In response to requests for information about other solar training resources, the following links to classes and information are provided as a convenience. Being listed in this blog does not imply an endorsement nor recommendation.

PG&E Solar Education  PG&E Energy Efficiency Classes

SMUD Workshops

AEE Solar/Solar Energy International Training Programs

DC Power Systems Training

OnGrid Solar

Renewable Power Solutions

Other Resources:

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Resources has  information listed under supplemental references.

Go Solar California PV Installation Process & Tutorial    Go Solar California Events

California Solar Center – Solar Forum documents

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), in an article titled “IREC / ATT&E and Hands On Solar, setting the curve In PV teacher training,” reports on the training offered at Sierra College on June 4 and 5 for 27 Solar instructors. Jim Dunlop, author of the textbook, Solar Photovoltaic Systems presented at the workshop.

The American Solar Energy Society in Solar Today July/August 2009 presents advice for people wanting to understand the solar industry and find career opportunities in an article called: “Gear Up for Your Solar Career — Know the photovoltaic industry fundamentals — and be ready when the right job comes along.”

The New York Times July 15, 2009 issue reports that With Push Toward Renewable Energy, California Sets Pace for Solar Power. California is a national leader with “50,000 solar-panel installations in the state.” Referencing the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, the NY Times reports that “solar capacity grew by a third from 2007 to 2008. It now represents about two-thirds of the national total….”

Solar installations are not just on houses according to the article: “Nationally, residential installations account for about a third of the energy supplied to the power grid by photovoltaic arrays on panels; the remainder come from installations on larger facilities, like government buildings, retail stores and military installations.”

According to an article in the LA Times on Aug. 1, 2009, the Weak Economy Makes Solar More Affordable for Homeowners. The article reports that manufacturers are cutting prices to move inventory. In addition, the LA Times indicates that Federal tax breaks plus California incentives add up to as much as 50%, making solar more appealing to homeowners. The in-depth article provides links to calculators, links to rebate monitoring site www.csi-trigger.com  (rebates decline as more people take advantage of them) and discusses trends such as “One Block off the Grid”or 1BOG.org (the campaign launches in Sacramento in two months).