SolarCorps 2025-2026
Fellows contribute directly to GRID’s mission — making clean energy and career opportunities accessible to communities most impacted by climate change.
The 2025-2026 SolarCorps Fellowship includes opportunities in:
- Solar, Battery, & EV Charger Installation
- Solar Design, Operations, & Maintenance
- Project Management & Development
- Clean Mobility access
- Solar Workforce Development & Training
- Community Outreach
- And more!
Program Details & Benefits:
- Program Dates: Mon, Sept 15, 2025 - Thurs, August 14, 2026
- Fulltime, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday (Availability nights and weekends may very rarely be required)
- Over 1700 hours of paid, hands-on training applying your skills to real-world projects in the communities GRID serves
- Work alongside an industry professional for training, mentorship, and guidance
- Participate in monthly workshops with your cohort that focus on networking, professional development, community building, and career readiness
- Begin the fellowship experience with a thorough and engaging virtual Pre-Service Orientation
- Attend an in-person midyear retreat where you connect with other fellows, GRID staff, and partners
- Gain access to $600 in personal professional development funds and at least 60 hours of paid personal professional development time
- Have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials like First Aid, OSHA10, OSHA30, NABCEP Associates, and more (note that not all fellowships include these certifications as part of the program, but you have the opportunity to earn them over the course of your term if you choose to)
- Benefits include:
- $40,800 over 11 months (approx. $21.40/hr)
- Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance,
- Time off - GRID holidays (13 days) + at least 10 additional days
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- No prior experience needed
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- 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.
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
Day In the Life of a SolarCorps Fellow
Construction & Design
SolarCorps Construction Fellows are part of GRID’s clean energy construction team, supporting the planning, installation, and operation of solar, storage, and EV charging projects in communities we serve. Fellows will serve directly on GRID's low income solar installation projects, helping complete all aspects of installation.
Members with this experience go on to careers in solar installation, permitting, project management, and design.
Community Outreach
SolarCorps Outreach Fellows engage with GRID’s outreach team and help implement outreach strategy to increase the number of income-qualified clients served. Outreach SolarCorps members will educate underserved communities impacted by environmental and economic injustice about the benefits and cost-savings of renewable energy.
Members with this experience go on to careers in solar sales, community engagement, and other related roles.
Workforce Development
SolarCorps Workforce Development Fellows are trained and supervised by GRID's regional workforce development staff to assist in solar technical training, teaching work readiness skills, and supporting job placement in the solar industry for community members.
Members with this experience go on to careers in training, non-profit program coordination or management, social work, and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (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 are the minimum eligibility requirements for this fellowship program?
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 2025-2026 cohort, the total stipend over the 11 months is $40,800 approx. The equivalent wage is $21.40/hour.
What are the benefits?
SolarCorps Fellows are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, at least 10 days of paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 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.
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 are the minimum eligibility requirements for this fellowship program?
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- No prior experience needed
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- 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.
