Ontario's solar energy economy is booming with the new feed-in tariff (FIT) and micro feed-in tariff (microFIT) programs that buy back energy from Ontario's solar energy producers. Due to this, the green job market is booming.
However, a lack of solar training opportunities is slowing the momentum.
Many of the larger commercial solar energy projects already have the technical expertise to complete the job. However, the microFIT program for homeowners and small businesses is suffering due to the lack of qualified solar technicians.
By the end of 2009, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) had received 1,193 microFIT applications, 1,166 of which were for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. And many of these installations require expertise. Expertise which is severely lacking.
So more money needs to be poured into solar training facilities to cope with the exploding demand for soalr energy. However, all is not lost.
Solar training facilities such as Ontario Solar Academy offer solar training courses that focus qualifications for Ontario's microFIT and FIT programs and the Canadian Electrical Code.
A qualified solar energy installer will also have to make sure that solar equipment adheres to Ontario's domestic content requirements. The microFIT program stipulates that 40% of all solar photovoltaic project materials must be Ontario manufactured or produced. This is good news for the local workforce and economy. These requirements will go up to 60% in 2011.
So as the solar economy booms, the only question is whether there will be enough qualified solar training programs to train installers to keep Ontario's solar economy on track.
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Friday, 30 July 2010
Lots Of Solar Training Programs In The US But Not So Many Jobs?
There seems to be plenty of solar training programs out there. From state universities, community colleges to local anti-poverty agencies, most US States offer programs to prepare workers for these new jobs, mostly funded with federal stimulus money.
But at the moment, what isn't out there, critics say, are the jobs, in part because of a lack of commitment by the state.
Christopher Phelps, program director for Environment Connecticut says, "In making investments and maintaining the supports for green businesses, the state is clearly falling behind. While people are receiving training for clean energy technology in Connecticut, it's quite possible in too many instances those jobs will actually be located in Massachusetts or New York or other states."
"While our surrounding neighbors are expanding support of clean energy, Connecticut is at best treading water, and when it comes to solar, really moving backwards,''
In recent years, Connecticut has allocated millions of dollars in federal economic stimulus money to solar training, much of it aimed at people who are unemployed or threatened with unemployment.
They are intended to help people like Linda Ouellet, 49, a former mortgage underwriter, who has been laid off three times in recent years.
She has been solar training through a $4 million federal stimulus grant aimed at helping unemployed and low-income residents find jobs.
"I thought this is a very up and coming field,'' said Ouellet. "I'd like to get into something where I'm actually helping the environment."
Matthew Fritz, special assistant to the governor, said around $760,000 of a $3.36 million grant will be placed into a Green Jobs Training Incentive Fund which hopes to train 895 workers in the green sector.
"There is several different pots of money out there for training,'' said Fritz. He said the state doesn't have a complete count of the number of people being trained.
But some say the state has not done enough to sustain growth of the fledging green industry so there will be enough jobs for those who are getting the solar training.
"While it's important to train workers we need to understand a little better why we are training workers for an industry that may not exist. It all seems a little backwards,'' said Michael Trahan, executive director of Solar Connecticut Inc., a non-profit solar advocacy group.
"It's incredibly frustrating that dollars are set up for solar training but yet those same groups setting those dollars aside are having difficult formulating how the solar industry is going to survive so those trainees can get to work. We haven't been able to get everyone aligned with jobs and projects. We are working on that."
The state also isn't sure just what skills will be needed for jobs that do open up.
Richard Pearson, consultant with the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission commented, "We will have the training programs in place and the instructors in place. We want the talent pipeline for green jobs to be primed and ready to go, but it is not a science. A lot of stuff on the training side is anticipatory. It is chicken and eggs."
"There is nobody at the table that doesn't want to align the workforce training and development efforts with genuine job opportunities. The economy and policy environment are fluid. We can't really influence that, but we try to be as smart as we can and we try to be as nimble as we can to calibrate the activity."
So, it seems being able to secure a job in the solar industry after you have completed your solar training depends on where you live.
But at the moment, what isn't out there, critics say, are the jobs, in part because of a lack of commitment by the state.
