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Solar Panel Schools – Training The Renewable Energy Industry
Solar power – the dream of renewable energy is realized; how far we go now is all up to the limits of current technology and our imagination… and training. There are many levels of training, from photovoltaic (PV) panel installation to research and development, and all will come in handy in the very near future.
The demand for solar energy has grown about 30% per year over the past fifteen years. While the growth rate has slowed somewhat from its initial boom, it hasn’t levelled at all. Even though the U.S. economy began struggling in early/mid 2008, solar energy companies topped the list of the 2008 largest venture capital investments; Nanosolar Inc., a leader in the development of solar-cell technology, topped the list with a whopping $299,999,700 in capital investments. (Dallas News.com)
New California legislation, passed last summer, allows solar photovoltaic systems to be bought on a loan, paid for by various county and city general fund tax dollars. According to the North County Times, “homeowners can finance solar installations over twenty years instead of forking out tens of thousands of dollars up front.”
What does all of this mean for careers in solar power? That training is essential, and the best time for finding solar panel schools to teach you the trade is now. As the demand for solar energy rises, so does the demand for solar installations, which, in turn, increases the demand for solar installers. Schools that teach this trade are few and far between, and fill up quickly.
Why? In general, solar panel schools advertise to businesses instead of the individual. The amount of training, as well as the hands-on portion, necessitates smaller “classroom” sizes. Consider a single mid-sized corporation with three hundred electricians that want to move into solar panel installation. Those three hundred trainees will quickly fill even multiple classrooms for the term they’ve chosen .
Does this mean that an individual can’t find placement in solar schools? Absolutely not. For most training facilities, the major prerequisite is that you have knowledge in electrical systems, general contracting or fields related to solar PV installation. These courses are usually training intensive, with d
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edicated teachers on hand to guide the students through each step. A good grasp on the technology through a well-constructed technical training program is always a good bet, especially when dealing with electrical charges!
Training from solar panel schools isn’t all about installation, however. By the time you’re done with just the entry level NABCEP Knowledge of PV Systems course, you will learn enough about solar panels to:
•recognize individual PV systems and how to integrate them
•have a working knowledge of policies and regulations
•be able to estimate the cost, sizing and placement of the PV system
In short, solar panel schools will give you the training to, not only install and maintain these systems, but to be a knowledgeable spokesperson for your business.
By: BootsOnTheRoof
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For additional information on Solar Training visit school for solar energy
at Boots on the Roof
www.bootsontheroof.com
If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…
FREMONT — One of Silicon Valley's most prominent solar energy companies has lost its CEO. Just two months after President Barack Obama made Solyndra the … Read More…
Motech Leads Solar Energy Companies Higher Ahead of German Vote
July 8 (Bloomberg) — Motech Industries Inc. led solar energy companies higher in Taipei trading ahead of a vote by the German parliament … Read More…
Solar Energy in state of flux as Europe cuts subsidies, but US introduces them
Earlier this month, President Obama began the move, announcing that nearly $2 billion in loan guarantees will be given to two solar energy companies, … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.
While America may not be the leading producer of solar energy in the world, we definitely boast some pretty friendly cities that love solar panels. So if you’re looking for a new place to homestead and you want to invest in solar technology, consider some of these great cities to live:
- Austin, Texas: While Texas itself may not seem like the most environmentally-friendly state, they boast one of the friendliest cities in America. In Austin, Texas, local rebate programs and energy deals with the local utility company can pay for 60% of your new solar panels upfront. These incentive programs have led to more people buying solar than anywhere else in the U.S.
There’s also a boom of solar energy companies in Austin. With so many companies to choose from, you can truly “shop around” for the best deal. Competition breeds affordability when it comes to solar power. Also, Austin is the perfect environment for solar panels. It’s sunny almost 300 days out of every year in Austin!
- San Francisco, California: California has long been known for its environmental consciousness. San Francisco currently only has around 900 rooftops planted with solar panels. The mayor of San Francisco came out January 7, 2009 and said he wanted to see 10,000 solar rooftops by 2012. In order to complete their lofty goal, the city is introducing new rebate programs and tools residents can use to plan their power system.
One of these tools is the “Solar Map”. This nifty online tool allows San Franciscans to view how much sunlight their home can harvest. The Solar Map uses Google Earth vectoring to determine solar potency for the different city buildings and homes.
In California there’s definitely no shortage of great solar power companies. Many of these companies are based in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. San Francisco is only 4.5 hours away from most of these companies, so you can definitely shop around in California for the best deal.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: With the new Energy Act and the state incentives that New Mexico offers to residents, up to $18,000 of your solar panel system can be paid for as a rebate (no loans, no re-payment) in New Mexico.
Furthermore, New Mexico has a law that makes their local utility companies pay their customers for the energy they produce. PNM (the utility company in New Mexico) actually pays about .13 cents per kWh produced, and charges their customers only .09 kWh used! If you produce more than what you spend in electricity, then by law the utility company pays you a check.
It’s easy to find a great solar energy provider in New Mexico with their New Mexico Solar Energy Association. This group actually allows you to view a solar installation and works much like the BBB of solar power.
These are the friendliest solar cities we could find in America for affordability, rebates, and future solar technology. Keep in mind, many states provide substantial rebates to home owners who are using the power of the sun. On top of rebate incentives, you should carefully weigh how many local companies can provide panels and installations. More companies mean more savings to you as a consumer. Also, keep in mind where your city wants to go with its energy programs. If your city wants to continue expansion of solar energy, then you’ll see even more benefits down the road.
Why not build your own solar power at home? You can make your own solar panel with this energy guide at http://123HomeSolarPower.com.
Also check out Philip Richard’s blog on solar power at http://Homesolarblog.com.
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