Solar Landscape
Solar Landscape has completed construction of a 556-kWDC rooftop community solar installation in Secaucus, New Jersey, that will generate clean, renewable energy and social benefits for nearby communities.
By hosting solar panels on the rooftop of its commercial warehouse, Principal Asset Management empowered Solar Landscape to train nearby community members on solar equipment installation, creating new career paths in clean energy as part of its STEP-UP (Solar Training and Education Partnership for Underserved Populations) program. Since November, Solar Landscape has partnered with Edison Job Corps and national solar leaders, GAF and Trinity Solar, to introduce 29 New Jersey residents from low- to moderate-income communities to the skills necessary to become solar installers.
“Financial inclusion and environmental impact are fundamental aspects of our commitment to sustainability,” said Principal Asset Management’s managing director of ESG and operations, Jennifer McConkey. “Together with Solar Landscape and its training partners, the program is introducing community members to entirely new careers in clean energy. In addition, this program addresses critical sustainability and social goals to be a good neighbor to our communities and a clean energy model for the rest of the country.”
One candidate that recently completed the Job Corps courses was hired shortly after the training and is now part of Solar Landscape’s growing installation team.
“For nearly 60 years, Job Corps has assisted underserved populations with career preparation, career development and career transition,” said Tony Staynings, business community liaison at Edison Job Corps. “Thanks to Principal, Solar Landscape, GAF and their partners, we are introducing our students to solar energy and providing them pathways to careers in renewable energy.”
News item from Solar Landscape
