Gene Schlesinger is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Solar Training School. Gene started his solar career in 1985 as a solar thermal installer. He is a consultant to manufacturers, distributors and companies desiring to enter the solar industry.
There are several options available for solar energy education ranging from 1 day introduction courses through 2 year degree programs. There are community college programs, trade schools, courses offered by not for profit organizations and associations, manufacture product training and e-learning or online courses.
Why is it important to get training from a Solar Training School?
Safety is the first and foremost reason for Solar Training. A well trained installer will employ workplace safety practices established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Agency’s NFPA 70: National Electrical Code. The safety of the installer and a safely installed photovoltaic system is a key element to the progression of this evolving PV industry.
What types of schools are there and what kind of programs do they offer?
There are several options available for solar energy education ranging from 1 day introduction courses through 2 year degree programs. There are community college programs, trade schools, courses offered by not for profit organizations and associations, manufacture product training and e-learning or online courses.
What are the pro’s and con’s of the different programs offered, for example; hands on vs. online training?
There is no substitute for hands on or on the job training for an installer, It’s a must do. The problem with most hands on courses offered is the cost of the training, ranging from $1000 to $ 3000 for a 5 day course. Other issues are the cost of travel, being that most facilities are remotely located and the cost of lodging , if available .
Online training is defiantly the green choice for training. There is no commuting, (reduction of co2 emissions) and a reduction in the use of paper and other consumable products. The classroom portion is the same offered by hands on schools. Online training is ideal for solar careers that do not rely on the hands on aspect of installations.
To read the rest of this interview click here.
If you want to know more about Gene's solar training programs go to Solar Training School.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Thursday, 2 September 2010
US Needs Solar Training As Industry Grows
In the US, the need for people with solar training grows each year. With the need to cut carbon emmissions as well as cut energy bills on most homeowners minds, the demand for products from the solar industry rise. And therefore, so does the need for those who can develop, manufacture and install those products.
Having the necessary solar training expertise ensures job security in a volatile economic climate because billions of dollars are being spent on solar energy infrastructure. According to Greenpeace, green jobs could be one of the keys to economic recovery.
Workers in the construction industry can also take advantage of this boom. Most solar training courses will teach a contractor to ensure that new buildings meet the high performance standards necessary to receive Green certification.
The lack of workers with solar training isproblematic in certain States.
Connecticut has just created a $9 million fund for investments in starting companies focused on clean technology jobs.
Hawaii plans to completely stop using fossil fuels within the next ten years, moving over to sustainable energy. An agreement to allow customers with solar panels to sell power back to the Hawaiian Electric Company was signed in November of this year.
In Oregon, over 1,700 solar jobs are either available or opening since Gov. Ted Kulongoski began his solar energy drive.
All across America and indeed the world, the solar industry is taking off and people with solar training are needed. If you are looking for a satisfying career move, look into solar training. The opportunities are limitless!
Having the necessary solar training expertise ensures job security in a volatile economic climate because billions of dollars are being spent on solar energy infrastructure. According to Greenpeace, green jobs could be one of the keys to economic recovery.
Workers in the construction industry can also take advantage of this boom. Most solar training courses will teach a contractor to ensure that new buildings meet the high performance standards necessary to receive Green certification.
The lack of workers with solar training isproblematic in certain States.
All across America and indeed the world, the solar industry is taking off and people with solar training are needed. If you are looking for a satisfying career move, look into solar training. The opportunities are limitless!
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
SEI Open Solar Training Center In South Carolina
Florida solar energy company Solar Energy Initiatives (SEI) is to open up a solar training school in South Carolina.
The Solar Training School will be developed by subsidiary Solar EOS in conjunction with Waccamaw’s Workforce Development, and will be designed to train prospective solar installers in theory and design as well as providing some practical hands-on experience.
Students will be offered an eight-week solar training course offering 200 hours of classroom learning and more than 30 hours of hands-on training, using current solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
Ellen Leroy-Reed, President of Solar EOS, said the nearly 200 students will be taught during the next year.
Reed said: “Our students have the advantage of eight weeks of intense learning on both theory and application of solar strategies which allows them to be an effective member of an organization on Day One of employment.”
“It is our mission to Renew South Carolina by introducing highly trained and well qualified solar technicians to the state’s workforce. Then, South Carolina will be prepared for the new solar economy."
Denise Day, Waccamaw’s Workforce Development Administrator, said: “Waccamaw is pleased to have Solar EOS on board as an Eligible Solar Training Provider. Giving our clients’ access to solar training is a significant benefit which will allow them to successfully compete for higher-paying technical jobs. South Carolina will benefit, and our people will benefit, by training our workforce in green jobs and the solar industry.”
The Solar Training School will be developed by subsidiary Solar EOS in conjunction with Waccamaw’s Workforce Development, and will be designed to train prospective solar installers in theory and design as well as providing some practical hands-on experience.
Students will be offered an eight-week solar training course offering 200 hours of classroom learning and more than 30 hours of hands-on training, using current solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
Ellen Leroy-Reed, President of Solar EOS, said the nearly 200 students will be taught during the next year.
Reed said: “Our students have the advantage of eight weeks of intense learning on both theory and application of solar strategies which allows them to be an effective member of an organization on Day One of employment.”
“It is our mission to Renew South Carolina by introducing highly trained and well qualified solar technicians to the state’s workforce. Then, South Carolina will be prepared for the new solar economy."
Denise Day, Waccamaw’s Workforce Development Administrator, said: “Waccamaw is pleased to have Solar EOS on board as an Eligible Solar Training Provider. Giving our clients’ access to solar training is a significant benefit which will allow them to successfully compete for higher-paying technical jobs. South Carolina will benefit, and our people will benefit, by training our workforce in green jobs and the solar industry.”
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