Christopher Phelps, program director for Environment Connecticut says, "In making investments and maintaining the supports for green businesses, the state is clearly falling behind. While people are receiving training for clean energy technology in Connecticut, it's quite possible in too many instances those jobs will actually be located in Massachusetts or New York or other states."
"While our surrounding neighbors are expanding support of clean energy, Connecticut is at best treading water, and when it comes to solar, really moving backwards,''
In recent years, Connecticut has allocated millions of dollars in federal economic stimulus money to solar training, much of it aimed at people who are unemployed or threatened with unemployment.
They are intended to help people like Linda Ouellet, 49, a former mortgage underwriter, who has been laid off three times in recent years.
She has been solar training through a $4 million federal stimulus grant aimed at helping unemployed and low-income residents find jobs.
"I thought this is a very up and coming field,'' said Ouellet. "I'd like to get into something where I'm actually helping the environment."
Matthew Fritz, special assistant to the governor, said around $760,000 of a $3.36 million grant will be placed into a Green Jobs Training Incentive Fund which hopes to train 895 workers in the green sector.
"There is several different pots of money out there for training,'' said Fritz. He said the state doesn't have a complete count of the number of people being trained.
But some say the state has not done enough to sustain growth of the fledging green industry so there will be enough jobs for those who are getting the solar training.
"While it's important to train workers we need to understand a little better why we are training workers for an industry that may not exist. It all seems a little backwards,'' said Michael Trahan, executive director of Solar Connecticut Inc., a non-profit solar advocacy group.
"It's incredibly frustrating that dollars are set up for solar training but yet those same groups setting those dollars aside are having difficult formulating how the solar industry is going to survive so those trainees can get to work. We haven't been able to get everyone aligned with jobs and projects. We are working on that."
The state also isn't sure just what skills will be needed for jobs that do open up.
Richard Pearson, consultant with the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission commented, "We will have the training programs in place and the instructors in place. We want the talent pipeline for green jobs to be primed and ready to go, but it is not a science. A lot of stuff on the training side is anticipatory. It is chicken and eggs."
"There is nobody at the table that doesn't want to align the workforce training and development efforts with genuine job opportunities. The economy and policy environment are fluid. We can't really influence that, but we try to be as smart as we can and we try to be as nimble as we can to calibrate the activity."
So, it seems being able to secure a job in the solar industry after you have completed your solar training depends on where you live.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
New Online Solar Training School
Solar Training School has entered the Renewable Energy Education field with a course that specializes in Online Photovoltaic Education, focusing on Design, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The classes emphasize safety, industry insight and workforce development. This solar training course is for individuals seeking entry level employment in the solar energy or green collar industry.
The solar training is presented online with live instructor support. Students receive 20 hours of lecture, discussion and interaction with the instructor and other students.
Informative PowerPoint and Multimedia presentations are incorporated into the online classes. Students will participate in online quizzes and testing for better comprehension and retention of material.
Upon registration of the solar training class, the student will receive a Photovoltaic Systems textbook, an interactive CD-ROM and a Photovoltaic Cell. The textbook is the Solar industry's premier reference and used by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJACT).
The CD-ROM brings the textbook to life and includes an illustrated glossary, forms and worksheets, solar radiation data sets, sun path charts, solar time calculator and other reference material. A small operational photovoltaic cell is included for hands on lab exercises.
So if there are no solar training classes near you at the moment, this could be a useful way to learn about the industry.
The classes emphasize safety, industry insight and workforce development. This solar training course is for individuals seeking entry level employment in the solar energy or green collar industry.
The solar training is presented online with live instructor support. Students receive 20 hours of lecture, discussion and interaction with the instructor and other students.
Informative PowerPoint and Multimedia presentations are incorporated into the online classes. Students will participate in online quizzes and testing for better comprehension and retention of material.
Upon registration of the solar training class, the student will receive a Photovoltaic Systems textbook, an interactive CD-ROM and a Photovoltaic Cell. The textbook is the Solar industry's premier reference and used by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJACT).
The CD-ROM brings the textbook to life and includes an illustrated glossary, forms and worksheets, solar radiation data sets, sun path charts, solar time calculator and other reference material. A small operational photovoltaic cell is included for hands on lab exercises.
