Learning About PV: Adult Education Classes and Vocational Training in Solar Electric Systems
The Solar Decathlon, a student design competition sponsored by the Department of Energy, was first held in the fall of 2002. In this competition, college-level teams of students are challenged to integrate aesthetics and modern conveniences with maximum energy production and efficiency in a 500-to 800-square-foot house of their own design. And then they have to build it! In 2002, the "decathletes" transported their houses to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where they reassembled them so judges could assign final ratings on the 10 contests. Each house incorporated many solar features, such as passive solar design, solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems, and solar heating technologies.
Whether you're considering a career in the installation or maintenance of solar electricity, also known as photovoltaics (PV) or simply want to add a solar electric system to your home, ranch, or farm, here are some resources for you in the areas of continuing adult education and vocational training.
Alternative Energy Institute
AEI offers an introductory course in solar energy. Click on "What We Do" to see their latest offerings.
Center for Energy & the Global Environment
CEAGE offers a online course in alternative energy systems, which includes photovoltaics.
Centre for Alternative Technology
CAT provides residential courses in Europe on solar electricity.
Florida Solar Energy Center
FSEC provides education and training in photovoltaics, including installation; this is primarily for engineers, contractors, practitioners, and code officials.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
MREA offers photovoltaic systems workshops in the Midwest.
North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC)
Search NCSC for both consumer and contractor training and education in North Carolina.
Solar Energy International
SEI offers online courses and hands-on workshops in photovoltaic design and solar home design.
Solar Training & Education Courses
Sandia National Laboratories developed this list of courses covering a variety of photovoltaic systems and designs as well as solar water heating and passive solar and energy-efficient building techniques.
Sol Energy
This program features online courses in photovoltaic system design and installation, as well as solar building design and construction.
Enersol Associates
Enersol provides extensive training to participants in our AguaSol and EduSol programs. These programs are designed to help rural community residents take an important step toward becoming more independent and self-sustaining.
Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware
IEC uses its unique multidisciplinary approach to provide students with opportunities ranging from purely theoretical research to laboratory work geared toward practical applications. Students involved with IEC learn how to interact effectively with engineers and scientists engaged in long-term research programs in photovoltaics.
Institute of International Education
Peace and prosperity in the 21st Century depend on increasing people's capacity to think and work on a global, intercultural basis. As technology opens borders, educational and professional exchange opens minds. The institute provides access to educational programs, including energy coursework, to improve socioeconomic conditions in many countries.
A student at the 2002 Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C., works on her team's power conditioning equipment to make the team's solar electric system as efficient as possible.
Kyocera Solar, Inc.
Kyocera Solar, Inc., operates a full-time training facility at its corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Trainers work with other industry experts to present complete, up-to-date courses. The curriculum includes general solar electric system courses and examines specialized market segments. In addition, staff can travel to a customer or project to conduct customized on-site workshops and seminars.
Remote Power International (RPI)
RPI specializes in courses for international development in photovoltaics, solar water heating, and appropriate technologies. The training programs are designed to help businesses and others develop skills for implementing renewable energy applications.
Solar Electric Light Fund
The Solar Electric Light Fund, Inc. (SELF) is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1990 to promote, develop, and facilitate solar rural electrification and energy SELF-sufficiency in developing countries. Click on "Links and Resources" to see "Solar Education" opportunities.
Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International (SEI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education and technical assistance so that others will be empowered to use renewable energy technologies. Workshops in solar electricity, solar home design, and other renewable energy applications are available.
Southwest Technology Development Institute (SWTDI)
SWTDI has provided hundreds of training courses for thousands of participants from around the world since 1977. The Institute trains a wide variety of people, including project developers, electrical inspectors, engineers, homeowners, and bankers. Courses range from practical hands-on classes to detailed engineering, financing, and economic development courses.
US AID, Energy Training Program
As part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (US AID) organization, the Center for Human Capacity Development is responsible for implementing the agency's goal of "Building Human Capacity Through Education and Training." The center provides field support, technical leadership, and research to help nations and field operations improve education and training and to assist in developing stable, democratic countries with thriving market economies and healthy, well-educated families. This support also includes energy training programs.