Already have solar with GRID?
Phone: 866-921-4696, Option #3 · Email: service@gridalternatives.org
GRID Alternatives is the national leader in bringing affordable solar power, clean mobility, and energy storage solutions to underserved communities while creating pathways to life-changing job opportunities.
Our Single-Family Solar and Storage Program provides no-cost rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to income-qualified homeowners, primarily in California, Colorado, and the Mid-Atlantic region. The systems are installed completely free, with no credit checks, no liens, and no monthly payments. We connect families with government programs like the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program, the Disadvantaged Communities – Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program, and we partner with utilities, corporations, foundations, and individual donors to cover the rest of the cost. Every installation also doubles as hands-on training for the next generation of solar workers.
Step 1
Start your application online or by phone. We’ll follow up to learn more, check your initial eligibility, collect a few documents, and connect you with an Outreach Coordinator as your point of contact.
Step 2
Your Outreach Coordinator will walk you through the program, answer your questions, and help you complete any remaining paperwork.
Step 3
A GRID construction team member will visit your home to inspect your roof, take measurements and photos, and confirm whether your home is ready for solar. If it isn’t ready yet, we’ll explain what’s needed. We’ll then confirm your eligibility and available funding.
Step 4
GRID will design a solar system for your home and walk you through the agreement before you sign. We’ll obtain the necessary permits and schedule your installation. Installation usually takes about one to two days. Plan to keep pets and children inside and your yard clear so our crew can work safely.
Step 5
After installation, GRID coordinates required inspections and works with your utility to connect and activate your system. Once you’re notified that it’s ready, you’ll turn on your system and we’ll walk you through how it works, your warranty, and what to expect on your new electricity bill.
Step 6
We’re here after installation, too. Our Client Success and Service teams can answer questions, provide education and resources, and support you throughout your warranty.
Getting started takes just a few minutes. Answer a few questions online, or call our Intake Team, and we'll support you with next steps. Or call 866-921-4696.
There is no catch. We partner with utilities, corporations, foundations, and individual donors to cover the cost. GRID’s Single-Family Solar and Storage program is built around radical accessibility: eligible solar systems are installed completely free, with no credit checks, no liens on your property, and no monthly payments.
The fastest way to find out is to start the interest form online, or call our Client Care Team at 866-921-4696.
GRID connects families with government programs like the Disadvantaged Communities – Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program and combines public funding with support from utilities, corporations, foundations, and individual donors to cover the cost of the solar system and installation. Eligible families pay nothing.
GRID installs solar electric (photovoltaic) systems sized based on your home’s electricity use and roof. Where local utilities and permitting authorities allow, systems may be sized up to 200% of your historical electricity use to help account for future needs, such as electric appliances or an electric vehicle. In some areas, we also offer services like battery storage, main service panel upgrades, and re-roofing support, depending on available funding. Ownership details vary by program and location; your Outreach Coordinator will explain the terms that apply to you.
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization, serving clients for over 20 years. We’re the national leader in bringing affordable solar power, clean mobility, and energy storage solutions to underserved communities, while creating pathways to life-changing careers, and opportunities.
This program installs solar directly on your roof. If rooftop solar isn’t a fit for your home, or you’re interested in a shared array instead, ask your Outreach Coordinator about GRID’s community solar options in your area.
If GRID determines your roof is too old to safely install solar on, we usually recommend reapplying once you’ve replaced it. If funding is available, GRID can do a partial or full re-roofing. Because many people apply for our program, we can’t guarantee a spot when you reapply; we review new applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Your home stays connected to the utility grid, so you’ll still have power at night from the grid. During a blackout, most installations do not include battery storage, so you would lose power along with your neighbors. Battery storage is available in some areas when funding allows; ask your Outreach Coordinator what’s currently available where you live.
Solar panels typically produce energy for 20 or more years. Warranties on system parts usually run from 10 to 25 years depending on the manufacturer, and GRID provides a 10 year installation warranty. Maintenance is light: rinse your panels a couple of times a year and keep tree branches from shading them.
Because your system is paid in full, it generally will not stand in the way of selling your home, and it’s usually a value-add. Some extra paperwork is required to transfer the agreement to the new owner; your Outreach Coordinator can walk you through it.
Each system comes with monitoring options. Your Outreach Coordinator will walk you through the type that comes with yours.
You’ll use clean energy created by the sun. Any extra power your system generates feeds back into the utility grid, which is a direct contribution to a cleaner grid for your community.
GRID is a nonprofit and does not match contractor quotes. If you’re eligible for our program, no for-profit company will cost you less, because GRID covers the full cost of your system.