So if there are no solar training classes near you at the moment, this could be a useful way to learn about the industry.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Georgia, USA In Solar Training Drive
Solar training became more accesible to the folks in Georgia, USA as Lanier Technical College set its sights on the solar industry.
Demand for solar energy has rocketed about 30% per year during the last 15 years, according to Solarbuzz, which tracks the industry worldwide as part of the marketing research firm, NPD Group.
The firm predicts strong industry growth in the Asian Pacific, European and U.S. markets for the next five years. More efficient and cheaper solar technology has made solar panels more affordable.
Russell Vandiver, president of Lanier Technical College said, "Interest in solar power has been popular for periods and then waned, but this time we believe solar energy has the potential to be a long-term industry in Georgia, along with other renewable energy sources. We’re preparing the work force for it."
Lanier Tech got help in funding from local and national companies in building a new solar photovoltaic installation lab on its Milton campus. More than $100,000 in equipment from companies like SMA, the world’s largest solar PV inverter manufacturer; Direct Power and Water, a racking system manufacturer; Solectria, a U.S.- based inverter manufacturer; United Renewable Energy, a Georgia-based solar PV integrator; and Suniva, a Georgia company that makes high-efficiency solar cells and modules, helped make the lab a reality.
Lanier Tech began its solar training program in January with entry-level courses about the solar industry and photovoltaic installation. Students take the 40-hour course two nights a week for eight weeks. Upon completion, they are prepared to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) entry-level exam.
"This is the industry-recognized credential, and we are the first registered provider of the exam in the state," Vandiver said.
"People have always talked about solar energy as the wave of the future, but the future is here today," said William Silva, president of United Renewable Energy and adjunct coordinator of solar programs at Lanier Tech.
"We know that the demand for solar-trained workers is growing in Georgia and that the job opportunities are good in this industry," Silva added. "We’re a small company, but we’re expanding. Lanier Tech is filling an important gap by providing the training. People have had to go out of state to get it before."
"They’ll learn about PV markets and applications, and we teach basic safety first, since solar installation combines two high-risk construction activities: working on roofs and working with electricity," Silva said.
"I’m passionate about this industry, and know that it will help Georgia’s market grow, to have more trained people," Silva said. "As an employer, I’m always impressed with people who have taken the time to learn something about the industry before trying to find work in it."
"Plumbers, engineers, contractors, car salesmen, as well as entrepreneurs wanting to start their own installation companies, have taken the class," Silva said.
The next solar training class runs Oct. 7 to Nov. 23, and costs $995. For information or to register, call Royce Glenn at 770-531-6358 or go to www.laniertech.edu.
Demand for solar energy has rocketed about 30% per year during the last 15 years, according to Solarbuzz, which tracks the industry worldwide as part of the marketing research firm, NPD Group.
The firm predicts strong industry growth in the Asian Pacific, European and U.S. markets for the next five years. More efficient and cheaper solar technology has made solar panels more affordable.
Russell Vandiver, president of Lanier Technical College said, "Interest in solar power has been popular for periods and then waned, but this time we believe solar energy has the potential to be a long-term industry in Georgia, along with other renewable energy sources. We’re preparing the work force for it."
Lanier Tech got help in funding from local and national companies in building a new solar photovoltaic installation lab on its Milton campus. More than $100,000 in equipment from companies like SMA, the world’s largest solar PV inverter manufacturer; Direct Power and Water, a racking system manufacturer; Solectria, a U.S.- based inverter manufacturer; United Renewable Energy, a Georgia-based solar PV integrator; and Suniva, a Georgia company that makes high-efficiency solar cells and modules, helped make the lab a reality.
Lanier Tech began its solar training program in January with entry-level courses about the solar industry and photovoltaic installation. Students take the 40-hour course two nights a week for eight weeks. Upon completion, they are prepared to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) entry-level exam.
"This is the industry-recognized credential, and we are the first registered provider of the exam in the state," Vandiver said.
"People have always talked about solar energy as the wave of the future, but the future is here today," said William Silva, president of United Renewable Energy and adjunct coordinator of solar programs at Lanier Tech.
"We know that the demand for solar-trained workers is growing in Georgia and that the job opportunities are good in this industry," Silva added. "We’re a small company, but we’re expanding. Lanier Tech is filling an important gap by providing the training. People have had to go out of state to get it before."
