Any information on training for green technician or installation jobs (like solar panels) in the US??

Question

This is crazy! I'm trying to find information on becoming certified to install solar panels, or some other green career that will obviously be increasing in demand, but that doesn't take the level of education of a scientist or engineer. Everything I am finding is from the UK! Are we really that far behind the times here in the US? I would have thought this field would be booming by now. But maybe I'm just not looking in the right place. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

I just bought a magazine called home power, they have a lot of information depending on the area you live in. Here are a few places to start www.solarenergy.org, they have workshops and online courses and www.soalrdepot.com, they are looking for dealers.

Another way to get information is to just find companies that are in your area and see if they have a training program or ask where you can get training. In CA it is a fast growing business with companies popping up all the time. You may also want to contact your local utility and see if they have any information about workshops or fairs in your area.

I'm in the process of getting solar PV panels intalled and from what the sales person was telling me the company is required to have a General Contractors license, they also have an Electrical Engineer. He didn't mention any special certifications for the installers, they usually work under the umbrella of the licensed contractor.

Answer 2

Unity College (in Unity, Maine) has a B.S. program in Sustainable Design & Technology.

"This Bachelor of Science program will allow students to develop their talents and skills as applied scientists and planners in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and response to climate change. The emphasis will be on technology and accounting."

Answer 3

www.austincc.edu, Austin community college has a 96 hour course named Solar Photovoltaic and Solar power training, I know that is more training than you are interested in. I am searching for the same thing  Yes we really are that far behind ! There are a couple of colleges in the great state of Cali, (Sierra college) that are just now gearing up to implement traning for the 2009 year. Just like the lack of drilling for oil, our lack of government leadership is killing us. it is almost impossible to find any traning for becoming trained as a layman in solar panels or any green field., good luck,

Judah

Answer 4

contact the contractors in your area, and ask what they require as far as training goes for them to hire you.

don't be afraid to ask what might seem to be dumb questions.

the more you ask, the more you learn.

if you have a Home Depot in your are, you might start with them, since they have just started going into the solar panel sales, and as yet are using outside contractors for their installation.

They could point you to contractors that they use. and these contractors might be needing help now.

for OJT you might have to start out as a helper, while you are learning.