Solar Training

Solar Power is one of the most important industries for the American workforce, and the demand for solar jobs is rapidly growing. CleanEdison's wide variety of solar training courses will equip you with the technical expertise you need to successfully implement solar projects with confidence and finesse.

As interest in renewable energy increases and as the prices of alternative energy sources become more competitive, solar power has become more and more prominent in America's plan for energy efficiency and workforce development. The solar power industry has experienced rapid growth in the last decade, and in 2009, total U.S. solar electric capacity surpassed 2,000 megawatts -- that's enough to power more than 350,000 homes. The higher cost of solar power compared to traditional energy sources is mostly due to the cost of manufacturing and installing solar panels. However, we have made great advancements in the technology, and the downward trend of solar power cost will continue as power generation becomes more widespread, installation costs drop, and the price of fossil fuels increase.

There are two basic methods for generating solar power. Solar PV technology has been around since the 1940s, but has rapidly evolved over the past few decades. Solar photovoltaic power uses solar cells that convert the energy of sunlight directly into electricity. These cells are arranged onto a solar panel, which in turn are arranged into an array, which can be scaled to produce a high capacity of solar power. Solar thermal power is used for heating water for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. This usually consists of a solar water collector that directly heat water using sunlight.

According to the Solar Foundation's Census 2011 Report, there are more than 100,000 jobs in the solar industry as of August 2011. This sector exhibited 6.8% growth in the last year -- nearly ten times faster than the overall economy -- and created more than 6,700 jobs. For job-seekers hoping to start in this field, it is essential to receive the proper, approved solar training and solar certifications to be competitive for the rapidly-expanding solar jobs market.

Solar Training Classes can prepare you for a wide range of occupations, including research and development, construction and operation, installation and maintenance, and sales of solar products. In particular, solar training for photovoltaic installers will prepare you and give you the credentials you need to install and maintain solar panels for residential and commercial projects. Solar panel installers are often self-employed as general contractors or employed by manufacturing or installation companies, and are responsible for safely attaching the solar panels to the roofs of buildings and ensuring that they are in working condition. They are trained to work with power tools at great heights, and they must have in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring and systems. The right solar training courses are essential because safety is always the highest priority, for both the installer and the client.

CleanEdison's Solar Program is designed for newcomers to the field; who, upon successful completion of coursework from an approved provider, can continue on to study and sit for the Entry Level Solar PV Installer Exam or the Entry Level Solar Heating Exam. Passing these exams would put the student on the path of becoming a PV or Solar Heating Installer.

Why Take Solar Training?

CleanEdison offers the premier Solar Energy training in the United States, with the mission of training the next wave of Renewable Energy Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Sales Professionals and Business Entrepreneurs. Our courses are ideal for: Licensed Contractors (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Roofing, and General Contractors) who wish to reposition their businesses to bring Solar Power to their communities, and fast growing companies looking to quickly train newly hired staff including sales professionals, project managers, engineers and designers.

Who Should Attend?

For contractors, our Solar PV & Solar Thermal Boot Camps cover design & installation topics for residential and small commercial solar electric and solar hot water projects.

Entrepreneurs, Business Professionals and Sales Reps who will not be doing physical solar panel installation may want to take our Solar for Sales Reps class.

Please browse our wind and solar training resource links as well as our blog and feel free to call us for information on what resources are appropriate for your situation and goals.

Associated Jobs

The following are possible jobs that can incorporate the training you gain from attending this course. Some jobs may require further education and training or may require additional licenses (by state).