"They’ll learn about PV markets and applications, and we teach basic safety first, since solar installation combines two high-risk construction activities: working on roofs and working with electricity," Silva said.
"I’m passionate about this industry, and know that it will help Georgia’s market grow, to have more trained people," Silva said. "As an employer, I’m always impressed with people who have taken the time to learn something about the industry before trying to find work in it."
"Plumbers, engineers, contractors, car salesmen, as well as entrepreneurs wanting to start their own installation companies, have taken the class," Silva said.
The next solar training class runs Oct. 7 to Nov. 23, and costs $995. For information or to register, call Royce Glenn at 770-531-6358 or go to www.laniertech.edu.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Arizona Solar Training Program Graduates Get The Job
80% of eRenewable Resource Institutes recent solar training graduates looking for a job in the solar energy sector found them, thanks to the school's new partnership with ARG Staffing's "green" career service division.
ARG are a staffing firm that provides Arizona solar energy professionals with full-time and temporary job placement at no cost to the job hunter.
eRenewable Resource Institute founder, Donna Marie Bertault explained, "In the past six weeks we've had 16 students graduate from our five-day accelerated solar design and installation course. Some of our students already have jobs in solar or attended our class for their own educational purposes, but twelve were looking for work. ARG Staffing found them all positions ranging from Lead Electricians to Junior Solar Designers and Installers. All of ARG's career services are at no cost to our students."
Matt Pfeiff, a former construction company owner, attended eRenewable PV 100 and PV 101 classes and then ARG Staffing set up 2 job interviews that resulted in 2 job offers. Today, he is a PV Installation Tech for Arizona Solar Concepts, a solar installer.
"eRenewable provided me with the solar training and ARG Staffing set me up with the job. It's incredible to wake up every morning and be excited about going to work," explained Pfeiff.
Mike Scalia, the General Manager at Carlson Solar Technology, has sent 100% of his solar installation department to eRenewable Resource Institute for advanced solar training courses to improve their skills.
"eRenewable's beginner and advanced courses provide the crucial hands-on experience and training we look for when hiring PV Solar Installers," says Scalia "Since we host some of eRenewable classes at our office, I can pre-screen potential job candidates. ARG Staffing also takes a lot of the legwork out of the new hire process, which is a huge benefit to our company - it's the best of both worlds."
Enrollment is currently underway for eRenewable's accelerated five day-solar design and installation beginners course for August 9th through August 13th. For more information call (480) 446-0400 or visit www.erenewableresource.com
ARG are a staffing firm that provides Arizona solar energy professionals with full-time and temporary job placement at no cost to the job hunter.
eRenewable Resource Institute founder, Donna Marie Bertault explained, "In the past six weeks we've had 16 students graduate from our five-day accelerated solar design and installation course. Some of our students already have jobs in solar or attended our class for their own educational purposes, but twelve were looking for work. ARG Staffing found them all positions ranging from Lead Electricians to Junior Solar Designers and Installers. All of ARG's career services are at no cost to our students."
Matt Pfeiff, a former construction company owner, attended eRenewable PV 100 and PV 101 classes and then ARG Staffing set up 2 job interviews that resulted in 2 job offers. Today, he is a PV Installation Tech for Arizona Solar Concepts, a solar installer.
"eRenewable provided me with the solar training and ARG Staffing set me up with the job. It's incredible to wake up every morning and be excited about going to work," explained Pfeiff.
Mike Scalia, the General Manager at Carlson Solar Technology, has sent 100% of his solar installation department to eRenewable Resource Institute for advanced solar training courses to improve their skills.
"eRenewable's beginner and advanced courses provide the crucial hands-on experience and training we look for when hiring PV Solar Installers," says Scalia "Since we host some of eRenewable classes at our office, I can pre-screen potential job candidates. ARG Staffing also takes a lot of the legwork out of the new hire process, which is a huge benefit to our company - it's the best of both worlds."
Enrollment is currently underway for eRenewable's accelerated five day-solar design and installation beginners course for August 9th through August 13th. For more information call (480) 446-0400 or visit www.erenewableresource.com
Monday, 26 July 2010
Solar Career A Good Move?
