The solar industry already employs over 250,000 people, but the industry is also growing and with wages often above the national average, clean energy jobs are creating pathways out of poverty for many.
GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit working to provide economic and environmental justice through renewable energy, installing solar electric systems for qualifying families at no cost to the homeowner.
"I come from a background that a lot of people wouldn't give me an opportunity in jobs. What GRID does, which I'm thankful for, is that they don't look at your past, they don't look at your mistakes they just look at you here and now and what you want to do and what you bring," Curtis added."Everyone comes from different backgrounds from GRID which I've noticed, like there's... you name it they're there. So it's like a beautiful collaboration.
Thomas is a former film student who decided she wanted something different - something completely new. As the only woman currently on her team, she knows she's an example to others. "In the beginning, cause it's so different and you're so unique, you're trying to prove yourself like, 'I'm a woman, I can lift the panels, guys. Move I got this' but you're like wait... we are a team and I love that GRID has made me feel very comfortable and very welcoming too.
"It's all over where we can find an untapped populous of individuals who are like me who can actually contribute by learning this and taking it back to their communities and help others make something better of themselves," Andrade said.
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