Solar Richmond

Solar Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 in Richmond, California.

Solar Richmond’s mission is to empower people to effectively participate in the green economy and advocate for policy that will stall climate change through vocational training and leadership development. We envision that communities across Richmond and the greater Bay Area are thriving, healthy, and are an integral part of the green economy without barriers of race or class.

Solar Richmond offers free solar training, and green business opportunities for low income and under-employed residents. Serving as a solar and green-jobs advocate, we work with our partners to promote solar and inclusive green economic development in Richmond and the Bay Area.

History :

Michele McGeoy founded Solar Richmond in 2006 to address the eco-divide in the solar industry, a divide that she also witnessed in her previous work in the Silicon Valley tech world. McGeoy approached City of Richmond politicians, businesses and local non-profits and began advocating for the adoption of solar and the creation of a solar training program for low-income and underemployed local residents. With support and advice from Richmond’s Mayor, Gayle McLaughlin, and other civic and community leaders, Michele started a program which is now considered a national model. From what began as solar training course, Solar Richmond is now a social enterprise that also offers holistic leadership development and transitional employment through referrals.