With the solar energy field growing at a rapid rate, there is an increasing demand for qualified technicians in the solar industry making solar training programs increasingly popular.
Presently, in the renewable technologies, solar energy products are gaining more and more credibility and because of that, employment opportunities are booming.
So, if you are unemployed or are looking for a rewarding career change, then becoming a solar energy specialist could be the exciting challenge you are looking for.
There are many universities, community colleges, solar companies and private colleges now setting up solar training courses to cope with the demand.
Once you have finished your solar training and certification program, you will have access to many opportunities for employment. For example, in the US, being a certified solar installer, you can easily expect salary in the range of $40,000 to $65,000 annually. And that's just the start.
Initially, you will join as a basic solar installer, but gradually you will be promoted to designing installations. If you are technical certificate holder with management background, then you have good promotion opportunities.
Besides working as employee under someone, you can also open your own small business. This will be a lucrative venture. You could even eventually open up your own solar training course.
Due to the increasing demand and popularity of solar energy, this career will be an exciting and rewarding one. You will be helping people to slash their energy bills whilst helping to protect the environment we live in.
Presently, in the renewable technologies, solar energy products are gaining more and more credibility and because of that, employment opportunities are booming.
So, if you are unemployed or are looking for a rewarding career change, then becoming a solar energy specialist could be the exciting challenge you are looking for.
There are many universities, community colleges, solar companies and private colleges now setting up solar training courses to cope with the demand.
Once you have finished your solar training and certification program, you will have access to many opportunities for employment. For example, in the US, being a certified solar installer, you can easily expect salary in the range of $40,000 to $65,000 annually. And that's just the start.
Initially, you will join as a basic solar installer, but gradually you will be promoted to designing installations. If you are technical certificate holder with management background, then you have good promotion opportunities.
Besides working as employee under someone, you can also open your own small business. This will be a lucrative venture. You could even eventually open up your own solar training course.
Due to the increasing demand and popularity of solar energy, this career will be an exciting and rewarding one. You will be helping people to slash their energy bills whilst helping to protect the environment we live in.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
New Solar Training Program In Iowa, USA
The Iowa Renewable Energy Association has opened a new solar training center at the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Rd. in Hiawatha.
This new solar training program will be the only solar thermal and solar photovoltaic installation training roof in Iowa and is expected to be very popular. It will feature two types of metal roofing and traditional shingles to real practical hands-on training.
Solar energy is not new to Prairiewoods. It has already had a 17.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array and a solar hot water system insatlled at the center.
Financial support for the solar training center was provided by the State of Iowa, Iowa Power Fund Board, and the Iowa Office of Energy Independence.
Support for solar energy training programs has been provided by grants from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and Alliant Energy.
This new solar training program will be the only solar thermal and solar photovoltaic installation training roof in Iowa and is expected to be very popular. It will feature two types of metal roofing and traditional shingles to real practical hands-on training.
Solar energy is not new to Prairiewoods. It has already had a 17.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array and a solar hot water system insatlled at the center.
Financial support for the solar training center was provided by the State of Iowa, Iowa Power Fund Board, and the Iowa Office of Energy Independence.
Support for solar energy training programs has been provided by grants from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and Alliant Energy.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Solar Training Soars In Philadelphia
The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) of Philadelphia Inc. opened a new solar training facility last November and Bucks County Community College followed in April.
Walter Yakabosky, director of training for ECA said the increasing demand for solar training is enormous. ECA has recently put 600 people through its training program. About 180 of them were new recruits looking for jobs in this rapidly growing sector. The rest were already employed.
ECA also is training 140 people this year to perform energy audits, which determine what should be done to make a building energy efficient.
In another program, it has teamed up with BASF to train people to apply a film for insulating roofs and a reflective coating for roofs made by the German chemical giant.
“We will become the mid-Atlantic training center for all of their contractors who buy their product and install it in homes,” Yakabosky said.
Bucks County Community College received $631,000 in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Green Jobs Academy it opened in Bristol. The academy will use the money, which came through a grant the college won from the U.S. Department of Energy, to train workers to do weatherization and retrofitting.
The academy also received $315,000 of ARRA money from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for programs to train veterans for green jobs in renewable energy, pollution prevention and energy efficiency. That program currently has 12 people in its electrical and photovoltaic solar training apprenticeship program.
