Twenty years ago, Bob and Lorraine Murphy opened their home in San Carlos, California, founding GRID Alternatives as a new organization dedicated to making solar energy accessible to underserved communities. They were among the first clients of GRID Alternatives. This week, GRID Alternatives returned to the same house to upgrade the original solar installation.

"This home is the starting point of our mission," said Tim Sears, co-founder and co-CEO of GRID Alternatives. "Returning here twenty years later powerfully reminds us of what can happen when we invest in people and communities over the long term."

From a single family and a solar installation project, it has grown into a 20-year journey dedicated to connecting communities through clean energy, economic opportunities, and workforce development.

"It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since GRID Alternatives first installed solar for our home," said Bob and Lorraine Murphy. "We've witnessed firsthand the impact of this investment on our family. After all these years, it's truly meaningful that GRID has returned to help us upgrade the system. We're honored to have been part of GRID's story from the very beginning.". ”

As a partner of GRID Alternatives, BMO attended the milestone celebration. BMO collaborated with GRID to provide financial support for projects like Murphy's home system upgrade.

Melissa Phiferfield, head of the BMO Climate Institute, said: "GRID Alternatives demonstrates what can be achieved when clean energy solutions are rooted in community needs." "Through our long-standing partnership with GRID, BMO has supported projects that drive progress by expanding access to clean energy, building community resilience, and creating opportunities through workforce development. The story of the Murphy family powerfully reminds us that these investments can continue to deliver value for years to come.". ”

Since its inception at the Murphy household, GRID has grown and expanded, serving over 14,000 households in the Bay Area alone and saving more than $328 million in energy costs. The organization has increased its influence both domestically and internationally, now providing clean energy solutions to over 38,000 households and saving more than $887 million in energy costs for historically underserved communities.

Erica McGee, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GRID Alternatives, said, "Two decades of impact give us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements and boldly consider where we go next." "The Murphy family helped us prove what is possible two decades ago. Today, their home reminds us that our work is not just about installing solar—it’s about building a future where every community benefits from the clean energy transition. We are proud of this legacy and excited about the accomplishments we can achieve together in the coming years."