OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest non-profit solar installation company, announced today an expansion into international markets through an acquisition of Power to the People, a U.S.-based non-profit doing work in Nicaragua. The move, which is pending regulatory approval, will allow GRID Alternatives to bring its volunteer-based solar installation program to Latin America and beyond in the coming years.
“Power to the People has built a strong program providing solar electricity to impoverished, off-grid rural communities in Nicaragua,” said GRID Alternatives CEO and Co-Founder Erica Mackie. “This is an incredible opportunity to bring that work to scale using GRID Alternatives’ international network of industry partners and extensive volunteer base.”
GRID Alternatives’ new international program will continue to build on the “voluntourism” model used successfully by Power to the People since 2008. The program will provide opportunities for individual and corporate volunteers to travel to Nicaragua and install solar alongside community members, while raising funds to support the projects.
“Joining GRID Alternatives gives us a tremendous opportunity to continue and grow our work,” said Power to the People founder Jenean Smith, who will continue to head up the program as GRID Alternatives’ Director of International Programs. “We are very pleased with GRID's focus on sustainable development, volunteer training, and working with underserved communities and feel these aspects align well with our vision.”
GRID Alternatives is currently signing up volunteers for trips in summer and fall 2014. Visit www.gridalternatives.org/international for more information on the acquisition and upcoming projects.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a non-profit organization that brings the benefits of solar technology to underserved communities. More than 4000 families have benefited from the program to date, saving $110 million in lifetime electricity costs, and more than 14,000 people have received solar training. GRID Alternatives has nine offices throughout California, Colorado, and the New York Tri-State area. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.
Power to the People is a Berkeley-based non-profit organization working with volunteers to bring solar electricity rural areas of the developing world with the mission of creating opportunities for people to improve the quality of their own lives through the installation of renewable energy technologies. www.powertothepeople.org.