Spanish wind-turbine maker Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica of Fairless Hills will base the U.S. branch of its new corporate university at the academy.
Other partners in the academy include AE Polysilicon Corp., which makes silicon for solar-energy panels at its Fairless Hills headquarters, and Dow Chemical Co., which has a plant adjacent to the academy.
The Community College of Philadelphia received a $3.18 million Pathways out of Poverty grant from stimulus funding provided to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The college used the money to set up its Job Ready Training program, which has two tracks: a green-manufacturing track, which runs 10 weeks and trains 150 people; and a construction/weatherization track, which runs seven weeks and trains 100 people
Walter Yakabosky, director of training for ECA said the increasing demand for solar training is enormous. ECA has recently put 600 people through its training program. About 180 of them were new recruits looking for jobs in this rapidly growing sector. The rest were already employed.
ECA also is training 140 people this year to perform energy audits, which determine what should be done to make a building energy efficient.
In another program, it has teamed up with BASF to train people to apply a film for insulating roofs and a reflective coating for roofs made by the German chemical giant.
“We will become the mid-Atlantic training center for all of their contractors who buy their product and install it in homes,” Yakabosky said.
Bucks County Community College received $631,000 in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Green Jobs Academy it opened in Bristol. The academy will use the money, which came through a grant the college won from the U.S. Department of Energy, to train workers to do weatherization and retrofitting.
The academy also received $315,000 of ARRA money from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for programs to train veterans for green jobs in renewable energy, pollution prevention and energy efficiency. That program currently has 12 people in its electrical and photovoltaic solar training apprenticeship program.
Spanish wind-turbine maker Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica of Fairless Hills will base the U.S. branch of its new corporate university at the academy.
Other partners in the academy include AE Polysilicon Corp., which makes silicon for solar-energy panels at its Fairless Hills headquarters, and Dow Chemical Co., which has a plant adjacent to the academy.
The Community College of Philadelphia received a $3.18 million Pathways out of Poverty grant from stimulus funding provided to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The college used the money to set up its Job Ready Training program, which has two tracks: a green-manufacturing track, which runs 10 weeks and trains 150 people; and a construction/weatherization track, which runs seven weeks and trains 100 people
Friday, 23 July 2010
New Solar Training Program in Maine, USA
Kennebec Valley Community College in Maine, US is seeking a full-time solar training instructor as it prepares to launch an solar energy training program funded by a $3.3million grant through the federal government.
The college is offering specialized solar training in the rapidly growing solar installation business to people across the Northeast. It’s part of a “Solar Instructor Training Network” established by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Dana Doran, director of energy programs at KVCC said, “It’s a new position, entirely federally-funded. There isn’t a position like this at any community college or four-year baccalaureate in Maine.”
“Utilizing the sun to create heat for hot water, space heating, and air conditioning is essential to reducing our carbon footprint and our reliance on fossil fuels. However, to make sure this vision becomes reality, it is essential that this technology is installed properly and cost-effectively. Thus, it is critical that technicians are trained properly on the most up-to-date technology and installation methods.”
The college is one of nine regional training providers in the U.S. selected by the Department of Energy. College officials said KVCC has been incorporating renewable energy education into its electrical technology program since 1995. This extra funding will enable the college to extend the quality of its solar training program.
Qualified instructors will be sent to colleges, technical high schools, and other sites to teach the latest solar installation techniques to students who will then train other students in their communities enabling people to gain the necessary skills to profit in this growing industry.
The main aim of this solar training initiative is to increase the availability of solar installation in Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The college is offering specialized solar training in the rapidly growing solar installation business to people across the Northeast. It’s part of a “Solar Instructor Training Network” established by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Dana Doran, director of energy programs at KVCC said, “It’s a new position, entirely federally-funded. There isn’t a position like this at any community college or four-year baccalaureate in Maine.”
“Utilizing the sun to create heat for hot water, space heating, and air conditioning is essential to reducing our carbon footprint and our reliance on fossil fuels. However, to make sure this vision becomes reality, it is essential that this technology is installed properly and cost-effectively. Thus, it is critical that technicians are trained properly on the most up-to-date technology and installation methods.”
