Power52 Foundation
Power52 Foundation is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs an MHEC-approved solar PV installation training program for at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved Baltimore/Maryland residents, while building community resiliency hubs and a subscription community solar program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersColumbia, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Power52 Foundation does
Power52 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, that operates at the intersection of clean energy workforce development and community resilience. Its core offering is the Power52 Energy Institute — the first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to specialize in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation. The institute delivers an accredited 16-week hybrid training program totaling 320 clock hours, enrolling approximately 20 adult trainees per cohort and producing graduates with OSHA-30, NCCER, and NABCEP-recognized credentials. The program targets at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals in Baltimore City and across Maryland, with wraparound services including case management, career readiness preparation, and job placement support through employer partner networks. The organization is co-founded by Ray Lewis and Cherie Brooks.
Power52's secondary offerings extend the mission into community-scale clean energy infrastructure. The Community Resiliency Hubs initiative installs solar-plus-battery storage systems on community centers — including three East Baltimore facilities operated by Living Classrooms in partnership with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability — creating backup power for emergencies and natural disasters. The Community Solar Program offers subscription-based credits from community solar farms at roughly 20–30% discounts on retail electricity rates, enabling bill savings for residents who cannot install rooftop solar. Supporting programs include the Power Pathways alumni services for graduate job placement, plus community engagement events such as the annual Charity Golf Classic, Pull Up & Pick Up Food and Supply Giveaways (which have served over 3,000 Maryland families), and the Operation Sleigh Bells holiday toy drive.
The revenue model is donation-led, with no publicly disclosed pricing for training (scholarships are provided to participants). Confirmed funding includes a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (June 2023) and a $500,000 grant from The T.D. Jakes Foundation (April 2025). Merchandise sales through a branded e-commerce shop and event fundraising contribute supplemental revenue. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on direct engagement with underserved communities, employer partner pipelines, video testimonials, and documentary content. Power52 is recognized with Candid Platinum Transparency 2025 certification and is governed by a Board of Directors with no institutional equity backing, consistent with its nonprofit status.
Power52 Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Power52 Foundation
- Legal name
- Power52 Foundation
- Website
- https://power52.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Power52 Foundation is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs an MHEC-approved solar PV installation training program for at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved Baltimore/Maryland residents, while building community resiliency hubs and a subscription community solar program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Power52 Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Workforce Development and Solar Energy Training Services
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)
- SIC
- Electrical Work (1731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS) (EUAMABAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Campus/Institutional Microgrids (Universities, Hospitals, Military) (EUACALAD), Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions) (BPAGALAE), Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage) (EDAOABAI)
Keywords
Where Power52 Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Power52 Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Power52 Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations from individuals, board members, and corporate sponsors to fund training programs, scholarships, and community initiatives.
- Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an e-commerce shop selling branded apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, accessories) with proceeds supporting the mission.
- Event Fundraising: Annual charity events including the LIVE! On the Green Charity Golf Classic generate sponsorship revenue and ticket sales to support workforce development programs.
- Training Program Fees / Scholarships: While the training program exists, the organization provides scholarships and financial support to participants, indicating potential tuition-based revenue offset by donor-funded scholarships.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Branded merchandise including apparel and accessories |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Solar energy professional training program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Power52 Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Power52 Foundation operates the Power52 Energy Institute, the first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland approved by MHEC, providing a 16-week hybrid solar photovoltaic installation training program (320 clock hours) with industry-recognized certifications to at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals. The organization complements training with Community Resiliency Hubs (solar-plus-storage installations on community centers), a Community Solar subscription program, employer job placement partnerships, and merchandise/event fundraising to support its workforce development mission.
Product overview
Power52 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a unified portfolio of workforce development and community empowerment programs focused on the renewable energy sector. The core offerings center on Power52 Energy Institute, a state-approved clean energy career school providing a 16-week solar photovoltaic training program with industry certifications (OSHA-30, NCCER, NABCEP), and the Solar Energy Professional Training Program that combines technical instruction with wraparound support services including job placement. These training programs are complemented by the Community Resiliency Hubs initiative (solar-plus-storage installations on community centers) and the Community Solar Program (subscription-based solar farm participation). The organization also operates a merchandise shop and hosts annual events including the Charity Golf Classic and community outreach programs like the Pull Up & Pick Up Food Giveaway and Operation Sleigh Bells toy drive.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Power52 Energy Institute: The first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland specializing in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation, approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Offers a 16-week hybrid training program totaling 320 clock hours.
Products and services
- Power52 Energy Institute The first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland specializing in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation, approved by MHEC. Offers a 16-week hybrid training program totaling 320 clock hours combining online instruction with hands-on technical training in solar PV installation, electrical fundamentals, and safety protocols. Intended for at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals seeking careers in the clean energy sector.
- Solar Energy Professional Training Program Workforce development program providing in-depth training in solar photovoltaic installation, safety protocols, and energy system fundamentals. Includes wraparound support services such as case management, career readiness preparation, and job placement support. Designed for individuals from underserved communities seeking entry into the clean energy workforce.
