Solar panels installed on an energy-efficient home can yield real savings. Watkins will save at least $600 on his BGE bill because he has weatherized his home, and generates solar energy on his rooftop.

Some residents of the Belair-Edison neighborhood are all smiles today. They’re seeing a big drop in their utility bills because of the sun.

Thirty-one homes in the Morgan Community Miles of Baltimore, Maryland, are receiving the benefits of solar power thanks to a partnership between the City of Baltimore, the US Department of Energy, Civic Works, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic,. Baltimore Energy Challenge, and Morgan State University.

Renewable energy created jobs nearly 17 times faster than the rest of the economy in 2016, yet a common argument against the industry is that it costs traditional energy jobs, harming more workers and families than it benefits. A new initiative in Washington is aiming to put this myth to rest by showing that renewable energy not only creates jobs, but also improves society as a whole.

Turnage and Garner were two of five trainees who recently installed solar panels at the Woodland home of retiree Catherine Bennett, 78. “I knew I needed a little help” with the electricity bill, said Bennett, who has lived in the house in Southeast Washington for 41 years. “This may help me some.” Decked out in green hard hats, yellow T-shirts, and harnesses, the trainees were supervised by members of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, the regional branch of a national nonprofit group that helps implement solar power for low- to moderate-income families free.

Solar Works DC provides DC residents hands-on training in the solar industry.

Projects will increase access to solar for low-income families, create new green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of Climate Ready DC and Sustainable DC plan goals.