About GRID Alternatives
What is GRID Alternatives?
GRID Alternatives describes itself as "a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit organization based in Oakland, California, with eight affiliate offices serving all of California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Delaware." Its mission is "to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy", and it envisions "a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone."
It was "founded during the 2001 California energy crisis" by two engineers who "developed a model to make solar PV technology practical and accessible for low-income communities, while providing pathways to clean energy jobs." Its first single-family installation, for a San Francisco family, was finished in 2004, and in 2008 the California Public Utilities Commission chose it to run the statewide Single-family Affordable Solar Homes incentive program. Today it calls itself "the nation's largest nonprofit solar installer", serving families in California, Colorado, the Mid-Atlantic region and tribal communities. Its Energy for All program offers single-family, multifamily and community solar installation, project development and technical assistance, alongside workforce development "from volunteerism to in-depth solar training and paid internships". Internationally its energy access work reaches off-grid communities in Nepal, Nicaragua and Mexico.
Where will I work?
Headquarters are at 1171 Ocean Avenue, Suite 200 in Oakland, California, with regional offices in the Bay Area, the North Coast (Willits), the Central Valley (Fresno), Greater Los Angeles, the Inland Empire (Riverside), the North Valley (Sacramento), San Diego, Colorado (Denver), the Mid-Atlantic (Washington, DC) and a Tribal Energy Alternatives office in Denver. The careers page says you would join "500+ employees and thousands of supporters".
Most roles are based in a regional office: on 2026-10-08 the Administrative Manager sat in the Riverside office, the Director of Strategic Development in Los Angeles and a Workforce Development Manager (a temporary role) in a hybrid setting in Washington, DC. The Director of Client Acquisition & Marketing was posted as "a Work from Home opportunity" within the United States. Office postings list up to 25–30% travel to regional offices and project sites, and salary ranges are published ($75,000–$90,000 on the manager roles). Its field roles, such as solar installers and hands-on trainers, are not listed here.
What is the GRID team like?
The careers page calls GRID "mission-driven, hands-on, and people-powered": "We roll up our sleeves, take action, and work side by side with communities to expand access to clean energy." It says it embeds "diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do", welcomes "AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and national service alumni" and is "committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance to build a career in the clean energy economy."
Work-Life Balance
GRID's benefits page lists an "Emphasis on a healthy work-life balance" and a "Generous 5 weeks paid time off for full-time employees and 13 paid holidays", which comes to 38 days off a year; its postings say 12 or 13 holidays. It also offers commuter checks and cell phone reimbursement, a casual dress code and occasional catered lunches and team-building days.
Perks and Benefits
- 5 weeks of paid time off and 13 paid holidays for full-time employees
- Medical coverage through BRMS (Cigna) or Kaiser Permanente, with an HSA and an FSA
- Bundled dental and vision coverage
- Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
- A 403(b) retirement plan
- An Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development funds
- Commuter checks and cell phone reimbursement
- BenefitHub discounts, LegalShield and ID Shield
- Salary ranges published on postings