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10/15/2025

Lawrence County Workforce Initiative Opens Pathways to Renewable Energy Careers For North Alabama Residents

Open House at R.A. Hubbard Community Center to Connect Local Job Seekers with Opportunities in Renewable Energy.

HOUSTON, Tx. — October 15, 2025 —Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer (IPP), has partnered with R.A. Hubbard Community Center, LPL Solar, CSS Solar LLC, First Solar, Decatur Career Center and the town of North Courtland to launch the Pathways to Careers in Renewable Energy initiative. The program is designed to connect Lawrence County residents with job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and address the region’s growing demand for locally sourced power and the skilled labor needed to support it.

The initiative will kick off with an open house on Oct. 15 at R.A. Hubbard Community Center. The event will provide local job seekers with information about employment opportunities tied to Urban Grid’s Hillsboro Solar project and the broader renewable energy industry. Residents with backgrounds across a spectrum of skilled trades including electrical, HVAC, concrete construction, landscaping, roofing, roadwork and manufacturing are encouraged to attend. Attendees will learn about transferable skills, job requirements and the application process. Company overviews will be presented by CSS Solar LLC, LPL Solar and First Solar.

Urban Grid’s mission extends beyond building solar facilities to building strong communities. Through its Economic and Community Development work, the company invests in programs that strengthen local economies, create pathways to good jobs and ensure communities share the benefits of locally sourced energy.

We are committed to giving back to our project communities, being good neighbors and collaborating with partners whose work advances agriculture, workforce development and youth education,” said Lakeesha Carr, director of economic development at Urban Grid.

Riley Evans, Mayor of North Courtland, added, “The Urban Grid partnership aims to lay the groundwork for transformative community-led educational programming.”

As part of the workforce initiative, Urban Grid is also launching the Northern Alabama Solar Education Exhibit at R.A. Hubbard Community Center. This static installation will highlight the Hillsboro Solar Project, showcase renewable energy careers and serve as a cornerstone for community-led education in locally sourced energy. From development through construction and into long-term operations, Urban Grid remains committed to being a trusted partner and a good neighbor in every community it serves.

Event Details

  • Date: October 15, 2025
  • Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
  • Location: R.A. Hubbard Community Center Gymnasium, North Courtland, AL

About the Partners

Urban Grid

Urban Grid is a leading independent power producer (IPP) delivering reliable, utility-scale solar and storage solutions to help meet America’s unprecedented energy demand. We develop, own and operate projects that strengthen local economies through long-term partnerships and responsible land stewardship. By integrating agrivoltaics into our land management practices, we enhance soil health, support local farmers and benefit the communities we serve.

With a strong focus on execution and integrity, we are committed to being a trusted domestic energy provider and responsible corporate citizen. Urban Grid is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates across the United States with a growing portfolio that includes 12,000 megawatts of development assets.  We continue to maintain our optionality to co-locate with battery storage based on customer demand, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in our energy solutions.

Since becoming an IPP in 2023, we have successfully brought five solar projects online, begun construction on three additional projects and are actively advancing one gigawatt of capacity into pre-construction.

Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

LPL Solar LLC

LPL Solar LLC is a distinguished leader in the construction of utility-scale solar power plants, renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. With a strong emphasis on self-perform capabilities, LPL Solar caters to a diverse clientele, including independent power producers and utility companies. The company offers comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services, covering a broad spectrum of energy infrastructure, including PV Plants, Substations, Switchyards, and cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Learn more at www.LPLSolar.com.

First Solar

First Solar is America’s Solar Company—an industry leader in solar technology and the only U.S.-headquartered manufacturer among the world’s top solar producers. We specialize in advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules, developed through cutting-edge research in California and Ohio, and engineered for high performance and reliability in utility-scale power generation.

With a growing manufacturing footprint that includes facilities in Ohio, Alabama, and soon Louisiana, First Solar is driving domestic innovation and creating thousands of high-tech jobs across the country. Our vertically integrated operations—from R&D to production—enable speed, precision, and quality at scale.

We foster a workplace culture built on innovation, agility, collaboration, and accountability. At First Solar, passionate individuals have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, solve complex challenges, and grow their careers in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment.

Learn more at www.firstsolar.com

For more information, please contact [email protected].

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