GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) is proud to announce that its IBT 200 Solar Installation Basics Training program at the Clean Tech Training Center (CTTC) has officially earned Training Provider Accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).
An IREC credential is one of the most respected marks of quality in the clean energy industry. Students, employers, funders, and stakeholders look for the IREC mark to identify training that meets strict safety requirements and aligns with industry needs. The accreditation for GRID IE was approved on August 14, 2025, recognizing the IBT 200 program as a PV Installer Specialist course under IREC Standard 01023:2019.
“We pursued IREC accreditation to ensure our regional training meets the highest national standards and to demonstrate our commitment to preparing Inland Empire residents for clean energy careers,” said Cindy Corrales, GRID Alternatives Inland Empire Workforce Development Director. “This recognition validates the quality of our IBT 200 program and strengthens our ability to prepare trainees for life-changing opportunities in the solar industry.”
GRID IE's Workforce Development Department (from left to right): Jailene Vera - Solar Trainer and Junior Installation Supervisor, Paola Ramos - Workforce Coordinator, Sandra Romero - Workforce and Training Manager, Neil Warren - Sr. Solar Installation Training Officer, Erik Rodriguez Cerda - Workforce Programs Coordinator, and Cindy Corrales - Workforce Development Director
The IBT 200 program is a 200-hour, industry-vetted course aligned with the NABCEP PV Installer Specialist Job Task Analysis. It combines classroom learning, lab-based training, and real-world solar installation experience. GRID Alternatives launched IBT 200 nationally in 2019 after many years of providing rooftop training to thousands of volunteers and aspiring installers. GRID IE introduced IBT 200 locally in 2023, and it has quickly become one of the cornerstones of CTTC’s workforce development efforts.
“IREC developed its accreditation program to recognize high-quality training opportunities and close the skills gap between education providers and industry needs,” said Cynthia Finley, IREC Vice President for Workforce Strategy and Innovation. “We congratulate GRID Alternatives Inland Empire for meeting the high standards required to achieve IREC accreditation.”
Accredited programs must demonstrate excellence in curriculum design, instructor qualifications, student outcomes, and safety protocols. Accreditation is valid for five years, during which GRID IE will complete annual reports and maintenance requirements to ensure continued compliance and quality improvement. This process holds providers accountable and ensures that trainees graduate with skills that remain relevant in a fast-changing industry.
The recognition comes at a particularly meaningful time. On September 9, 2025, GRID IE will celebrate the graduation of its first IBT 200 cohort trained under IREC accreditation. These graduates are the first from the CTTC to complete a program validated against IREC national standards. They will be entering the workforce with credentials that employers across the country recognize and respect.
As the clean energy economy expands, employers are facing an increasing demand for skilled, job-ready workers. With IREC accreditation, GRID IE’s Clean Tech Training Center is now positioned to deliver on that demand at the highest level, preparing graduates who can step into well-paying jobs that strengthen both families and communities.
This milestone underscores GRID IE’s commitment to building inclusive career pathways and ensuring the benefits of the clean energy transition reach every corner of the Inland Empire.