At GRID Alternatives North Valley, we believe clean energy and economic opportunity go hand in hand—and should be accessible to everyone. That’s why our fourth annual Women & Nonbinary IBT 200 Cohort (Installation Basics Training) continues to be a key element of our workforce development efforts. In five intensive weeks, women from all walks of life come together to build solar skills, confidence, and community—while helping power real homes with GRID solar.
This year’s cohort didn’t just learn how to install solar panels—they dismantled stereotypes, challenged themselves, and left inspired to lead the next generation of tradeswomen.
Why Programs Like This Matter
Traditionally, the solar and construction trades have been male-dominated, leaving many women unsure if they’d ever belong. As Leteka, a recent IBT 200 graduate, puts it:
“Not many women realize that it's actually possible for us to do this work. It's not as hard as it seems…we can do it just as well as men can. We should empower each other to encourage that, so more of us come into this field.”
According to the 2023 Solar Jobs Census, women make up about 30% of the solar workforce, a number that's held steady since 2022 and more than doubles the rate for women in all US construction jobs, only 11% as of 2024. GRID’s IBT 200 job training program is part of the solution, offering not only training—but connection and opportunity.
Instructors and GRID staff take great care in creating a space where women and nonbinary people feel physically and emotionally safe to learn trades work. Harnesses that fit properly, the freedom to express femininity without judgment, and an all-women and nonbinary environment foster rapid growth and camaraderie.
Growing a Passion for Solar—and the Planet
Many of the trainees joined IBT 200 with little to no experience or specific interest in solar energy. But by the end of the program, their perspectives had changed dramatically.
“All we have is our one planet,” said Finn. “There’s no ‘restart’ button… I just really wish the planet can be left alone for a little bit. I’d like my kids to play outside in clean air.”
Skills That Last a Lifetime
Beyond technical skills, the cohort gained soft skills that will support them far beyond the job site. Volunteers from US Bank joined the cohort for a Mock Interview Day to help create a supportive but realistic practice experience. Graduates shared that they now feel more confident in interviews, better at communicating, and ready to advocate for themselves.
“I lost a lot of shyness,” said Lupe. “I feel like if I go to another interview I’d be more prepared. I learned so much here.”
Teamwork was another powerful theme. From the first day on the roof, trainees had to rely on each other.
“We had to pull those solar panels up together,” Leteka explained. “You could not do this job without teamwork.”
A Brighter Future Starts Here
The IBT 200 experience is more than a training—it’s a launching pad. With resume assistance, daily encouragement, and empowering career days, the cohort felt prepared not just to land a job, but to build a career in solar.
“This was a wonderful experience,” Leteka said. “Anybody I know should come try to do this. The sponsors—wow—they really care.” Trainees were gifted free boots from Keen, while the 2025 program is also sponsored by SMUD and Accenture.
GRID’s Women’s IBT 200 Cohort proves what’s possible when barriers are removed, and support is built into the foundation. Trainees leave with the skills to change their futures—and our planet’s.
As one trainee, Lateka said, “You never would think that you could actually do it… [IBT 200] gave me a new outlook. Now I’m for [a career in solar]. My Dad’s proud of me. My Mom’s proud of me. It feels really nice.”
That’s the power of possibility. That’s the power of women in solar.
For more information about GRID North Valley’s IBT 200 program, please contact Workforce Program Manager Seth Yund at syund@gridalternatives.org.