Solar Energy International, GRID Alternatives, and Goodwill Industries International Expand Partnership to Strengthen the Clean Energy Workforce

Collaboration will increase access to high-quality solar training for workforce development programs nationwide

Paonia, CO — Solar Energy International (SEI), GRID Alternatives, and Goodwill Industries International (GII) are proud to announce an expanded partnership aimed at strengthening workforce development opportunities in the growing solar industry.

Through this collaboration, SEI will provide discounted access to its industry-recognized online solar training courses for Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ (GCTA) trainers participating in GRID Alternatives’ national Installation Basics Training (IBT) program expansion. The initiative supports the continued education and development of instructors who are delivering hands-on solar workforce training programs in communities across the United States.

GRID Alternatives’ IBT program combines technical solar education, hands-on training labs, and workforce readiness programming to help create pathways into the clean energy industry, particularly for underserved and historically underrepresented communities. As part of the program expansion, Goodwill organizations nationwide are developing technical training labs and certifying instructors through GRID Alternatives’ Train-the-Trainer model.

“SEI is honored to support the incredible workforce development work being led by GRID Alternatives and Goodwill Industries International,” said Pía Day, Director of Business Development at SEI. “By expanding access to technical solar education for trainers, we are helping strengthen local training capacity and creating more opportunities for individuals to enter and grow within the clean energy workforce.”

Under the agreement, Goodwill trainers will receive access to a broad selection of SEI online courses, including foundational and advanced photovoltaic and battery storage training. The partnership is designed to provide flexibility for trainers while supporting the continued national growth of the IBT program.

“The Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator provides training to hundreds of individuals, helping them land careers in the clean energy sector. At the forefront of the program are our instructors who invest their time and energy attaining industry certifications and credentials and delivering the content to program participants. It is vital Goodwill invest and prioritize the development of our own teams, and this is why we are excited about partnering with SEI – to offer continuing education and professional development to GCTA solar instructors,” said Monique Baptiste, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Industries International.

GRID Alternatives anticipates enrolling an initial group of Goodwill trainers this year, with additional expansion planned as four new GCTA training labs are launched next year.

“Expanding access to high-quality solar workforce training requires strong partnerships, and we’re proud to work alongside Solar Energy International and Goodwill Industries International to help build a more inclusive clean energy workforce,” said Adewale OgunBadejo, VP of Workforce Development at GRID Alternatives. “Through partnerships like these, we’re strengthening the expertise of trainers and building a nationwide network that delivers high-quality instruction for participants in the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator program, where we’re proud to serve as the solar training partner. Together, we’re creating pathways to family-supporting careers and preparing the skilled workforce needed to power the clean energy transition.” 

The organizations also expressed interest in exploring future collaborative opportunities, including potential grant-funded initiatives focused on expanding solar workforce training access for underserved communities.

For more information, visit:

• Solar Energy International
• GRID Alternatives
• Goodwill Industries International  
• Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ (GCTA)