Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 12, 2014
Deep Patel, Founder & CEO of solar solutions provider GigaWatt Inc, has accepted a position on the board of directors for GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization that installs solar electric systems for low-income families and provides hands-on installation training for volunteers.
Shortly after launching GoGreenSolar.com, eCommerce store and distribution channel of GigaWatt, Patel completed his first volunteer photovoltaic (PV) installation with GRID Alternatives. He immediately recognized that this organization was doing more than installing PV systems. In effect, GRID Alternatives is a rooftop university for aspiring solar professionals. Amateur volunteers were working alongside skilled electricians to execute real-world PV applications, receiving hands-on installation experience and networking opportunities in exchange for their community service.
Patel invested more of his time into volunteering, using GRID Alternatives as a platform to train his staff and scout potential employees. It was at a GRID installation that Patel first met Dave Donaldson, a purple camouflage-clad volunteer known to the GRID Alternatives family as Purple Dave. Donaldson ultimately became GigaWatt’s chief design engineer.
“Grid Alternatives is structurally sound because it creates value for everyone involved,” explains Patel. “Volunteers serve communities in need and get real-world installation experience and businesses like mine find qualified workers.”
Patel holds a MS in Finance from Boston University and describes himself as an electrician by trade. As a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and solar advocate, Patel offers GRID Alternatives a valuable new perspective.
"I'm confident that Deep Patel will be an important new voice on our Board of Directors," said Michael Kadish, GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles Executive Director. "As an employer in a growing green business that's hired our volunteers and supported our work, Deep already understands GRID's value. I'm excited to have him bring his insights and energy to the board as we expand our job training program and our services."
About GigaWatt
GigaWatt Inc, http://www.gigawattinc.com, is a California Corporation that designs and engineers solar energy solutions for homeowners, contractors, businesses, and utilities. Core competencies of GigaWatt include distribution, installation, and product manufacturing.
Since 2006, GigaWatt has earned the trust of Federal clients including the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as home and business owners that want to harness the power of the sun. GoGreenSolar.com is a solar eCommerce store owned and operated by GigaWatt Inc. Licensed C10 contractor #972791.
About Grid Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a non-profit organization that brings the benefits of solar technology to underserved communities. Using a barn-raising model, GRID Alternatives leads teams of volunteers and job trainees to install solar power on qualifying homes, providing needed savings for families struggling to make ends meet while preparing workers for jobs in the fast- growing solar industry and cleaning our air. More than 4000 families have benefited from the program to date, saving $110 million in lifetime electricity costs, and more than 15,000 people have received solar training. GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles has helped over 600 low-income families go solar throughout Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties, and provided more than 70,000 hours of hands-on installation experience.
