Solar Job Training On the Rise
by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA 
on 07.28.08
Image from Renewable Energy World.com
No surprise that with the growth in interest in renewable energy applications, there is a growing demand for a trained workforce and thus a need for someone to offer training courses. This year, Solar Energy International (SEI), a leader in solar energy education courses, is experiencing a huge explosion in the number of people interested in taking classes. We have reported in the past how there is no longer a choice between the environment and economics and this is direct evidence of how using new, environmental technologies also means an expansion of new, environmental jobs.
Solar Energy International (SEI), a leader in solar energy education courses for over 18 years, reports that they have seen a 14 percent increase in enrollment (roughly 300 students) just over the last year. Over 1,700 students have taken courses thus far in 2008 and some classes even have a wait-list because of the high demand.
SEI offers training in over 22 locations, including their eco-campus in Colorado. In addition, they have online courses available for folks in the US and those not in the US. They also offer training in related eco-courses like wind energy, strawbale home construction, women-only courses and renewable energy in the developing world.
Alternative Solar Training Options
Can't get into a SEI course? Why not check out your local community college for related courses, as more and more are offering extension courses in renewable energy topics, often taught by folks who work directly out the field. Also, a solid electrical theory or construction course is just as helpful as a photovoltaic training course, so consider beefing up related skills if you can't get into a PV course.
Personally, I can attest to the growth in interest in renewable energy work. Since writing the "Day (or Three) in the Life of a Solar Installer", over a year ago, I still get at least an email a week asking how to get started and skills needed.
While we're confessing, I should also note that I took a course from SEI several years ago and ended up working in the renewable energy field for several years. While its not necessary to take a training before starting a job in renewable energy, it certainly doesn't hurt.
More Solar Energy Training Classes:
Solar Energy International
Solar Living Institute
San Juan College Renewable Energy Program
A Day (or Three) In The Life Of A Solar Installer
The Future of Green Jobs
Green Eyes On: Green Jobs
Green Jobs Conference A Success
New York Times on Green Collar Jobs
Green Jobs - The Future Is Now
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
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- 5 Reuses for Altoid Tins
- Obama's Posse Says: Paint Your Roof White
- Holter Visits the Homestead National Monument of America, Thinks Your Should Too
- Holter Graham Visits the Future: Wind Farms Across the Midwest
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If you're in the Northeast region, the Alternative Energy Store is offering a wide range of renewable energy related ranging from basic to advanced and solar PV to wind power. Current seminars can be found at: http://workshops.altenergystore.com/
Inexpensive webinars that cover much of the beginning materials are also offered: http://store.altenergystore.com/Books-Classes-Webinars/Webinars/c1138/
We spent several years investigating the green energy industry, especially solar, and were amazed at the wide variety of often-conflicting standards & practices in training, certification, and regulations. So we committed to delivering courses that point to where those elements are likely to stabilize in the market, instead of teaching the "home-grown" information that has commonly been taught for the past 30 years. Things are changing rapidly now, and moving towards standards & certification, so we (training providers) must work with industry associations, manufacturers, installers, government bodies, and educators if we want to deliver relevant training. NABCEP.org and Solartech.org are good places to start looking for info on certifications & standards, and hopefully more training providers will start to match their courses to the learning objectives outlined by those organizations.
Steve Watkins
Director, Partner & Academic Relations
www.bootsontheroof.com
HeatSpring Learning Institute will be holding a 3 day solar training in the Boston MA area at the end of March. The solar training will focus on photovaltaic (pv) electric solar systems. More information can be found here: HeatSpring solar training boston ma
I live in Boulder, Colorado area and looking to change trades to the solar panel instalation and maintenance. Where would be the best place to learn?
Can you guys help me?
Thank you
hi everybody , I am living in Portland and I am intrested in the solar panel instalation and maintenance.I would like to learn and then eventually work in this field.My question is : where do I start ? I hope someone has some advices for me.Thanks
Hi,
i am a carpenter and i am looking to get into
solar panel installer can someone help me to find a class to help me. i live in livermore CA.
THANKS.
I work for a employment and training program in Reno, NV. We serve 25 tribes in Nevada. I would like to assist our clients in preparing for the green job market/s. I am looking for solar, hydroelectric and retrofiting training opportunities in the local area or northern California
the job market is very bad in buffalo ny,will there be jobs here,or will i have to move out of town.
These guys provide great solar training. They specialize in solar sales training. Less technical than NABCEP certification for contractors. Well-documented, easy to use, how to do a solar estimate, a great solar presentation for homeowners, the entire solar sales process. www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com
I'm in WestPalmBeach. where can Ifind training for (PV) solar . I"M very intersted in starting a buis inthis filed
I live in Las Vegas NV and I can't find anything on training for renewable energy here. Any suggestions??
hi im houari . so im verry intersted to do cours soler energy .please be free to email me more infomation . thanks
I want to be a solar installer to help my community in Africa
renewable energy is on the rise and experiencing dramatic growth when President Obama recently signed a $787 billion recovery package into law. The New Energy for America Plan lays the groundwork for big change.
renewable energy is on the rise and experiencing dramatic growth when the president Obama recently signed a $787 billion recovery package into law. The New Energy for America Plan lays the groundwork for big change.