The college is one of nine regional training providers in the U.S. selected by the Department of Energy. College officials said KVCC has been incorporating renewable energy education into its electrical technology program since 1995. This extra funding will enable the college to extend the quality of its solar training program.
Qualified instructors will be sent to colleges, technical high schools, and other sites to teach the latest solar installation techniques to students who will then train other students in their communities enabling people to gain the necessary skills to profit in this growing industry.
The main aim of this solar training initiative is to increase the availability of solar installation in Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Exclusive Interview With Top US Solar Training Company Heatspring
Brian Hayden of the major US solar training company Heatspring managed to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Total Solar Energy (TSE).
TSE - Hi Brian. How did you get started in the solar training industry?
Brian - My company had trained about a thousand geothermal heat pump installers in the United States, and these installers were very interested in learning about solar. Their customers wanted to hear about both, so we spent six months putting together a class. My customers pulled me into the solar industry.
TSE - I keep reading about a tipping point where solar energy will cost the same as fossil fuels. When is this likely to be and how will it effect the solar industry?
Brian - I just read that BP was receiving $225,000 per day in tax credits from the United States government for renting the Deepwater Horizon rig that ultimately caused the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I think it's very difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison of how much different fuel sources cost because the incentives vary so greatly. But when will consumers see the same price per kwh from solar that they're paying for conventional fuels?� My guess is very soon.
TSE - Do you think the US would benefit from a feed-in tariff similar to the one in Germany and like the one just announced in the UK?
Brian - I believe the US would benefit from a feed-in tariff. It would be an exciting thing for us to experience.
TSE - I see you teach solar pv, solar thermal and wind power classes. If I put a gun to your head and asked you to do one or the other which one would you choose? I guess I'm asking which has the most potential?
Brian - Solar thermal has the most potential for widespread adoption given current technology. The promise of PV and wind power are more exciting, but require significant advances in technology to live up to that potential. Thermal has so many great applications today and survives quite well without subsidy.
TSE - After one of your solar training courses, would the student be fully qualified to install the systems themselves?
Brian - Students with a background in the building trades can take our course and begin installing solar systems immediately. Some students don't have that background, so they are better suited for sales or project management positions. There's room for many different kinds of people in the solar industry.
TSE - Would they receive ongoing support after completing the solar training course?
Brian - We stay in touch with alumni and provide them with contacts and educational tools. It's an informal but powerful network.
TSE - I keep reading there is a huge shortage of qualified workers in the solar industry. Is this just sales speak to get people to sign up to courses or is there an urgent need to fill the skills shortage?
Brian - The worker shortage is fundamentally true, but can seem like hype when you're looking for a job. The problem is that companies aren't growing in a linear fashion and can't afford to keep lots of people on staff between projects.� Solar installers are staying lean between projects, then when they land a big contract they have to scramble to find qualified people. Most of the time there are no jobs, but then they hire a bunch of people all at once. This is true for almost all the installers out there, so predicting the number of jobs available in a given market at a given time is very difficult.
TSE - Now let's speak figures. How much money could I make for installing a PV system?
Brian - Dollar figures are highly variable based on competition, incentives, and many other factors. There's no number I can give you that will be correct. But in round numbers, you can take home $5-10,000 in profit from a typical 5kw installation.
TSE - So how do you envision the solar industry 5-10 years from now? Do you have an idea of where you see things going?
Brian - There's a tremendous amount of investment being made right now and over the next five years winners will begin to emerge. The winners will buy up the useful parts of the losers and the innovation that takes place combined with market consolidation will mean fewer news stories will be written about solar, but many times more systems will go in. It will be so normal we won't really be talking about it.
TSE - That's all. Once again, thanks for your time Brian.
Click on the link if you want to know more about the Heatspring solar training program.
TSE - Hi Brian. How did you get started in the solar training industry?
Brian - My company had trained about a thousand geothermal heat pump installers in the United States, and these installers were very interested in learning about solar. Their customers wanted to hear about both, so we spent six months putting together a class. My customers pulled me into the solar industry.
TSE - I keep reading about a tipping point where solar energy will cost the same as fossil fuels. When is this likely to be and how will it effect the solar industry?
