Solar Works DC aims to increase solar jobs, installation

Last month, the D.C. Government launched Solar Works DC, a job-training program for low-income residents. GRID Alternatives will develop the training program and work with program graduates to install solar systems across the District.

The effort seeks to supply the District’s growing solar industry with qualified installers who can help D.C. meet the city’s Solar for All goal. Solar for All seeks to help 100,000 low-income residents cut their bills in half by using solar by 2032.

Solar Works DC will train 225 District residents as part of the program. Trainees will install solar on up to 300 low-income homes over the next three years. These installations are forecast to save each household roughly $15,000 in energy costs.

The program will be divided into three cohorts. Summer, Fall, and Spring.

The summer cohort will be composed of D.C. youth aged 18-24 who are participating in the District’s Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP). Participants in this six-week long training group will receive occupational safety training. The spring and fall cohorts are 12-week programs that will train participants to receive North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. All cohorts will have an opportunity to interview with installation companies at the end of their training. Solar Works DC organizers hope to place at least half of the participants in full time jobs after their training is complete.

If you are interested to learn more about and/or apply for the program, please contact Sienia Arku at GridAlternatives: sarku@gridalternatives.org.