Goodwill of Colorado to Launch Solar Installation Training to Grow Colorado’s Clean Energy Workforce
New no-cost program begins August 10, 2026, in Denver, offering hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and job placement for careers in solar and related trades
Denver (July 14, 2026) – Goodwill of Colorado today announced the launch of a new solar installation training program – a free, hands-on course designed to equip Coloradans with the skills and credentials needed for high-demand jobs in the state’s clean energy sector. Offered through the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) and powered by GRID Alternatives, the four-week Solar Installation Basics program combines classroom learning, lab work, and employment-readiness coaching, and connects graduates directly with local hiring employers. The program’s first class begins Monday, August 10, 2026, at Goodwill of Colorado’s Excel Center in Aurora.
Created to meet the growing demand for skilled solar installers and clean energy technicians, Solar Installation Basics offers hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct pathways to employment. The program is specifically designed for underserved and underemployed individuals, including veterans, justice-impacted individuals and career changers looking for a fresh start.
Program highlights include:
- Free to participants with no tuition cost
- Three weeks of classroom instruction and hands-on lab training
- Industry-recognized credentials: OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid/AED and IronRidge Installer Certification, plus eligibility for NABCEP continuing education units
- Training on real equipment, including mock roofs, racking, inverters, and battery storage
- Employment-readiness coaching and job placement assistance with local employers
- Wraparound support from a career navigator, including help with transportation, childcare, and other needs during training
“This isn’t just a training program; it’s a launchpad to a future-proof career,” said James Sanchez, director of education and training at Goodwill of Colorado. “In a matter of weeks, participants gain the hands-on skills and industry-recognized credentials they need to pursue well-paying jobs in one of the fastest-growing parts of our economy.”
The program arrives at a pivotal moment for Colorado’s clean energy workforce. Statewide, there were 8,071 individuals employed by nearly 380 solar and storage companies in 2024, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, which ranks Colorado ninth in the nation. Across the country, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks solar photovoltaic installer as one of the fastest-growing occupations, projecting 42% growth from 2024 to 2034. Even so, solar firms continue to report difficulty finding qualified applicants, a gap this program is built to close by preparing local talent for local jobs.
To graduate, participants must pass a timed, competency-based capstone that tests their skills at a commercial pace. The credentials they earn are portable and stackable, giving graduates a recognized first step into the solar industry and a foundation to build toward higher-level certifications over time.
Solar Installation Basics is the latest example of Goodwill of Colorado’s long-standing commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals across the state. Through its mission-driven programs, Goodwill of Colorado serves nearly 145,000 Coloradans each year, connecting people to education, training, and employment opportunities that lead to long-term economic independence.
“Programs like this reflect our mission in action, meeting people where they are, and helping them build better futures,” explained Sanchez. “By bridging workforce development with environmental impact, we’re opening doors for individuals and helping power Colorado’s clean energy economy in a way that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and community driven.”
Goodwill of Colorado is currently enrolling for the program. Interested applicants must be 18 or older, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be comfortable working at heights and outdoors in varied weather. To apply or learn more, email cl*******@**************do.org.
Solar Installation Basics is powered by GRID Alternatives, a national nonprofit that advances economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. The broader Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator was developed by Goodwill Industries International in partnership with Accenture and launched in Colorado in July 2025.
About Goodwill of Colorado
Goodwill of Colorado helps transform people’s lives. We are a registered 501(c)3 organization providing career placement, education and training, and community programs for nearly 145,000 Coloradans each year — including military veterans, seniors, and individuals who have a personal or economic barrier to employment. For more than a century, Goodwill of Colorado has supported the state’s communities and through our commitment to sustainability annually diverts more than 190 million pounds of donated items from our landfills. Learn more about our impact here and follow @GoodwillColorado on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Stephanie Bell, 719-510-7607
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