After six weeks of early mornings, intense classroom studies and long days working on four separate solar installation jobs, 14 participants in the Solar Works D.C. program stepped onto the stage at the D.C. Infrastructure Academy to receive their graduation certificate on the morning of Aug. 4.

On a sweltering July day, trainees in the Solar Works DC program—under the watchful eyes of multiple supervisors—lifted a solar panel to the roof of a two-story Petworth home.

Solar Power World highlights the donation from Sol Systems and Microsoft to GRID Mid-Atlantic.

As part of a new partnership with Microsoft, Sol Systems contributed $200,000 each to GRID Mid-Atlantic and three other community-based organizations with the goal of increasing diversity in the solar industry.

Solar Works DC provides job training and case management for trainees like Andre Green, who was homeless when he started the program in 2018.

“We want to make sure everyone has access to solar energy, regardless of [how much money] you make,” GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Elijah Perry said. “We want to make sure those who have been overlooked through the solar deployment in the region actually receive solar at no cost.”

After graduating from the Solar Works DC program in 2018, Sharon Wise became an advocate for solar in her community in Southeast DC.

Solar Works DC graduate Sharon Wise led training sessions with community members to help them gain skills in the solar industry.

The Solar for All program helps people like Sam Buggs save money on their electric bills. Meanwhile, GRID Mid-Atlantic helps the Solar for All program by training individuals in the Solar Works DC program.

GRID Mid-Atlantic is joining forces with the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development's
(CNHED) Community Development Week and Solar United Neighbors to showcase the benefits of going solar
at Preola Lee’s house, a GRID Mid-Atlantic client who has solar power providing energy in her home.