If you’re like most people interested in the green life, you probably have a growing obsession with solar power but haven’t been able to afford the extra $200-500 it costs to take a how-to solar workshop. Luckily, if you live near the Bay Area, you can learn how to install solar panels for free by volunteering with the amazing San Francisco-based GRID Alternatives.

With a mission to “Empower communities in need by providing renewable energy efficiency services, equipment and training,” GRID Alternatives has set up a program that links willing volunteers with low-income homeowners who want solar panels but don’t have the means to fund an installation.

For interested volunteers, the 2-step process is surprisingly simple:
Step 1: Fill out a volunteer application and attend a mandatory training session.
Step 2: Install solar panels! Volunteer at as many installation days as you’d like– there are often several sessions offered each month.

Last Tuesday I completed step one of this process, sitting down with about 30 other newcomers for an extremely informative, easy-to-understand training session. In less than two hours we covered the basics of electricity and solar power, including a step-by-step process of an average day in the field with a heavy emphasis on safety (we will be working on someone’s roof, after all)!

Now that the first training session is complete, I can’t wait to get out and start installing solar panels. If you’d like to check it out, email info@gridalternatives.org for upcoming volunteer opportunities or visit www.gridalternatives.org/