Rialto, CA – GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color for over 10 years. February is Black History Month and GRID Inland Empire (GRID IE) is marking the occasion with two major events.
On February 7, GRID is hosting a solar installation event where job trainees will be installing a no-cost solar system for a local Rialto family.
Then on February 10, GRID will be participating in the 39th Annual Riverside Black History Parade and Expo. “We are proud to recognize achievements of African-Americans in our country,” said GRID’s Regional Director Bambi Tran. “It is important that we all celebrate these contributions and use them as a platform for future growth. As a job training organization, GRID is able to help develop skills in underserved communities by providing opportunity for securing employment in a growing industry.”
The City of Rialto has been a great partner with GRID in building solar installation skills of job trainees. Since 2011, GRID has installed 64 no-cost solar systems for income-qualified families in Rialto and trained over 145 individuals interested in pursuing a solar career. “GRID has really made a difference in our community, particularly with our senior citizens,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson. “If you are a homeowner trying to make ends meet, you should call GRID and see if you qualify for their no-cost program.”
Today’s installation is for Rialto homeowner Pamela Whyte. Her no-cost 3.7 kW solar electric system includes 13 panels that will be installed by job trainees. Ms. Whyte, a long-time Rialto resident has lived in her home for over 30 years. “I am on a fixed income so utilizing power while saving money is a great advantage to me,” she said. “I am always looking for ways to save.”
Funding sources for Ms. Whyte’s system include the Solar Affordable Housing Program, state and corporate grants, as well as individual donors throughout the Inland Empire region. Additional funding sources promote GRID’s job training initiatives that offer free training and in some cases paid internships. For more information about GRID’s solar programs, visit www.gosolar.org or call 951.465.2864.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) is an affiliate of GRID Alternatives, a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID IE develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers, while providing hands-on job training. GRID IE has installed solar for more than 1,400 families to-date and helped households and housing providers save $51 million in lifetime electricity costs, while training over 2,600 people. For more information, visit gridalternatives.org/ie or call 951.465.4865.
