SAN CARLOS, CA, Sept. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twenty years ago, Bob and Lorrayne Murphy became the first clients of GRID Alternatives, opening their San Carlos home to a new organization working to make solar energy accessible to underserved communities.
Today, GRID Alternatives is returning to that same home to upgrade the original solar installation—a full-circle moment that marks two decades of impact.
“This home is where our mission began,” said Tim Sears, GRID Alternatives Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “Coming back 20 years later is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we invest in people and communities for the long term.”
“It’s hard to believe it has been 20 years since GRID Alternatives first brought solar to our home,” said Homeowners Bob and Lorrayne Murphy. “We’ve seen firsthand what that investment has meant for our family, and it’s incredibly meaningful to have GRID come back after all these years to help us upgrade the system. We’re grateful to have been part of GRID’s story from the beginning.”
The Murphy family’s story offers a tangible example of the lasting impact of accessible clean energy. What began with one home and one solar installation has grown into 20 years of work connecting communities with clean energy, economic opportunity, and workforce development.
BMO, a GRID Alternatives partner, joined the milestone celebration, underscoring the importance of partnerships in expanding access to the benefits of the clean energy economy. Working with GRID, BMO provides much-needed funding to help support projects like the system upgrade on the Murphy home.
“GRID Alternatives has shown what is possible when clean energy solutions are rooted in community needs,” said Melissa Fifield, Head of the BMO Climate Institute. “Through our longstanding relationship with GRID, BMO has supported programs that drive progress by expanding access to clean energy, strengthening community resilience, and creating opportunities through workforce development. The Murphy family's story is a powerful reminder that these investments can continue creating value for years to come.”
Since its start at the Murphy home, GRID has grown significantly, serving 14,000+ families in the Bay Area alone, generating more than $328 million in lifetime energy savings, and preventing over 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
The organization has broadened its reach both domestically and internationally, providing clean energy solutions to 38,000+ households and generating $887 million+ in lifetime energy savings for historically underserved communities to date.
“Twenty years of impact gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come—and to think boldly about where we go next,” said Erica Mackie, GRID Alternatives Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “The Murphy family helped us prove what was possible 20 years ago. Today, their home reminds us that our work is about more than installing solar—it’s about building a future where every community can benefit from the clean energy transition. We’re proud of this legacy and excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national nonprofit organization working to make clean, affordable renewable energy accessible to communities that have been left out of the clean energy transition. GRID connects people with solar energy, workforce development, and community-powered solutions that advance economic and environmental opportunity. For more information, visit GRID Alternatives.
About BMO
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States, and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value, by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams, and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.
BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.
In 2025, we directed more than $88.5 million to drive progress for communities, which included $82.5 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.
Our colleagues spent over 65,000+ hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $28.7 million of donations through employee-driven giving in our annual campaigns.
For more information, please visit BMO Gives.
Attachments
Megan Daly GRID Alternatives 323-514-0078 mdaly@gridalternatives.org
