solar installation program, with the main focus on workforce training.

"Potter's Lane is an innovative community, and we're proud to be installing multifamily solar for the veterans who live here," said Michael Kadish, executive director of GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles.