Workshops

ONtility Announces Solar PV Training at Renewable Energy Stampede
Salado Civic Center
Solar PV System Training Course
April 12th – 16th, 2010
ONtility, in partnership with Texas Solar Energy Society and Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, will offer Solar Installation Training – Solar Electric Systems on April 12th – 14th, 2010, The course, which teaches the NABCEP Entry Level Photovoltaic learning objectives, includes 40 hours of professional training presented in five days of sessions, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Tuition for the training is $1, 395.  Register Here.

In its 2008 Annual Outlook, The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration projected grid-connected solar power to experience a 73-fold increase by 2030, nationwide. Similarly, Angelou Economics, a Texas-based economic development consulting company, reported in its publication, Growing the New Energy Economy in Texas, December 2008, that the solar energy industry will grow from $20 billion in 2007, to $74 billion by 2017.

Further supporting this data is a national poll from Solar Energy Industries Association and Schott Solar:

• 92% of Americans think it is important for the nation to develop and use solar energy. This was consistent across all political party affiliations.

• 77% of Americans feel the Federal government should make solar power development a national priority, including the financial support needed.

• Almost half (49%) of all Americans are currently pondering solar power options for their home or business.

• 43% of Americans make solar their top energy source, followed far behind by other sources including their second choice, wind (17%).

Demand for well trained, highly skilled workers will naturally accompany market growth. Solar industry jobs will range from high school graduates to those with master’s degrees and will carry average annual salaries from $23,000 to $87,000.

ONtility’s EcoWorkforce and ONTraining programs are designed to accelerate the development of the Solar Energy Industry and college level renewable energy programs by training college faculty members in solar photovoltaic and thermal applications.
For more information or to register for the course please visit the website at www.ONtility.com. If you have any questions please call 281-854-1400.
 
About the Solar Installation Training – Solar Electric Systems Course
The course is a combination of lecture; hands on training; real world solar applications; solar installation contractor training; National Electrical Code (NEC) information; explanations of solar incentives offered and Federal tax credit incentives; and Texas solar installation contractor requirements.
 
The classes are very interactive – student participation is emphasized. The "hands-on-training" includes the complete installation of a Solar Electric system, from installing the solar panels on the roof, to the complete wiring of the balance of systems. There is a total of two days of hands-on installation and lab training that includes all materials and tools to do the job right.
 
This course teaches the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level learning objectives. Students that complete the class will qualify to take the NABCEP Entry Level PV exam. The certificate of training, which all course graduates receive, will satisfy one of the requirements needed to be a solar system installation service provider in some incentive programs, and satisfies the educational requirement to apply to sit for the NABCEP PV Installer National Certification exam.
 
Anyone interested in learning about or working in the solar industry or starting a solar energy company may attend this class. No particular skills are needed. A construction background and/or electrical experience are helpful.
 
About ONtility
ONTILITY provides integrated, value-added solutions, training and support services, and product distribution for the renewable and sustainable energy and energy efficiency/building science markets throughout North America. ONTILITY clients and partners represent a wide range of market segments including residential, commercial and industrial, community, educational, governmental, as well as electric utilities, real estate developers and home builders. Our key emphasis is the development, improvement and implementation of clean technology solutions to further the achievement of eco-sustainability.
 
About NABCEP
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP’s mission–to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders–is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.
 
 This course provides students with basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and how to work with solar conversion equipment. The course is designed for all learners.
 
The course follows the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality® (ISPQ) standards and the NABCEP® photovoltaic learning objectives and task analysis. The course focuses on real-world, site-specific knowledge. Hands-on training covers site surveys; mechanical and electrical design, safety and construction issues; tool and test equipment use; best-practice construction skills; national code and local inspection issues.