“The amount of money we expect to save can fully support four kids. It can keep four human beings off the streets in Tijuana.” — DJ Schuetze Director, Door of Faith Orphanage La Misión, Mexico
Why GRID? “The relationship with GRID started initially through our Renewable Energy Corps program. We were looking for a partner to help us give an immersive volunteer experience to our employees,” said Jen Bowden, director of social impact. “We really wanted to give employees an opportunity to build something meaningful in communities all over the world. And GRID offered that opportunity. Over time, we recognized that GRID’s work in the U.S. aligned to our company’s social impact goals, too.” IGS launched its Renewable Energy Corps initiative to support GRID Alternatives projects in other countries and cities. Beginning with a trip to Nicaragua in 2016, another in 2017, and three trips in 2018 — one to Los Angeles as part of the domestic expansion, and two to orphanages in Mexico — the partnership is making solar more accessible. GRID’s mission is to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible to what they refer to as “frontline communities”— those communities that are on the front lines of economic justice, environmental justice, and racial justice. Energy equity is essential to fight climate change and enables community resilience through renewable energy technology. “Our focus on equity differentiates us from many other for-profit installers,” said Adam Bad Wound, vice president of development at GRID Alternatives. “We involve as many people as possible in our work. We’re a ‘classroom on a roof ’ so to speak because we take our time to teach people about the systems we’re installing.” Communities aren’t just experiencing the benefits of reduced energy costs. They’re getting practical knowledge and job training, too, which allows them to be self-sustaining. “Multi-year partnerships are critical in enabling GRID to bring the benefits of solar — financial savings, job opportunities, and a clean, renewable energy source — to families and communities that wouldn’t otherwise have access,” said Adam.
Domestic Expansion GRID is a leading voice in low-income solar policy and is the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer. The organization serves families throughout California, Colorado, the Mid-Atlantic region, and tribal communities nationwide. GRID’s Energy for All program offers single-family, multi-family, and community solar installation services, project development and technical assistance, and
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