About GRID Alternatives
A nonprofit installer of clean energy technologies based in the United States
GRID was founded during the 2001 California energy crisis by Erica Mackie, P.E., and Tim Sears, P.E., two engineering professionals who were implementing large-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for the private sector. The idea that drove them was simple: free, clean electricity from the sun should be available to everyone. Through GRID Alternatives, they developed a model to make solar PV technology practical and accessible for low-income communities, while providing pathways to clean energy jobs.
The nation’s largest nonprofit installer of clean energy technologies, GRID develops and implements renewable energy projects that serve economic and environmental justice communities. GRID creates and installs solar projects that serve low-income households and communities, and is enabling these communities to access a variety of clean mobility and battery storage incentive programs. Through their unique, people-first model, they are putting money back into families’ pockets, reducing the energy cost burden for housing providers, and jumpstarting clean energy careers. They partner with affordable housing organizations, job training groups, government agencies, municipalities, utilities, tribes and local communities to make clean energy a win for everyone by offering the following services:
- No-cost solar installations for households qualifying as low-income
- Hands-on solar training to connect people to clean energy jobs
- Technical assistance and solar installation for multifamily affordable housing providers
- Community/shared solar project development and implementation
- Low-income solar policy leadership
- Low-income solar program design and implementation
- Energy access projects internationally and in U.S. tribal communities
- Connecting low-income communities with electric vehicle programs