Renewing Urban Communities through Renewable Energy

Richmond, CA—The Solar Living Institute, a California-based non-profit that provides renewable energy education, celebrated the installation of a 2kw system on the EcoVillage Farm Learning Center in Richmond this past Monday. While a 2kw system doesn’t usually make the headlines, this situation is unique—the PV system was installed by 18 young Richmond residents as part of a job training program designed to connect marginalized urban youth with meaningful “green collar” jobs in solar.

 

The Institute has offered renewable energy and sustainable living courses since 1998, and reaches over 2,000 students a year. Students come from around the country to attend classes throughout California to prepare themselves for careers in solar installation, design, sales, and project management.

 

The training in Richmond is part of the Solar Living Institute’s effort to create a qualified pool of skilled workers to facilitate the expansion of solar. As the solar industry rapidly grows in California, there is a huge demand for skilled installers. Youth in the City of Richmond often have a difficult time finding a job, with the city experiencing the highest crime and unemployment rates in the Bay Area, not to mention the worst air quality. “Renewable energy is an antidote to both a struggling economy and a dirty source of energy,” says Lindsay Dailey, Executive Director of the Solar Living Institute. “We are thrilled to expand our training efforts to include youth with little opportunity.”

 

Eighteen youth participated in the training, learning hands-on how to harness energy from the sun in the form of a renewable source of electricity. The class culminated in an installation of a 2 kilowatt solar electric system at the EcoVillage.

 

“The real-world experience the youth gained from installing a 2kw system is invaluable,” says Dailey. “Not only are our students better prepared for meaningful jobs in the solar industry, they are actively engaged in making positive contributions to green their community.”

 

The project was funded by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, with photovoltaic panels donated by SunPower Corporation.  A dedication was held on Monday in Richmond to celebrate the new solar installation and recognize the 18 students who completed the training. Bobby Ram, director of global community relations for SunPower Corp, says "We are delighted to be a part of this dedication and embrace the organization's training program that enables local youth to learn new skills that can offer career opportunities in the future."

 

The mission of the non-profit Solar Living Institute (SLI), founded in 1998, is to promote sustainable living through inspirational environmental education. SLI trains over 2,000 students yearly through its sustainable living workshop program, which equips individuals to become active participants in the green economy. SLI offers more than 250 one- to seven-day workshops on renewable energy, green building, sustainable living, ecological design and alternative construction methods throughout California.  Visit www.solarliving.org for a full listing of workshops.