Founded by Erica Mackie and Tim Sears in 2004, it installs solar power systems and provides job training for underserved communities and operates in the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Nepal.

"[3] In 2008, the company was selected by the California Public Utilities Commission to serve as the statewide program manager for its Single-family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) incentive program, prompting an expansion across the state.

[6] Grid has nine regional affiliates; seven serving California and offices in Denver, Colorado and Washington, D.C.

In September 2017, regional affiliate GRID Alternatives Tri-State, serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, closed due to a recent Federal trade case decision that created uncertainty around future solar panel prices.

In their press release, however, the company stated, GRID Tri-State will continue to operate as a board-driven organization that will focus on advocating for strong low-income solar policies that would allow us to staff back up in the future.