Marco (on the right) working with an Edison International volunteer.
“Inspired, motivated, and ready,” shared Marco Morales when describing himself during the second month of his paid, eleven-month SolarCorps Construction Fellowship. Since first encountering GRID in 2017, Marco has volunteered on the roof with GRID IE’s Construction Team and successfully graduated with the first IBT 200 cohort—a new training program for the Inland Empire launched in 2023 by the GRID IE Workforce Team.
Through the Construction Fellowship, fellows receive hands-on training and put their skills to use during real-life builds alongside GRID IE’s professional Construction Team. In addition to installing solar panels, fellows learn operations and maintenance of photovoltaic systems, project management, and solar design. Other notable parts of the program include a cash stipend for each fellow to invest in their professional development and a trip to the nationwide SolarCorps Fellowship retreat here in California, where fellows meet and discuss the future’s equitable transition to clean energy.
Marco with family members at his IBT 200 graduation in 2023
Recently, Marco has been focused on learning how to set up chalk layouts, which are essential for indicating where solar panels can be mounted on a roof. This vital task requires an in-depth understanding of roof design and construction - knowing where you can and cannot attach the solar panel mounting hardware to a roof is critical. For safety reasons, panels must be supported by wooden roofing trusses under the surface that you cannot see directly. This is also important for the roof's integrity so as not to cause leaks or damage to other equipment mounted on and in roofing structures.
“So far, the most challenging part of the job has to be remembering each step and ensuring quality and accuracy of my work so that I can continue to the next task,” said Marco, who also stressed the importance of eating healthy and staying fit to execute the physical demands of the job.
By the end of his fellowship, Marco has two goals: “to be comfortable troubleshooting any problems that may happen during the installation, and to use my gained experience to work in the solar industry or at GRID.”
Stay tuned for more on Marco’s Construction Fellowship later in the year as we check in with him during his time with GRID IE.
Lately, Marco has enjoyed building and painting model kits. As part of his health and fitness regime, he has also been waking up early to cycle at 5 a.m
Related links: