1. GRID Alternatives Inland Empire 1257 Columbia Avenue D5 O 888.496.4743 E infoie@gridalternatives.org
Riverside, CA 92507 F 909.494.4061 W gridalternatives.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bambi Tran
btran@gridalternatives.org
951-471-7045
Troops to Solar Program Prepares Local Veterans for Solar Jobs
City of San Bernardino, CA; July 2, 2015 – For the estimated 16,500 unemployed veterans in the Inland
Empire, finding employment is challenging, even as the area’s unemployment rate drops. Nonprofit GRID
Alternatives’ (GRID) innovative training program, Troops to Solar, partners with veteran services agencies and
provides no-cost, hands-on solar installation experience to assist veterans in gaining a foothold in the fast-
growing solar industry. Today, GRID Inland Empire, local dignitaries, program sponsors, and veteran job
trainees kicked-off this program and installed a solar electric system on the home of U.S. Army veteran Patricia
Brown in the City of San Bernardino in celebration of Independence Day.
The rapidly expanding solar industry is expected to add about 20% more jobs in 2015 according to a Solar
Foundation report. Many local solar employers are seeking experienced workers to fill their openings. Yet,
military occupations and training are not always transferable to civilian jobs, placing some veterans at a
disadvantage when competing for employment. GRID’s Troops to Solar gives local veterans the experience
they need to get those jobs, bringing its “classroom on the roof” solar training program directly to veterans in
the Inland Empire. The veterans will work side-by-side with GRID’s solar professionals to install actual solar
electric systems for low-income families enrolled in GRID’s solar energy assistance program. While the
veterans learn and apply their skills, they also help families in need to lower their electricity bills and obtain
substantial and much needed savings.
Former U.S. Marine Scott Chapman participated in today’s Troops to Solar program kick-off as a volunteer
installer. Chapman discovered GRID while still on active duty overseas. He mentioned how GRID made his
transition to the civilian workforce smooth. “I was a maintenance chief and very comfortable assembling
systems. My off-duty time was spent volunteering in orphanages in Mongolia and South Korea. GRID is perfect
for me because it allows me an outlet to build while giving back to the community.” Chapman credits his
volunteer experience at GRID for landing a position at a local solar installation company where he is currently
employed. Chapman’s future includes becoming even more immersed in the solar industry. He plans to begin
college coursework soon focusing on the renewable energy field.
During the event, Bank of America presented a $10,000 check in support of this new program. Al Arguello,
Bank of America’s Inland Empire Market President said, “We are excited about participating in GRID’s Troop to
Solar program. Bank of America has a particular affinity to veterans and this program encompasses several
key aspects of our community initiatives. GRID has an excellent training program for veterans, they help low
income families and are positively impacting the environment.”
GRID also helps get veterans hired through networking job fairs and partnerships with solar companies. The
goal of the Troops to Solar program in the Inland Empire is to train 75 local veterans and help place at least
half of them in jobs by the end of 2016.
Veterans interested in participating in the Troops to Solar training program or low-income homeowners
interested in GRID’s solar energy assistance program to reduce their electric bills by 50-75% can contact GRID
Alternatives at 951-272-4743 or infoie@gridalternatives.org.

2. GRID Alternatives Inland Empire 1257 Columbia Avenue D5 O 888.496.4743 E infoie@gridalternatives.org
Riverside, CA 92507 F 909.494.4061 W gridalternatives.org
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that makes renewable energy technology and job training
accessible to low-income communities. We bring together community partners, volunteers and job trainees to
implement solar power and energy efficiency for low-income families, providing energy cost savings, valuable
hands-on experience, and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all. Over 5,500 families have
benefited from our work to date, saving $137 million in lifetime electricity costs, and over 21,000 people have
received solar training. Here in the Inland Empire, more than 800 families have been served to-date, for a
combined lifetime savings of $24 million, and over 900 people have received solar training. For more
information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.