Riverside IBT 200
An eight-week certificate course that helps trainees build the skills employers are looking for across solar, electrical, construction, and other clean energy fields. Participants get hands-on experience installing solar in their own communities, plus access to job opportunities after graduation.
Riverside, CA
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Enrollment
Rolling | request info
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Length
5-8 weeks | 200 hours
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Classes & labs
Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm
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Class size
Up to 12 participants
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Certificates earned
OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid, IBT
Overview
Build the skills to launch a career in solar.
GRID’s Solar Installation Basics Training (IBT) combines technical instruction, hands-on learning, and career support to prepare participants for entry-level jobs in the clean energy industry.
Our eight-week IBT 200 course uses a “classroom on the roof” model, where trainees build foundational skills through classroom lessons and hands-on labs, then apply them on real solar installation sites. Participants gain experience in solar installation, electrical fundamentals, jobsite safety, and teamwork while preparing for industry-recognized credentials and employment.
Who It’s For
This program is designed for people interested in starting a career in solar, construction, electrical work, or the clean energy industry. No previous solar experience is required.
What You’ll Learn
This course prepares participants for entry-level jobs in the solar industry, and builds skills that can easily transfer to other industries. Participants learn construction and electricity basics, how to read and apply the National Electrical Code (NEC), core concepts from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the safety practices required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Skills you’ll demonstrate
- Solar installation fundamentals
- Electrical wiring and conduit installation
- Jobsite safety and fall protection
- Reading plans and applying NEC requirements
- Tool use and equipment handling
- Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
- Career readiness and job search skills
Certificates you’ll earn
- GRID Alternatives’ Installation Basics Training Certificate (industry-recognized)
- OSHA-10 Safety Certificate (10-hour training in OSHA regulations for general construction sites)
- American Red Cross CPR / First Aid Certificate
This is not a degree program. You’ll earn certificates by passing tests and demonstrating the required skills. Some locations may offer additional stackable certifications such as roofing, racking, or additional industry credentials depending on the program.
Program Details
Additional support Depending on the cohort and available funding, trainees may receive stipends, transportation assistance, tools, work gear, or other support to help them attend and complete the program.
Week-by-week structure
- Weeks 1-2: Learn the Fundamentals
Build foundational skills in solar installation, construction, electrical concepts, and jobsite safety. - Week 3: Prepare for the Workplace
Develop communication, networking, financial literacy, resume and interview skills, and other skills for success at work. - Weeks 4-5: Gain Real-World Installation Experience
Apply your skills on real-world projects and gain on the job training with a solar installation crew. - Weeks 6-7: Advance Your Skills
Expand your technical knowledge through OSHA training, battery storage, customer service, and career exploration. - Week 8: Launch Your Career
Complete assessments, earn certifications, prepare for employment, and connect with employers and hiring opportunities.
How to Get Started
Interested? Use the Request Information button to submit the IBT interest form, or reach out with any questions. A member of the regional training team will follow up with current cohort dates and next steps.
Want to meet the team in person before you get started? Attend an upcoming IBT 200 Meet and Greet session at a GRID site or partner-delivered location.
After Graduation
IBT is more than technical training. Throughout the program, trainees receive help preparing for employment, including resumes, interviews, job searches, skills for success at work, and connections to employers and hiring opportunities.
Support continues after graduation as GRID helps graduates connect with jobs and career opportunities in solar, electrical work, construction, operations and maintenance, warehouse/logistics, and other areas of the clean energy industry.
Frequently asked questions
Eight weeks, 200 hours total.
You’ll earn three industry-recognized certificates after you finish the program: an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-10 safety certificate, an American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certificate, and GRID Alternatives’ Installation Basic Training Certificate. Some of our GRID locations may offer additional stackable certifications, such as racking installation, roofing, or additional safety certs.
No. This is a training program, not a college degree program. You earn your certificates by passing written tests and showing you can do the work.
Each class is capped at 15 participants so trainees get hands-on coaching during installation work.
You don’t need to bring your own gear. GRID provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): a hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves.