Hamilton City >> A group of young adults shed heavy winter coats worn at their Boston-based college for T-shirts and hardhats this week in Northern California as an alternative way to spend spring break.
On Tuesday, 11 Northeastern University students and a staffer toiled at a house in Hamilton City installing solar panels for GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit organization that provides panels for low-income families.
The students were able to participate through a program at the university that takes them to warmer climates and projects where they can do something for a community.
Leaving snowy, cold Boston for a while was one reason for choosing the milder Northern California climate, but the students also came to serve and learn.
“I would definitely say getting out of the snow was what got me excited,” said Chelsea Elder, of Cleveland. “It’s much more rewarding than the typical things students do during spring break. I’m being able to help a community I’ve never been able to help before, and understanding that community.”
The Northeastern group has been in Chico since late Saturday. On Thursday, they’ll install solar panels on a house in Chico and will return to Boston early Saturday.
GRID Alternatives has provided the panels and lodging for the group, said spokeswoman Rebekah Casey. The company partners with a wildlife organization to provide service-oriented opportunities to college students who are looking for something different to do over spring break.
The company was established in 2001 as Generating Renewable Ideas in Development and later shortened the name to the acronym, GRID.
In 2006, GRID Alternatives worked with the state to create an affordable housing program and won the contract, going from four to 50 installations a year up to the 1,000 they now build.
In Chico, the company has done 320 projects since 2011, Casey said.
GRID covers the students’ food and lodging. Northeastern University helped with administration and some of the cost, but most of the students had to pay for their transportation.
Elder acknowledged a lot of contrasts between Boston, which received more than 100 inches of snow this winter, and Chico, which has had springlike weather hovering in the upper 70s.
Elder said it felt “freer” in Chico.
She particularly noted how people here have been wearing light clothing outside, are out sitting on porches and can leave doors open.
She also mentioned how different Chico State University’s open, outdoor walkways are from their own campus.
“We’re used to using tunnels to classes,” she said. “We can handle the change in weather, but it’s interesting to see the way people interact with their environment.”
For Northeastern student Kurt Jaisle, there was another reason to participate in the program.
“I’m an electrical engineering student, so it’s right up my alley,” Jaisle said.
The snow in Boston was also a factor.
“When you have that much snow on the ground, a warm place like California seemed really nice,” he continued.
It has been a learning experience for Jaisle, whose hometown is in Connecticut. Besides learning about the challenges involved in installing the solar panel system, he learned about the work that goes on behind a company like GRID Alternatives, he said.
Solar energy isn’t common in the Northeast, he added.
“Some people in my town use it, but since there’s not as much sun, there are not as many people who use it,” he said.
Tuesday’s job was at the East Avenue home of Brandy Amaral, a single mother who works with adults who have disabilities.
Amaral spoke briefly about the students and the program.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” she said. “They’ve been great. It’s nice they were able to volunteer their time and take time doing something that benefits a family that needs it.”
Amaral heard about GRID Alternatives a few years ago from a neighbor down the street. She called the company and inquired, but due to some personal issues didn’t call again. Finally she tried again.
Before getting the panels, Amaral spent between $60 and $80 a month on electricity. She said a GRID representative estimated she’ll save up to 90 percent on her electricity costs.
“I’m just thankful, and I’m pleased,” she added. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. … I’m really happy for how it worked out. No bumps. Everything has gone really smoothly.
Casey said Amaral is not contributing to the installation cost, though GRID will be moving to a pay-it-forward model in the future.
The average solar panel installation costs about $15,000, she said.
“The way we see it is, energy is critical to our lives. … It helps make home ownership sustainable,” Casey said. “It’s a long-term investment in self-sufficiency.”
For information about obtaining energy alternatives or participating in a building program, call 217-6115.
Contact reporter Barbara Arrigoni at 896-7767.