GRID Alternatives is non-profit solar company focused on providing solar power for low income households. They install grid tied PV systems basically at cost to the owners and help them procure low cost loans. The idea is to reduce their current electric bill which helps with their monthly budget. In return they expect the owner to participate in the install and help spread the word about the benefits of solar power. This is a wonderful idea.
They get their labor mostly from volunteers who typically donate two days over a weekend to install systems. They do reserve about 20% of the installs for job training programs to help trainees get some hands one experience. Earlier they had a solarthon in San Pedro where they installed 16 systems in one day and raised money from sponsors. The cool thing is that these homes were being built by Habitat for Humanity (they work closely with them on some projects).
I recently took the volunteer training at their headquarters in Oakland so now I'm dangerous and ready to go! I signed up for my first install later this month. It took me three months of trying to get in the training class so I could volunteer. At the class I was told they had to turn away 120 people. I think they've hit on something here. I plan to to take the Team Leader training (as soon as I can get in!).
I'm looking forward to this worthy cause and I'll keep you updated. In the meantime check them out and volunteer yourselves.
http://www.gridalternatives.org/
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