By Erica Mackie, Co-Founder and Co-CEO

At GRID Alternatives, we believe in the power of service to community, to country, and to an abundant, clean energy future. Our AmeriCorps members embody the very best of national service: pride in our country and neighborhoods, a willingness to roll up their sleeves, and a deep commitment to building a better future through hands-on learning, training, and hard

Over 30 years later, Operation Dignity now provides low-barrier sheltering, street outreach, permanent housing, and services to those experiencing homelessness. GRID Alternatives has collaborated with Operation Dignity to help them transition to clean energy.

The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (SDCDM), nestled in the heart of Escondido, has long been a hub for interactive learning and creativity. But in June 2024, the museum took a significant step toward sustainability by installing a new rooftop solar system that will transform its operations for years to come.

After almost 13 years headquartered in Chico, GRID Alternatives (GRID) North Valley regional affiliate office shifted all operations to the new Sacramento location this year. As a way to commemorate the move and celebrate the tremendous growth in impact they have had serving communities from San Joaquin County west to the Oregon border and east to the Nevada border, they recently hosted an Open House on August 8th to bring the Sacramento area community together and toast to the work ahead.

As we continue to expand our impact on our 20th anniversary and beyond, we proudly announce our new partnership with Invenergy, the leading privately-held developer, builder, owner, and operator of wind, solar, and natural gas generation projects and energy storage facilities across the Americas, Asia and Europe as well as investors in transmission lines essential to connect clean generation capacity and move power long distance.

The new solar system is expected to generate over 169,000-kilowatt hours annually, covering approximately 60% of the clinic’s energy costs and eliminating over 130 tons of carbon emissions each year—benefiting both the clinic and the broader San Fernando community.

GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA) is creating a smooth IBT trainee-to-solar installer pipeline, bringing together local employers looking for new talent and recent IBT solar installer graduates at the "Rooftop Ready" job fairs.

Last month, on Earth Day, the federal government announced the launch of the American Climate Corps (ACC), which aims to connect 20,000 Americans to careers in climate solutions and build the workforce needed for a clean energy economy.

Congressman Tony Cárdenas joins a GRID Alternatives solar installation in his hometown of Pacoima CA. The Congressman has worked hard to see government funding for renewable energy land on the rooftops of neighborhoods like this one.

Kathy Bigler, a homeowner residing in Sacramento, was connected to GRID Alternatives through the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) and the partnership connecting GRID to 15 income-eligible homeowners for no-cost solar in the Sacramento area, featuring some of GRID’s first-ever solar + battery systems. Read more about Kathy's experience and our solar + battery goals for this year.