Solar Energy Training at ACC to Prepare Technicians for Certificate Exam

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO – A new solar energy training program will prepare those wanting a career in solar installation for a certificate exam that serves as the industry standard. Arapahoe Community College’s Corporate Learning Division will offer two high-quality, comprehensive programs in 2008 and 2009 designed for anyone ready for a career change, starting a new career or starting their own business in the growing field of solar technologies, plus contractors, electricians, plumbers and roofers wanting to expand their trade.

The new Solar Energy Industry Training Program prepares entry-level installers for eligibility to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. This exam is recognized by industry as the standard measure of basic knowledge, comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of solar electric systems operations

To provide more information about this program, the Corporate Learning Division will offer a one evening introductory workshop, Understanding Solar Energy, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, from 6 to 9 p.m. at ACC’s Triad campus, 5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO. Topics to be covered include: how we use energy, the history and uses of the sun’s energy, applications, available energy, collection and conversion, transfer and storage methods and system orientation to the sun.

“With the booming local renewable energy economy, starting a career today in solar energy opens the door to increased job opportunities as solar energy system integrators, designers, packagers, installers, solar equipment manufacturers, engineers or technicians,” said Vicki Befort with the Corporate Learning Division. “The competitive advantage of completing the Solar Energy Industry Program is the high quality, comprehensive instruction with an emphasis on hands-on-training and field experience with reputable solar energy contractors.”

The state’s new renewable energy sector has grown rapidly since 2004, when Colorado voters approved a “renewable portfolio standard” mandating that more electricity come from the sun and the wind, according to Cathy Proctor’s Aug. 22, 2008, article in the Denver Business Journal, “Colorado Investing in New Energy Economy.” Due to the abundant sunshine in Colorado, the state ranks number 5 in the nation for what it can generate from large-scale solar power plants and number 6 in the nation for wind-generated energy.

“The state’s solar power companies also have grown, focusing on putting solar panels on everything from a residential rooftop to the roof of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science,” Proctor wrote. “New renewable energy companies also have come to Colorado.”

According to U.S. Congressman Mark Udall, a recent study completed by the American Solar Energy Society found that renewable energy and energy efficient technology industries generated 8.5 million new jobs in 2006, nearly $970 billion in revenue, more than $100 billion in industry profits and more than $150 billion in increased federal, state and local government tax revenues. “New renewable energy sources are going to be an economic boom for those who take advantage of the opportunity, and Colorado is uniquely poised to be at the center of this ‘green’ technology,” Udall said. “We are the home of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the nation's leader in the research and development of renewable resources. Colorado ranks fourth in the nation for solar potential, and fourth among Western states for geothermal development site potential.”

The Solar Energy Industry Training Program includes two separate tiers. The first tier, the solar energy installer Photovoltaic Program, prepares entry-level installers for eligibility to take the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. It will be offered on Monday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at ACC’s Triad campus from November 2008 through March 2009 and will be taught by experienced industry professionals.

The second tier, the Solar Thermal or Hot Water Program, will be introduced in Spring 2009.
Both programs require four days of installations coordinated with a solar contractor including a four-hour onsite installation lab. Ongoing training will include industry guest speakers, updates on renewable energy legislation, rebates, permits, industry tours, etc.

For more information about the new Solar Energy Industry Training Program and a schedule of classes go to www.coloradotraining.com or call 303.734.3701.

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