Interested in applying? Fill out this form to be notified when positions for the 25-26 cohort open.
Watch a recording of our information session here!
Slides from the information session
Join GRID Alternatives at this pivotal time in our mission toward an equitable transition to clean energy that includes everyone. If you are interested in hands-on experience in the solar industry and value a renewable future, our SolarCorps Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a non-profit organization with diverse programming founded on people-first solutions.
The fellowship runs from September 16th, 2024, to August 15th, 2025. Paid positions are located in California, the D.C. area, and Puerto Rico. Remote and location-flexible positions are also available.
2024-2025 Fellowship Opportunities include
- Construction
- Solar Installation
- Operations & Maintenance
- Project Management
- Solar Design
- Workforce Development & Training
- Community Outreach
- Clean Mobility Outreach
- And other related positions!
Program Details:
- September 16th 2024 - August 15th, 2025
- Begins with a virtual week-long Pre-Service Orientation.
- Includes a 4-day in-person Mid-Year Retreat in California
- Provides 80+ hours and $600 towards your professional development
- Benefits outlined below
| Benefits | AmeriCorps | Non-AmeriCorps |
| Pay: | $37,400 stipend (Approx. $1,700 every 2 weeks ) | $19.61/hr |
| Insurance: | Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, EAP | Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, EAP |
| Time off: | Grid holidays (13 days) + 10 additional days | Grid holidays (13 days) + up to 22 additional days |
| Professional Development Funds: | $600 to use over the course of the year | $600 to use over the course of the year |
| Eligible for Overtime?: | No | Yes |
| Post-Term Award: | Segal Education Award: $10,000 | Amount to be determined: Cash Award upon Completion |
| Child Care Benefits: | Yes, if eligible | No |
| Eligible for SNAP/Food Stamps: | Yes | No |
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- No prior experience needed
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- For AmeriCorps positions only: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States (Note: DACA recipients are not eligible for AmeriCorps State/National fellowships. They are, however, eligible for other SolarCorps positions)
- Cannot have been convicted of murder or convicted of a crime resulting in being listed on the sex offender registry. To verify this, candidates must participate in a national criminal history background check. Other criminal history is considered case-by-case.
- Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP. This does not include cannabis testing as it is legal in CA.
- Commitment to completing 11 month program
- Valid driver's license (for construction/installation roles).
- Access to reliable internet (for office based/remote roles).
- Construction, Workforce Development, and Outreach positions will be in person. Some headquarters positions will be location flexible between GRID offices.
General FAQs
- What is the SolarCorps Fellowship Program?
- How do I know that the program is accepting applications?
- How long is the SolarCorps fellowship program?
- How much would the pay be?
- What are the benefits?
- What would my schedule look like?
- What are the expectations regarding travel for SolarCorps?
- What should I submit when I apply?
- What does the application process look like?
- What is the difference between AmeriCorps SolarCorps positions and SolarCorps positions that are not AmeriCorps roles?
- What are the minimum eligibility requirements for this fellowship program?
- How do I know if the position I’m applying for is AmeriCorps or not?
- Medical, dental, and vision/eye care insurance are provided, as well as access to GRID's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Fellows may also be eligible for childcare benefits. At the successful completion of the term, AmeriCorps fellows are eligible for an education award worth $10,000 as well as forbearance for federally backed students loans; after you successfully complete your term of service, you are eligible to have the interest incurred during service paid in full. AmeriCorps SolarCorps Fellows are also eligible for 10 days off in addition to GRID’s 13 observed holidays.
- Non-AmeriCorps SolarCorps Fellows are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, can accrue up to 22 days of paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance.
What would my schedule look like?
SolarCorps positions are full-time roles averaging 40 hours a week. Depending on the role, those expected hours will vary. For AmeriCorps positions, you must complete 1700 hours and complete the term in order to earn the Segal Education Award and California Education for All award, which are worth $10,000 towards educational expenses.
What are the expectations regarding travel for SolarCorps?
SolarCorps roles are mostly office based, though there is a 4 day paid program retreat in the spring.
What should I submit when I apply?
Candidates need to apply to the specific fellowship they are interested in with a resume and a cover letter. If the candidate is interested in multiple positions, they will need to submit an application for each position.
What does the application process look like?
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email to schedule a phone screening. During this screening, we’ll confirm your eligibility and, if applicable, move you to the interview round. If selected for the role, you will be sent an offer letter. Once the offer letter is signed, our HR team will send you a drug screening and background check to start the onboarding process. When the onboarding process is completed, you will be ready to start Pre-Service Orientation with the cohort in mid-September.
What is the difference between AmeriCorps SolarCorps positions and SolarCorps positions that are not AmeriCorps roles?
AmeriCorps SolarCorps positions are funded by the AmeriCorps State/National agency and have stricter minimum requirements for candidates compared to Non-AmeriCorps SolarCorps positions. AmeriCorps fellows are also eligible for the Segal Education award once they have served 1700 hours of service. Instead of an hourly wage, AmeriCorps fellows receive a bi-monthly stipend. The stipend does not count as income for state benefits like CalFresh. AmeriCorps fellows are not eligible for overtime pay.
What are the minimum eligibility requirements for this fellowship program?
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- No prior experience needed
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- For AmeriCorps positions only: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States (Note: DACA recipients are not eligible for AmeriCorps State/National fellowships. They are, however, eligible for other SolarCorps positions)
- Cannot have been convicted of murder or convicted of a crime resulting in being listed on the sex offender registry. To verify this, candidates must participate in a national criminal history background check. Other criminal history is considered case-by-case.
- Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP. This does not include cannabis testing as it is legal in CA.
- Commitment to completing 11 month program
- Valid driver's license (for construction/installation roles).
- Access to reliable internet (for office based/remote roles).
- Construction, Workforce Development, and Outreach positions will be in person. Some headquarters positions will be location flexible between GRID offices.
What is the SolarCorps Fellowship Program?
GRID Alternatives’ SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic community members to join GRID Alternatives for an 11-month paid service term. In this program, you’ll gain valuable experience in the renewable energy and non-profit industries while making significant contributions to communities most impacted by environmental and economic injustice!
How do I know that the program is accepting applications?
Applications for all SolarCorps fellowships open in late May and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until all positions are filled. If the fellowship position is still posted on GRID’s Careers webpage, it is still accepting applications.
How long is the SolarCorps fellowship program?
The SolarCorps fellowship is an 11 month, full time program that begins in September and ends in August.
How much would the pay be?
In the 2024-2025 cohort, the total stipend over the 11 months is $37,400. The equivalent wage is $19.46/hour.
What are the benefits?
How do I know if the position I’m applying for is AmeriCorps or not?
Fellowship positions are clearly marked as “AMERICORPS” in the title. If “AMERICORPS” is not in the title, the fellowship position is not an AmeriCorps fellowship.
Ready to Apply?
Position descriptions will be posted on GRID’s Careers webpage, with the title “SOLARCORPS”. If you don't see any positions listed, we may be full for the year. Please add your information here, to be informed when the next application cycle opens!
Please contact us with questions at volunteersupport@gridalternatives.org