Reports on Solar electricity for 10 low-income families, USA

Project Report | Jun 6, 2011
Students, Service and Celebration!

By Jessica Nelson | Development Associate

Porterville High School Students lend a hand!

The past few months have been busy, busy! From students to storms, GRID Alternatives is excited to share a few stories with you!

On May 4th and 5th, GRID provided students from the Porterville High School Alternative Energy Resource Occupation (AERO) Pathway Program hands on training during a two-day install. Students applied what they have learned in the classroom while helping two families lower their electricity bills. We are thrilled to see eager students preparing for careers in solar, wind and other renewable energy professions.

"May gray" was upon us in San Diego setbacks, but the sun came out to shine for the office's 100th install celebration! It's amazing to think we have provided solar for 100 families since opening the San Diego office in 2008. More amazing is that the office will now perform close to 100 installs this year! San Diego also completed the first solar install on the La Jolla Indian reservation. The crews were top-notch at this scenic site and we look forward to working with many more tribal families.

San Diego wasn't the only office affected by weather, but that didn't stop an all-star volunteer coming from Minnesota to volunteer with GRID Alternatives. Michael’s first step to learn more about solar energy was to attend a Boots on the Roof class in the Bay Area. That is where he first heard about GRID Alternatives. After seeing an electric meter spin backwards he thought, “This is a great way to help out. It has always been important for me to help others. I always had a good life and helping others makes me feel good about myself. Some things you just cannot buy. Experience and the feeling to give back are priceless,” said Michael.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors that make it happen!

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Mar 4, 2011
Desert Development!

By Jessica Nelson | Development Associate

Dec 13, 2010
Give the Gift of Solar Energy This Year!

By Myshel Prasad | Development Officer

As 2010 comes to a close, GRID Alternatives has a lot to celebrate!

GRID has recently launched a new office in the California Central Coast area and we are continuing to expand the regions we serve. GRID has already surpassed its ambitious 2010 installation goal and as of today has installed 337 new solar electric systems for low income homeowners this year, reaching a total 640 installations to date. Together, these projects are generating 1.4 megawatts of clean energy and are saving low income families nearly $14 million in energy costs while preventing over 56 thousand tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2011, we've set the bar even higher and we're going for another 600 solar installations for 600 more families!

This holiday season, consider supporting GRID and giving the gift of solar in honor of your loved ones and a greener planet and stronger neighborhoods. There are many different reasons to support GRID's work right now, whether you are concerned about climate change or energy independence, or if you are a job training or low income housing advocate, or just concerned about how you can help keep struggling families from losing their homes. Maybe you already have a solar electric system and want to share the benefits of renewable energy with others or maybe solar isn't a viable option for your home at this time but you'd still like to get involved and offset your own carbon usage and reduce greenhouse gasses by supporting solar power.

The sun is a gift that never stops giving and when you support a solar installation for just one low income family, your are supporting thirty years of clean solar power! Check out photos of our recent projects to see your donations at work! Thank you for visiting Global Giving and Happy Holidays from GRID!

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