As a new year begins at GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, we are rolling up our sleeves and gearing up for another successful year. This year we are looking to outdo ourselves by building on last year's success as we aim to increase access to solar power in the communities we serve. Is it all talk? No way, we got the numbers to prove it!
- Number of solar systems installed: 194
- Kilowatts of solar installed (kW-AC): 517
- Estimated Family savings over the lifetime of the systems: $ 4,829,524
- Greenhouse gases eliminated over the lifetime of the systems: 15,153 tons
- Volunteers who participated on an installation/orientation: 898
- Volunteers who secured jobs after volunteering with GRID: 62
GRID Alternatives' mission is to empower communities in need through hands-on solar energy projects. We believe in a triple bottom line which includes People, Planet and Employment. Our work makes a significant impact in our communities by strengthening civic and community life, creating renewable energy benefits, as well as developing work-ready trainees.
Bottom line: People
This past year, GLA provided solar power to 194 families. We not only helped low-income families gain access to renewable energy, but we also helped them save money on their energy costs by netting out most of their utility bills. An estimated $4,829,524 in future savings will be created for our families during the lifetime of the systems installed. That's an average of $25,000 per household, a good amount of money to be invested in education or healthcare costs among other things. Last year our projects brought together almost 900 volunteers, who generously invested their time and energy to build and strengthen our communities.
Bottom line: Planet
194 solar electric system installations translate directly into environmental benefits. Over 30 years, these solar electric systems will offset 15,153 tons of greenhouse gases, which is equivalent to planting 356,258 tress or taking 2,697 cars off the road for one year. Those numbers speak for themselves. Moreover, GRID encourages environmental justice as it brings clean, green power to low-income communities that would not otherwise have access to it. In doing so, we demonstrate that solar power is a practical solution for all of our communities, not just for those who usually have access to the latest, clean technology.
Bottom Line: Employment
Through our volunteering and workforce development programs, we helped unemployed or underemployed members of the same communities we serve secure employment for themselves in the growing solar industry. Many volunteers had the opportunity to get out on a roof and gain hands-on experience from our staff, receiving hours and hours of training on installations and networking opportunities with our partners. We are proud to report that 62 volunteers stepped directly into the solar labor force after volunteering with GRID. As our Workforce Development Officer Adewale OgunBadejo states, "With GRID's help, people are not just finding jobs in the renewable energy sector, they are finding careers." What's more, because of the high quality trainees GRID prepares, Adewale is frequently being approached about work-ready candidates from potential employers.
Vision for 2014
In 2104, we'll continue working with community members and building strong partnerships with job training partners. We'll work on new kinds of projects and expand our work into new communities while deepening our impact in communities such as Long Beach, Oxnard, El Monte, Santa Ana and other areas where we've already made a big difference. GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles will make 2014 another remarkable year. "2014 is the year we expand our work so that access to clean energy for all Angelinos becomes not just a worthy goal, but an inevitability," affirms Executive Director Michael Kadish.
