GRID Alternatives San Diego reached a major milestone with its 1000th solar installation on October 3 and continued their commitment of providing solar to underserved communities. The event was celebrated by the GRID San Diego team, local press and the Mendoza family, GRID San Diego\u2019s newest client. <\/p>\n
The overcast day didn\u2019t dampen Oscar Mendoza\u2019s spirits. A first time homeowner, Mr. Mendoza has been excited about homeownership since he migrated to the San Diego area from Mexico 15 years ago. \u201cHome ownership represented the \u2018American Dream\u2019,\u201d said Mr. Mendoza. \u201cIt was a chance to leave a legacy for my son, Jonathan.\u201d<\/p>\n
GRID Alternatives is committed to leaving its own legacy in the ever growing solar industry through an inclusive vision of successfully transitioning to clean, renewable energy while providing long term relief from high and unpredictable energy bills. The Energy For All Program (formerly the Solar Affordable Homes Program) directly serves communities struggling with unemployment and environmental inequality by helping families reduce their electricity costs by up to 90% and providing job training in solar installation. <\/p>\n
It was no easy feat getting GRID Alternatives San Diego to its 1000th install. Executive Director, Paul Cleary reflected on how it took 6 months, after opening its doors in 2008, to get to the first installation \u201cThe team had to borrow people from GRID\u2019s Los Angeles office,\u201d he fondly remembers. \u201cWe celebrated with a pizza party to load the truck.\u201d Now the GRID team has installed 14,000 panels across San Diego and helped 1000 families save on their bills. As Mr. Cleary pointed out, \u201cThe work GRID has done across San Diego will help families save $28 million over the next 20 years. This is money that can stay in the community.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s this long term investment that makes GRID so unique from other organizations,\u201d pointed out Outreach Coordinator, Clovis Honor\u00e9. He encourages moving beyond typical phrases such as \u201cunderserved\u201d in order to create new terms and new ideas for GRID Alternatives families and communities for generations to come.<\/p>\n
And the potential for solar in low-income communities is huge! Almost half of the US homes in these areas are solar-compatible. Mr Mendoza, a Customer Service Representative in the optical field, recognized the impact solar was having on his community when he and his family sought out their new home about 7 months ago. He really liked the prospective house, but noticed, unlike some of the other homes in the area, it didn\u2019t have solar. Mr. Mendoza didn\u2019t think there was anyway he could afford these upgrades, so his real estate agent recommended GRID Alternatives. <\/p>\n
Irasema Garcia, recently promoted Director of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity, also first discovered GRID as a homeowner.\u201cI have had my system for 6 years, have only paid a bill for 4 years, and have gotten my annual bill down to less than $65.\u201d Ms. Garcia is not only concerned with the global environment but also creating a better working environment for GRID staff and volunteers. GRID\u2019s unique design gives community members and job trainees hands on experience with solar power. \u201cA classroom on the roof,\u201d the training offers renewable energy technology and installation training to high school groups, community colleges, and individuals lacking degrees or certificates.<\/p>\n
Ingrid Murillo, who started at GRID as a volunteer and is now part of the Workforce Department, has seen the benefits of the training firsthand. One of her fellow volunteers went from the GRID training program to owning his own solar company. \u201cThis is my passion,\u201d said Ingrid. \u201cMoving towards environmental justice and helping people fulfill their dreams in the solar industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little did Mr. Mendoza know, that call he placed a few months ago would lead to GRID Alternative\u2019s 1000th install in San Diego in addition to keeping him on track for his American Dream. Mr. Mendoza has big plans for the money he will save with solar. \u201cIt was really important to save money for my son\u2019s future,\u201d he reflected. \u201cSolar is a big plus for my family and much better for the environment. I want to do my part so my kid will have a better world to live in.\u201d Mr. Mendoza is committed to using the savings he receives from solar to fund his son\u2019s college education. Here\u2019s to a brighter future for little Jonathan and all the GRID Alternatives\u2019 families!<\/p>\n