GRID Alternatives: Advancing Equitable Clean Energy Solutions for California Communities
California’s cities and counties are at the forefront of the state’s ambitious clean energy transition. As public sector agencies seek innovative ways to expand renewable energy access while promoting workforce development and environmental justice, GRID Alternatives stands out as a key partner in bridging the gap between policy goals and on-the-ground implementation.
Bringing Solar to Underserved Communities
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. With programs operating across the United States and internationally, GRID Alternatives works with local governments, utilities, and community-based organizations to deploy cost-effective, equity-driven solar energy solutions.
Their programs help municipalities, counties, and state agencies meet California’s ambitious clean energy mandates, including those outlined in the State’s Climate Action Plans, Sustainable Communities Strategies, and equity-focused initiatives like the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program.
Recent Projects Making an Impact
- Los Angeles County’s Multifamily Solar Project: GRID Alternatives worked with affordable housing providers to install solar panels on multifamily properties, reducing electricity costs for low-income residents while supporting California’s clean energy goals.
- San Diego Solar + Storage Initiative: In partnership with local agencies, GRID installed solar-plus-storage systems for disadvantaged communities, improving energy resilience in the face of increasing climate-related power outages.
- Level 2 EV Charging: GRID supported several multifamily property owners and local governments in applying for incentives through Communities in Charge to install Level 2 charging stations.
Clean Mobility
As part of GRID’s vision of a transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone, their clean mobility work strives to make electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging, and other clean mobility options more accessible to all communities.
This includes serving as the outreach partner for the Communities in Charge incentive program, a statewide program that provides rebates for Level 2 EV charging stations for commercial and multifamily properties across California.
Workforce Development and Job Training
In addition to bringing clean power to underserved communities, GRID Alternatives is committed to building a more inclusive clean energy workforce. The organization offers training and certification programs that provide hands-on solar installation experience, helping job seekers—including veterans, students, and those from historically underrepresented groups—gain entry into high-demand clean energy careers.
Public agencies and private sector organizations looking to strengthen their sustainability and workforce development initiatives can benefit from GRID’s expertise and programs, which align with broader state efforts to advance environmental justice and economic inclusion.
Connect with GRID Alternatives at the Sustainable Facilities Forum
Attendees at the Sustainable Facilities Forum on May 15th will have the opportunity to connect directly with GRID Alternatives representatives to learn more about their work, partnership opportunities, and how local governments, schools, and private sector stakeholders can support or participate in their initiatives.
Public sector officials can explore how GRID’s solar deployment and EV charging programs align with their community sustainability goals, while private sector attendees can discover ways to collaborate on workforce development, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and energy equity projects.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with GRID Alternatives at the Sustainable Facilities Forum and learn how your organization can contribute to a more equitable and resilient clean energy future for California.
