Program Trains Veterans To Install Solar Panels To Help Low-Income Families Save On Energy Costs

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.COM) — A unique program is working to get more military veterans working.

The Troops To Solar program trains veterans to install solar panels on the homes of low-income families, helping them save thousands of dollars in energy costs.

Marine veteran Scott Chapman is with GRID, which organizes the Troops To Solar program, and he says the job is a natural next step after the Marine Corps.

"The experience that I've had in the Marine Corps with humanitarian or community relations projects; it was a simple fit for me," Chapman said.

GRID staff put in panels Thursday on Sarah Brown's house in San Bernardino. Brown, who also served, has not been able to afford air conditioning for her and her family – until now.

"It's really exciting. For the past six years, we haven't had cooling, heating – anything," Brown said.

GRID says there are more than 16,000 unemployed veterans in the Inland Empire alone. The program's goal is not only to train those who have served but also provide them with networking opportunities.

According to GRID, they've saved families $137 million in energy costs.