Colorado Energy Office Awards GRID Alternatives $1.2 Million to Develop Low-Income Community Solar
The Colorado Energy Office is awarding $1.2 million in grant funding to GRID Alternatives to implement a solar demonstration project for low-income communities in Colorado. GRID Alternatives Colorado will develop up to 12 community solar systems, ranging in size from 50 to 500 kilowatts, throughout the state. Cumulatively, the demonstration project will provide over one megawatt of installed solar capacity. The projects will serve at least 300 low-income families and are expected to offset at least 50 percent of subscribing families’ electricity costs over each four-year subscription term.
About the organizations
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is an international, U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. GRID works in the U.S., Mexico, Nepal, and Nicaragua and has installed solar photovoltaic systems on more than 29,500 homes and affordable housing developments in underserved communities while providing more than 33,200 individuals with workforce development training. GRID also provides clean mobility solutions and battery storage and is a leading voice in low-income solar policy development in the U.S. Installation Basics Training (IBT), a competency-based certificate program designed to develop the skills most relevant to entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction employment fields. Trainees learn solar installation skills, OSHA 10 safety standards, first aid and CPR, and soft skills, including interpersonal communication and dependability, to help job trainees obtain and sustain employment.
