Solar Training for a Greener World

Solar power and "green" building has become a focus in the construction market for several reasons.  With the steady climb of energy prices, along with a decline in the price of solar installations, solar living has become a topic of interest for more than those that live in rural areas, or those looking to save the environment.  Solar energy has become a viable alternative energy source, and the rates of both commercial and home installations are rising dramatically.

Who can use PV (Photovoltaic) training or solar courses?

People from all walks of life could benefit from solar training.  Anyone interested in renewable, sustainable energy sources are good examples.  Due to the expected rise of needed manpower in the solar industry, however, reasons other than the environment should compel others.

Already, the solar industry has discovered a skills gap in solar training.  Those that know how to install photovoltaic arrays, develop other ways of harnessing solar energy, maintain the necessary equipment and several other areas are retiring – without the younger generation replacing them in knowledge and training. 

Another area where the skills gap is showing is in "greener" building.  Environmentalists, and others who just happened to notice solar energy is ultimately cheaper, are demanding energy efficient appliances, solar panels, rain catchers and any number of newer, more environmentally safe changes to their homes.  As a builder without solar training, one may find themselves losing business due to lack of knowledge.  With a little bit of time and effort, a general builder can turn into a "green" builder, with all the training and certifications necessary.

So how do you get involved?

As a "green" builder or solar installation provider, the first place to gather information would be your local homebuilder's association.  They'll have information on solar product supplies, rules and regulations, and what's need for PV certification.  This is especially important, as each locality has its own regulations.  They may not vary much from one to the other, but they do vary.

Training and certification is necessary.  As a homebuilder using solar design, you'll want to make sure that the finished home is certified as an energy efficient, solar domicile.  For that to happen, you'll need solar training and certification.

Likewise for solar installers.  Each individual PV installation will be different, having its own requirements and sets of issues to overcome.  This means that adding a PV system is not "plug and play".  Requirements and needs will have to be assessed, problems will have to be circumvented, and a custom solar installation will have to be designed.  This is why PV training and certification is a must.

PV training and certification programs are readily available at our Boot Camps.  Our programs are all NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) Approved.  There are three types of certification; an Entry Level certificate, a Solar Thermal Installer Certification (solar heat), and the PV Installer Certification.  To hold these certifications, you would be trained to design and install all types of custom solar solutions.