Solar States

Native Renewables, a Native- and women-led nonprofit, is bringing free, off-grid solar energy systems to homes in the Navajo and Hopi reservations that don’t have access to power. And it’s doing so by training local Indigenous peoples to work in the industry so they can reap the economic benefits of these careers instead of hiring out the work.

Over 300 SolarCorps fellows in the inaugural class of the United States Climate Corps, a workforce-training program, are engaging with communities and installing solar panels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fellows work with different organizations across several states, such as the nonprofit GRID Alternatives, which is focused on bringing no-cost solar installations to underserved communities.

Throughout the state, Maine launched several workforce development programs to meet clean energy goals by training workers to help install heat pumps and perform other clean energy jobs. For example, Kennebec Valley Community College's heat pump lab has trained more than 300 students since 2021.

Nonprofit SolarAid trains repair technicians who can fix solar energy kits. In the 2023-24 financial year, SolarAid’s teams across Zambia and Malawi repaired 2,422 solar products, reducing electronic waste, increasing the lifespan of products, and improving access to solar lights, as well as creating job opportunities

The 548 Foundation partnered with the Illinois government to create 1,000 solar jobs in the South and West side neighborhoods of Chicago through its 13-week training course. The training starts with life skills and works up to technical knowledge and panel installation. Then, the foundation connects graduates to employers with open jobs and continues to provide them with wraparound support.

Facing sky-high utility costs and accessibility challenges, the community of Molokaʻi, Hawaii, took their energy security into their own hands and developed an energy-resilience-focused action plan. Backed by the primary state utility, the community is installing solar arrays and batteries, some of which are collectively owned and subscription-based. At the same time, the solar cooperative is cultivating a local workforce specialized in solar infrastructure.

Run by a nonprofit dedicated to creating economic development opportunities in underserved communities, the Solar Works DC training program provides people interested in entering the solar industry with certifications. The trainees are paid and spend up to seven weeks learning in the classroom and on the job.

The fashion brand Sheep Inc sources regenerative wool for its clothing products and claims to be carbon-negative. The regenerative farming practices used to make the wool are similar to what would happen naturally, the sheep graze across different grasslands, allowing unused ones to rewild using the manure as fertilizer. On top of that, the farm itself runs on renewable energy and supports native reforestation and the fashion brand uses solar power and a plastic-free supply chain.

Albergo Etico prepares people with disabilities for work in the hotel industry, using training based on the Montessori method. The "download" method helps people learn job skills at their own pace, translating lessons for people with various cognitive abilities. Training begins with their families, doing household chores in their own home. Trainees now work in eight Italian cities, plus three other countries. The investment pays off both economically and socially, as trainees gain autonomy and self-sufficiency.

A coffee shop is employing young people experiencing homelessness. Employment at the coffee shop provides the stability and support they need to find and maintain housing. Income, structure, and skills gained from employment at the cafe are the springboard needed for the young adults to secure stability.