This was the least stressful home improvement project in which I have ever been involved. I was also my own volunteer! The class was informative and a confidence builder. The lead installer was organized and good humored.
Review from Guidestar
I have been volunteering with Sunwork for the past several weeks. After my first install, I couldn't wait to do another one. So far, I have volunteered in installing 5 systems and with every install, I learn something new.
This is a great organization with a wonderful team of people. Reuben is an amazing individual who goes out of his way to help volunteers learn the ins and outs of solar installation. He is extremely patient and has a warm personality that creates a fun learning environment while maintaining the highest quality of work. What a great role model
When it comes to work ethic, Reuben has raised the bar so high that it is truly difficult for others to match the standards he has set.
If you have any interest in learning about solar system, I strongly recommend you consider volunteering for this nonprofit organization.
Thank you Reuben and the Sunwork team;
Hamid
Been turned down for Solar because your electric bills a $150 or below? Seek Reuben Veek; his plan at Sunwork is to brighten that frown by taking your order that’s below that border while letting the Sun labor in your favor! Mr. Veek’s sustainable business plan is just waiting to happen across your New Year’s resolve to save money, the planet, and the air we breathe. His prices are right and his workers are trained to take their time and do it right the first time. As a Solar Advocate for Sunworks I enjoyed sharing his nonprofit footprint because he cares about the future of the Solar Industry.
As a volunteer with SunWork, I have seen the role it plays in not only expanding the market for solar installations, but also in educating the public about the benefits of solar energy. Outtreach efforts such as public presentations, solar-home tours, and booths at relevant events have helped to promote a practical understanding of how solar can be an economic alternative in a wide range of situations.
Sunwork has contributed greatly to clean energy generation, training the green workforce, and spreading the word about improving energy efficiency as a prerequisite to installing solar PV. Staff and management are committed, educated, skilled, and passionate about the environment. Go Team!
I'm impressed with the concept of SunWork. Because they use trained volunteers (under the supervision of an experienced professional), the cost of installation for the low enery homeowner is dramatically reduced. Likely the lower price attracts homeowners who would not otherwise consider solar. Meanwhile volunteers get hands-on experience to prepare for future work in the field-- good for the trainee, good for this important industry.
Before I was introduced to SunWork, I did solar workshops in the area. People would ask me if solar made sense with a low electric bill and at the time the answer was "it's a good choice for the environment, but economic payback is very long". However after I heard about SunWork and their nonprofit volunteer model that reduces the cost significantly, solar can have both an economic and environmental payback for people with small electric bills. I was so impressed that I joined the board. In addition, the volunteers learn valuable skills as well as contribute directly to reducing pollution and carbon emissions. Several volunteers have gone on to get jobs in the solar industry. And now SunWork is starting to help other nonprofits with solar installations so these nonprofits can reduce their energy costs as well as their environmental impact while delivering needed services.
I was very pleased with the system I received. The work was done well and it looks very professional. The permit was done and everything happened as it should have. I was coordinating putting a new roof on with the solar, so timing was a bit difficult, but ultimately, everything got done. I would definitely recommend Sunwork to anyone who might be installing solar
I attended a Sunwork training class and was impressed with Reuben's gift for providing practical explanations of solar energy and installation techniques, while at the same time, being able to answer any question related to the science and technology of solar systems. After participating in two rooftop installations, with Rueben, I went on to work as a Field Applications Engineer for a solar company that installed 40MW of solar in New Jersey. I currently work for a company that helps solar plants with capacities >1MW connect to CAISO's network in California.
Not only is Rueben a gifted instructor, his commitment to quality is unequaled in my solar experience.
SunWork's Operations Director, Reuben, is compassionate about solar, an excellent teacher and an effective leader. I have been through the training and have helped on at least 4 jobs. Some of SunWorks volunteers come from Classes at Skyline College. This includes me and at least 3 or 4 others who went on to employment in the Solar industry. SunWork fills a void in the Solar Industry as a non-profit that focuses on helping low energy users and other non-profits go solar while promoting; Environmental Health, (by producing power from the sun vs coal or other non-sustainable fuels), and Economic prosperity along with Social Equity, (by providing hands-on training to individuals looking for a career in the Solar Industry. Tell your friends about SunWork!!
SunWork is a stand-out nonprofit helping to expand the reach and impact of solar energy to homeowners and community centers that would otherwise be left in the dark. I have worked with SunWork for several months on a project to bring a solar energy system and energy savings to a great Redwood City, California nonprofit, their staff and Board have been great to work with every step of the way. First-hand experience has shown me that everyone in the organization cares deeply about their mission and the environment.
Under the supervision of a licensed contractor, SunWork trains volunteers to perform most of the solar installation labor. This brings solar power to low-energy-use homes, where other installers don't want to or can't compete, and brings hands-on training to people wanting to work in solar, or who want to understand solar power better. This is a win/win/win: Customers are happy, volunteers are educated, and more solar power is generated where it otherwise wouldn't be.
SunWork is driven by the desire to make solar available to as many people as possible. Where certain markets are not served by for-profit businesses, SunWork finds ways to bring them solar energy. Where for-profit entities can serve the market SunWork trains the future installers, salespeople and all the roles in between that for-profits require. Further, SunWork provides a level of transparency to customers and the general public regarding what the real costs of a PV system are, helping to create a more informed market.
Sunwork is an incredible organization that is putting solar on rooftops and is also training people how to do this important work. Sunwork makes renewable energy work for those people and communities that aren't supported by traditional solar installers. Sunwork is doing a great job for the communities it serves.