SunPower and GRID Alternatives, a non-profit solar installer in the U.S., has jointly launched a major new philanthropic initiative, the Solar Futures program. SunPower will donate 1MW of solar panels and inverters to underwrite the program, while GRID will expand its work in high school, providing both classroom and hands-on solar training to K-14 students.

The Solar Futures program will especially focus on high school juniors and seniors. The initiative represents the two companies’ continuous partnership for providing solar education, solar power jobs and job training in underserved communities. The partnership can be traced back to 2006, when SunPower became a major supporter of GRID Alternatives. Nearly 950 families have gone solar through the partnership to-date. SunPower employees have also volunteered more than 2,000 hours of their time to install solar in Bay Area communities.

"Real change starts with our youth which is why SunPower invests in solar and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education initiatives at schools around the world, helping students experience the technology first-hand and learn about diverse career paths available to them in the growing renewable energy sector," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO.

GRID Alternatives has been providing solar training for high school students in California since 2010. This new investment will help expand that work nationally, with a focus on the Inland Empire region of California where the program got its start. GRID will also develop training materials and resources that can be used for K-14 students in schools nationwide.

"Solar education is a double win," said Tim Sears, co-founder and CFO/COO of GRID Alternatives. "It opens up an exciting career path for students, and helps make young people advocates for renewable energy and energy conservation in their communities. We're thrilled to be partnering with SunPower on this important initiative."

(Photo Credit: GRID Alternatives)