GRID Alternatives Central Coast partners with Clearway Energy Group to install solar for local nonprofit Escuela Del Rio

Installation demonstrates how solar can provide financial savings and a source of clean energy to local nonprofits

Atascadero, CA; September 28, 2018 – Today, GRID Alternatives Central Coast, a leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color, is partnering with Clearway Energy Group (“Clearway”) to bring a new solar energy system to Atascadero nonprofit Escuela Del Rio. Since 2010, GRID Central Coast has worked to bring the benefits of clean, renewable energy to communities throughout the region, installing 3,400 kilowatts of solar, saving families $26 million in energy savings and providing hands-on training to 2,600 individuals.

Nonprofit Escuela Del Rio provides programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities in North San Luis Obispo county. The mission of all Escuela Del Rio programs is to provide a continuum of services that promote independent and integrated lifestyles for people with developmental disabilities. “GRID Central Coast is excited to bring solar power to Escuela Del Rio. Energy savings from the installation will help more of the organization’s funds go directly to programs serving our community,” said Justin Hitchcock, Executive Director for GRID Alternatives Central Coast.

The 9.3kW solar system will be installed with the help of volunteers from Clearway. A team of 14 people will be out to install 39 solar panels on the roof. “This is an excellent partnership resulting in savings for a local nonprofit and team building for Clearway,” says Hitchcock. “We are thrilled to have such dynamic partners collaborating to complete this project.”

Clearway Energy Group is one of the largest clean energy companies in the United States with an 8.9 GW pipeline of renewable energy projects in development, and providing operations & maintenance and asset management services to 4.1 GW of renewable operating assets. Clearway’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transformation to a clean energy future by focusing on providing customers with the competitive, reliable and clean power they desire and the customer experience they deserve.

In addition to providing no-cost solar power to low-income communities, GRID Central Coast partners with local organizations to provide hands-on job training and open up new career opportunities to community members, including at-risk youth, veterans, and returning citizens. Individuals receive solar job training at no cost while installing a solar system for a local family or nonprofit and generating a source of clean, local energy for the entire community.