The Women in Power install brought together top female executives and job trainees from Los Angeles Conservation Corps to install solar for the Menjivar family. For this family of 11 spanning three-generations in South Los Angeles, the 4 kW solar system will save them nearly $40,000 over its lifetime.
The event was part of GRID Alternatives’ National Women in Solar Initiative, in partnership with SunEdison, to support women in their professional growth, provide hands-on skills training, and offer paid Fellowships to help women get a foot in the growing industry.
"[This] solar installation with GRID Alternatives highlights the fact that a green economy and clean energy benefit all communities throughout Los Angeles County," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. "It is heartening to see women at both the beginning and at the peak of their careers leading this effort in meaningful ways."
Nearly 150 female volunteers and job trainees have logged more than 3100 training hours with GLA since 2014, and 25 have secured employment in the solar industry.
"We are seeing the potential of solar to empower disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles,” said GLA Executive Director Michael Kadish. “We’re also making an important statement that the solar workforce of the future will be accessible to all kinds of people eager to be part of this growing green economy.” This project was among the first of many that will bring both clean solar energy and job training opportunities to hundreds of Angelenos thanks to California’s investment in emissions reductions in disadvantaged communities through its cap and trade program. GRID Alternatives will be installing five megawatts of rooftop solar on over 1,600 homes in disadvantaged communities across the state through the California Department of Community Services and Development’s (CSD) Low Income Weatherization Program.
“Low-income households receiving rooftop solar systems will now experience the benefits of California’s climate investments,” said Linné Stout, Director of CSD. “These investments reduce emissions, provide cleaner, healthier air for all of us, and lessen the burden of energy costs on low-income Californians.”
“The funds coming to the State from selling climate allowances help organizations like GRID Alternatives bring solar power and energy savings to communities throughout the state,” said California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols. 
“These projects do more than lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills; they provide jobs, and the training for those jobs, at a very local level. It's great to be up on a roof in Los Angles installing solar with GRID Alternatives," said Nancy Sutley, LADWP's Chief Sustainability and Economic Development Officer. "The LADWP has ambitious goals for rooftop solar in Los Angeles and today we are demonstrating that everyone in every neighborhood in the city can be a part of meeting those goals and benefiting from the opportunities for savings and job training."