Brian - I just read that BP was receiving $225,000 per day in tax credits from the United States government for renting the Deepwater Horizon rig that ultimately caused the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I think it's very difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison of how much different fuel sources cost because the incentives vary so greatly. But when will consumers see the same price per kwh from solar that they're paying for conventional fuels?� My guess is very soon.
TSE - Do you think the US would benefit from a feed-in tariff similar to the one in Germany and like the one just announced in the UK?
Brian - I believe the US would benefit from a feed-in tariff. It would be an exciting thing for us to experience.
TSE - I see you teach solar pv, solar thermal and wind power classes. If I put a gun to your head and asked you to do one or the other which one would you choose? I guess I'm asking which has the most potential?
Brian - Solar thermal has the most potential for widespread adoption given current technology. The promise of PV and wind power are more exciting, but require significant advances in technology to live up to that potential. Thermal has so many great applications today and survives quite well without subsidy.
TSE - After one of your solar training courses, would the student be fully qualified to install the systems themselves?
Brian - Students with a background in the building trades can take our course and begin installing solar systems immediately. Some students don't have that background, so they are better suited for sales or project management positions. There's room for many different kinds of people in the solar industry.
TSE - Would they receive ongoing support after completing the solar training course?
Brian - We stay in touch with alumni and provide them with contacts and educational tools. It's an informal but powerful network.
TSE - I keep reading there is a huge shortage of qualified workers in the solar industry. Is this just sales speak to get people to sign up to courses or is there an urgent need to fill the skills shortage?
Brian - The worker shortage is fundamentally true, but can seem like hype when you're looking for a job. The problem is that companies aren't growing in a linear fashion and can't afford to keep lots of people on staff between projects.� Solar installers are staying lean between projects, then when they land a big contract they have to scramble to find qualified people. Most of the time there are no jobs, but then they hire a bunch of people all at once. This is true for almost all the installers out there, so predicting the number of jobs available in a given market at a given time is very difficult.
TSE - Now let's speak figures. How much money could I make for installing a PV system?
Brian - Dollar figures are highly variable based on competition, incentives, and many other factors. There's no number I can give you that will be correct. But in round numbers, you can take home $5-10,000 in profit from a typical 5kw installation.
TSE - So how do you envision the solar industry 5-10 years from now? Do you have an idea of where you see things going?
Brian - There's a tremendous amount of investment being made right now and over the next five years winners will begin to emerge. The winners will buy up the useful parts of the losers and the innovation that takes place combined with market consolidation will mean fewer news stories will be written about solar, but many times more systems will go in. It will be so normal we won't really be talking about it.
TSE - That's all. Once again, thanks for your time Brian.
Click on the link if you want to know more about the Heatspring solar training program.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Solar Training Credentials A Must In Oz
Solar training programs are a must in Australia as a spate of shoddy workmanship threatens to undermine consumer confidence.
The federal government is facing another home insulation-style safety crisis following a surge in the use of unskilled solar installers to meet increasing demand for subsidised rooftop solar pv panels.
EE-Oz Training Standards - the solar training council responsible for safety guidelines concerning the installation of solar photovoltaic systems - has warned that about 30%of the workers who install solar panels are not qualified to do the work, leaving the homeowner in danger of an accident happening. There has been reports of solar panels falling off roofs.
EE-Oz chief executive Bob Taylor said: "People need to be protected against shonky workmanship. When there is an increase in demand for these photo-voltaic cells you get an increase in non-qualified people putting them in."
So it is clear with this recent negative publicity that enrolling on a accredited solar training program will pay off big in the long run.
The federal government is facing another home insulation-style safety crisis following a surge in the use of unskilled solar installers to meet increasing demand for subsidised rooftop solar pv panels.
EE-Oz Training Standards - the solar training council responsible for safety guidelines concerning the installation of solar photovoltaic systems - has warned that about 30%of the workers who install solar panels are not qualified to do the work, leaving the homeowner in danger of an accident happening. There has been reports of solar panels falling off roofs.
EE-Oz chief executive Bob Taylor said: "People need to be protected against shonky workmanship. When there is an increase in demand for these photo-voltaic cells you get an increase in non-qualified people putting them in."
So it is clear with this recent negative publicity that enrolling on a accredited solar training program will pay off big in the long run.
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