Across the District of Columbia, 42 families are now benefiting from the financial savings that solar power provides, thanks to a partnership between GRID Alternatives and The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic just finished up these solar installations in DC this summer through DCSEU’s Affordable Solar Program. GRID was chosen to be one of the program’s primary solar installers. The DCSEU’s Affordable Solar Program just completed its fifth year, and has already begun work on next year’s projects.

After six whirlwind weeks of solar installations, workshops, trainings, canvassing and hot, hot weather, the Department of Energy and the Environment’s (DOEE) Green Zone Solar Plus Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has drawn to a close. GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic was proud to lead, train and provide new experiences and opportunities to the 15 Green Zone job trainees.

Everyone was standing under the shade of the trees to stay out of the scorching sun. When Tommy Wells of DC’s Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) started speaking, groups gathered close together under tents to hear him introduce the signing of the Renewable Portfolio Energy Standard Expansion Act of 2016 (RPS), which was introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh and was signed into law on July 25th, 2016, by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

"I am so grateful for this opportunity. More importantly - it's a win-win-win for everybody," said Theresa Jones, homeowner in Baltimore City, after just having solar installed on her home. Ms. Jones addressed a crowd of people gathered in her backyard, all huddled under tents in order to stay out of the summer’s blazing sun. Ms. Jones’ solar installation was the site of a Memorandum of Understanding signing by the City of Baltimore, Maryland Clean Energy Center, and the US Department of Energy (US DOE) to commit to finding long-term solutions for financing low-income solar in Baltimore. GRID Alternatives was thrilled to host the occasion marking this important step in making solar energy accessible to everyone.

Passionate about cycling, raising awareness about climate change, and supporting GRID? Participate in one of this year's Climate Ride events!

"Gramma can you believe it? You got solar panels!" squealed eight-year old Diamond as her grandmother looked through pictures of the solar array that was just installed on her roof. Diamond's grandmother, Ida, heard about GRID Alternatives when its offices were only located on the West Coast and waited patiently for years hoping GRID would come to this area. Now that GRID Alternatives has a Mid-Atlantic Regional office in DC, Ida was finally able to get solar on her Baltimore home. People from the Baltimore community came together to make this installation happen: local volunteers, GRID Solar Corps fellows and staff members, AmeriCorps Members from Civic Works' Baltimore Energy Challenge program, and Ida's family members all had a hand in this project. This solar installation was one of the first of many to take place in Baltimore, a result of the shared mission and collaboration of multiple organizations.

Washington D.C. just took a major step forward to advance climate action goals by increasing the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2032. This means that 50% of all energy generation must come from renewable energy sources, which means more wind and more solar! Included in the bill is a 5% solar carve-out that includes a “Solar for All” program intended specifically for low-income households. This is where GRID Alternatives comes in. As the nation’s largest non-profit solar installer, we intend to help the District achieve its goals of helping 100,000 low-income households reduce electricity costs through solar and energy efficiency.

All of a sudden, Mr. Evans jumped out of his chair. “I’m gonna go look at the solar panels on my house!” he said excitedly, as he ran out the door, surprisingly quick for someone over seventy years old. Participants of the Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP) job training group had just completed the solar installation on Mr. Evans’ home and were enjoying a well-deserved break with the hot dogs and hamburgers that Mr. Evans had prepared. Everyone put down their plates and followed Mr. Evans, who was already at the top of the ladder peering out from under his hard hat at his roof. “Man, this is really something!” he said. Everyone grinned, glad that they had pleased the spritely Mr. Evans, a DC homeowner by the Anacostia River. GRID Alternatives is excited to welcome 15 GZEP job trainees to our team for six weeks!

GRID is excited to announce the addition of our newest staff member, Commercial Solar Installation Supervisor. Michael Brown! Michael has worked at GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic for two weeks. "I'm looking forward to being an asset to GRID's mission," Michael says, "The combination of environmental stewardship with economic justice that is GRID is exactly what I want to be doing. I hope to continue to bring a greater measure of financial freedom to the residents of DC and Baltimore."

Imagine you wake up early in the morning, stretch, go on a five-mile run, and then listen to a motivational speaker for a half an hour inspiring you to live your life to the fullest; all before the rest of the world is at work. You would feel empowered, motivated, and accomplished, right? This is how the organization Run Hope Work empowers youth to become their best selves physically and emotionally, all while providing hands-on training to boost their resume skills in order to find a job.