- Community Resiliency Hubs Community centers equipped with solar plus battery storage installations that provide clean energy and backup power during outages, natural disasters, and emergencies. Deployed through partnerships with organizations like Living Classrooms and the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability, with installation work performed by Power52 graduates.
- Community Solar Program Subscription-based program allowing community members to purchase credits from community solar farms at discounted rates (approximately $0.70 for $0.80-$1.00 worth of energy), resulting in 20-30% savings on electric bills without needing to install panels on their property.
- Power52 Merchandise Shop Online store selling branded apparel and accessories including hoodies ($45.00), t-shirts ($19.99-$41.00), mugs ($14.99), tote bags, and beanies. All proceeds support the mission of bringing education and clean energy access to underserved communities.
Quantifiable outcome
- Graduates prepared for careers in solar industry with industry-recognized certifications
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Power52 Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Power52 Foundation technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Power52 Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)corePower52 Energy Institute is the first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland specializing in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation to be approved by MHEC, enabling the organization to provide accredited career training programs.
- Living Classrooms FoundationcorePower52 graduates were contracted in 2017 to install solar panels on Living Classrooms' three community centers in East Baltimore, turning them into the nation's first urban community-based resiliency hubs. The partnership demonstrates the organization's dual mission of workforce development and community resilience.
- Baltimore City Office of SustainabilitycorePartnership to develop the nation's first urban community-based resiliency hubs through solar installations on community centers. The first resiliency center was installed in February 2018.
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)corePower52's PV Professional accredited curriculum is supported by NCCER, providing industry-recognized credentials and training standards for construction and craft professional development.
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)coreNABCEP Associate Credentials are the solar industry recognized certifications that Power52 trainees work to acquire, representing the gold standard in solar professional certification.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Power52 Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GRID Alternatives: National nonprofit delivering solar installation job training and no-cost solar for low-income communities — directly comparable dual mission of workforce development plus community solar deployment targeting underserved populations.
- Solar Energy International (SEI): Established nonprofit solar training organization offering PV installation courses and NABCEP-aligned curricula, comparable as a vocational solar education provider serving career-track trainees.
- Solar States: Philadelphia-based nonprofit solar workforce training and installation organization focused on underserved urban communities — closely aligned mission and operating model to Power52.
- Groundswell: Nonprofit scaling community solar and resilience projects while training local clean energy workforces — directly comparable on both the community solar subscription program and the workforce development mission.
Regional players
- Civic Works: Baltimore-based workforce development and community service nonprofit; while not exclusively solar-focused, it operates in the same Baltimore geography serving similar at-risk populations with green job training pathways.
- Baltimore Corps: Baltimore-focused social impact talent organization — comparable as a regional talent intermediary that connects under-represented individuals with mission-driven employers in the same geography.
Emerging players
- The HOPE Project / Solar Works: Workforce development program combining solar installation training with community deployment in Washington DC — comparable model of training underserved residents and deploying community-scale solar.
- Solstice Initiative: Nonprofit focused on expanding community solar access to low-income households, with an implicit workforce angle — comparable on the community solar subscription model Power52 offers.
Broad incumbents
- Job Corps / Center for Sustainable Energy Training: Federally funded workforce training programs that include solar PV curricula; represents the broader incumbent ecosystem competing for trainees, employer placements, and government workforce dollars.
Others
- Maryland Clean Energy Center: State-level entity supporting Maryland's clean energy economy and workforce — adjacent enabler sharing Power52's Maryland operating geography and a potential partnership/funding counterpart.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Power52 Foundation social profiles
Digital presencePower52 Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Power52 Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Power52 Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Power52 Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Power52 Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Power52 Foundation
What does Power52 Foundation do?
Power52 Foundation operates the Power52 Energy Institute, the first Clean Energy Private Career School in Maryland approved by MHEC, providing a 16-week hybrid solar photovoltaic installation training program (320 clock hours) with industry-recognized certifications to at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals. The organization complements training with Community Resiliency Hubs (solar-plus-storage installations on community centers), a Community Solar subscription program, employer job placement partnerships, and merchandise/event fundraising to support its workforce development mission.
Is Power52 Foundation a public or private company?
Power52 Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Power52 Foundation founded?
Power52 Foundation was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Power52 Foundation based?
Power52 Foundation is headquartered in Columbia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Power52 Foundation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales, event Fundraising and training Program Fees / Scholarships.
Who are Power52 Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GRID Alternatives, Solar Energy International (SEI), Solar States and Groundswell. Regional players are Civic Works and Baltimore Corps. Emerging players are The HOPE Project / Solar Works and Solstice Initiative. Job Corps / Center for Sustainable Energy Training is listed as a broad incumbent. Maryland Clean Energy Center is listed as an others.
Does Power52 Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Power52 Foundation.
What industry is Power52 Foundation in?
Power52 Foundation's product category is Workforce Development and Solar Energy Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAO, Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS), with a secondary code of EUACALAD, Campus/Institutional Microgrids (Universities, Hospitals, Military). Its NAICS code is 221114 and its SIC code is 1731.