Moving Into the Future with Solar Schools

Individuals are becoming more and more concerned with the environment. Companies, both those in the business of producing energy and those who rely on affordable energy, are in a race to find ways to keep energy available while slowing the progress of its ever-increasing costs. With the dwindling supply and sharp increase in price of fossil fuels, every person in modern society has a stake in the quest for affordable, clean, and renewable energy.

Thus far, solar energy holds the greatest promise. In order to help direct that quest and guarantee quality workmanship on all current and future solar installation projects, solar schools have begun offering special renewable energy training certificates. And the people holding these credentials also hold the key to our ability to transition from traditional sources of energy to clean and sustainable solar energy. In fact, for many in the building trades a certificate from a solar school may soon be a prerequisite for career success.

Because the use and installation of pv solar panels involves many different vocations, it is necessary for a variety of different people involved in construction and maintenance to have specialized knowledge of solar power. For instance, a person trained in business or even an individual homeowner may make the initial decision to switch to solar power. Then an engineer or architect may decide where to locate pv solar panels. But it will be carpenters and electricians who actually perform the installation. Each of these people, particularly the carpenters and electricians, will require special training, and that is the role of the solar school.

In an effort to ensure quality in solar certification programs the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) formed with the goal of gathering respected professionals in the area of solar energy. The NABCEP developed a nationally recognized certification program with the purpose of promoting solar energy, establishing safe industry standards, and inspiring customer confidence in professionals who hold the NABCEP approved certificate. Solar schools offering certificates proudly proclaim that they are NABCEP approved.

The NABCEP maintains a list of the institutions that provide training in solar technology and carry the NABCEP approval. The institutions are generally trade schools and community colleges. Students can chose from a list organized by state and select a solar school that offers their particular desired courses of study. Certificate programs include introductions to solar, or photovoltaic, energy, basic solar energy fundamentals, and history courses in the use of solar energy. More advanced renewable energy training courses include reading of mechanical designs and blueprints, electrical wiring for solar systems, and troubleshooting existing systems. Most certificate programs combine classroom study with hands-on lessons using real solar systems. Many of the programs are designed for people already employed in the building trades, but some are targeted at students who have not yet acquired on the job experience.

In past economies people with particular skills or trades have been in demand. In our current economy we still have a demand for the traditional trades, like carpenter, electrician, and plumber. But today if these tradespeople want guaranteed long-term employment they ought to consider a certificate from a solar school.