Grid Alternatives: Learn How to Install Solar Panels For Free (Pt. 2)
As you may remember from my previous post, Grid Alternatives is a Bay Area non-profit that teaches volunteers how to install solar panels while helping low income residents cut costs on installing a new solar system for their home.
This weekend I took the plunge and found myself standing on top of a roof, where I discovered there are many steps involved in a solar installation, only the last of which involves the panels.
When we arrived, the team leaders quickly divivded us up into a ground team and a roof team and then launched right into the project. While the ground team stayed below to size up the inverter and electrical circuits, the rest of us went up to the roof to learn how to set the feet and tracking system that support the rooftop panels.
I quickly learned that setting the feet can be a messy process. Applying tar to secure the feet and to stop up any potential roof leaks, I soon had tar all over my pants, hands, feet, and even in my hair… Luckily, the Grid Alternatives team came prepared with some biodeisel to clean all it off and I was soon reabsorbed in the next steps of aligning the tracking and testing the efficiency percentage of each panel.
The teams were an interesting mix of Grid Alternatives veterans and newcomers, and it quickly became apparent why people get hooked on volunteering for installs with Grid Alternatives: not only were the team leaders easy-going and interested in sharing their seasoned knowledge, the other volunteers were also quick to exchange practical and scientific experience with the those who didn’t have as much familiarity with the solar realm.
All in all, it’s safe to say I’m officially hooked. Learning how to install solar panels (for free!) was one of the easiest and most fun ways to spend my Saturday, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you’re interested in signing up for a training and an install day, check out www.gridalternatives.org, and I will probably see you there.
Tags: Activism, Alternative Fuels, community, Conservation, Culture, education, Environment, free, green, Green Building, Green Tech, Grid Alternatives, Home and Garden, How to, Renewable Power, Renovation and Repair, san francisco, Science and Tech, Socially Responsible Investing, solar, solar panels, volunteer
June 1st, 2007 at 1:51 pm
This sounds like a great group. I really wish there were groups that would show the rest of us how to install solar panels. I like in Texas, there is no shortage of sunlight. However except for the city of Austin installing solar panels is prohibitive for most so us.
June 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
This sounds like a great group. I really wish there were groups that would show the rest of us how to install solar panels. I live in Texas, there is no shortage of sunlight. However except for the city of Austin installing solar panels is prohibitive for most so us.
June 7th, 2007 at 11:08 am
This is good information - but I would like to see, for once (and no one has done this that I have seen) an article showing all costs for solar panels in a few types of configurations (separate panels, construction panels, etc), and economic return after 5 years and 10 years.
Maybe Green Options will do it?
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Great work.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Keep up the good work.
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
[...] http://saraholt.greenoptions.com/2007/05/29/grid-alternatives-learn-how-to-install-solar-panels-for-…References : [...]
December 8th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Hello Everyone,
I want to get into this field and would welcome any information as to where a person can get training that can lead to a position in installation. Please let me know at the following address: charellw897@gmail.com
Charell.
April 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
how can we start a nonprofit such as yours?
Sincerely, Monte
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 am
i’m interested in learning about the installation of solar panels and i want to know where can i learn can you please give me some information
May 21st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
i would like info on how to install solar panels and get into the business