City of Richmond to Pilot Solar Thermal Rebate Program Linked to Local Green-Collar Jobs.

RICHMOND, Calif. -- A ground-breaking initiative in Richmond, CA to pilot a solar thermal rebate program that requires the customer utilizes locally-trained labor passed unanimously at the city council meeting Tuesday night, January 20th. The initiative was introduced by Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and co-sponsored by Vice Mayor Lopez and Councilmember Ritterman.

Solar Richmond, Richmond BUILD, Grid Alternatives and Solar Living Institute are working in partnership to provide top-notch training to Richmond residents. Richmond BUILD offers a 12-week program that includes 7 weeks of pre-apprenticeship construction training and 5 weeks of solar instruction. Heliodyne, a local solar thermal company, is working with the partnership to add solar thermal training to the curriculum. Sal Vaca, Director of Employment and Training, says, "We are excited about partnering with our city to continue to create opportunities for our graduates."

The initial pilot program will offer a $1,000 rebate per system for 25 rooftops. "Richmond is leading the way in providing pathways out of poverty in the solar field. My hope is that all the cities in the East Bay Green Corridor and beyond will also step up with a similar program," says Mayor McLaughlin.

Heliodyne has been manufacturing solar thermal systems in Richmond for 33 years. "I am impressed that in these economic times, the City of Richmond's leaders are willing to make such a bold investment," says Ole Pilgaard, President/CEO of Heliodyne.

This program, initially proposed by Michele McGeoy, Founder and Director of Solar Richmond, is the first in the country to offer a thermal rebate tied to a job training program. "This powerful partnership between city, non-profits and industry is showing that we can clean up the planet while ensuring that this New Green Economy lifts all boats," says McGeoy.