This curriculum was designed to demonstrate the connection between energy and the everyday lives of students. In it we explore our daily reliance on energy to provide power for the things we love to do with a strong emphasis on understanding where this energy comes from. While we know how to generate and deliver electricity throughout the United States, we now must figure out more sustainable ways of generating and distributing energy in efficient and equitable ways. Solving these problems presents unique challenges. The need to think creatively is critical. This three-year course will push students to not only understand the practical, hands-on aspects of solar energy, but to become the innovators of the solar technology of tomorrow.
The solar industry, along with the interrelated areas of weatherization and home energy efficiency, are growing quickly and will likely continue doing so for the foreseeable future. This highly accessible, hands-on, career-oriented curriculum positions students to capitalize on this growth. Designed for students who have had little or no exposure to this material, this curriculum provides the skills and knowledge required for entry level jobs in the solar industry. The course will help students gain the competencies necessary to obtain industry certifications such as OSHA 10 and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Associate’s credential.
In the solar industry it is widely accepted that the overall energy efficiency of the home is an important part of the overall process. If a building does not contain energy efficient measures, then much of the solar energy produced could be lost through air leakages, resulting in a loss of energy savings. This curriculum recognizes the necessity of understanding energy efficiency and the importance of weatherization. Grounded in the field of building science, this curriculum provides teaching materials which offer an additional complimentary skill set and career path related to weatherization and home energy auditing.
Recognizing the need to support students in their workforce preparations, this program incorporates a robust curricular enhancement built on existing best practices in workforce development. The program explicitly addresses barriers that may otherwise prevent students from completing the program and securing and retaining jobs in the clean energy industry. The program provides opportunities for students to develop and practicethe soft skills sought after by today’s employers such as time management and communication. A series of modules included with this curriculum shouldbe integrated on an ongoing basis throughout the school year to allow students sufficient time to strengthen these skills in order for them to becomewell rounded and competitive job candidates upon the completion of this program of study.
The Solar Energy Technician Curriculum focuses on solar installation, project management, operation & maintenance, and sales while giving a 360º view of all aspects of the solar industry. It provides direct connections to career paths in the industry. It is designed so that students get practical and hands-on experience with solar installation while simultaneously learning the theory and science that enables solar to function. Additionally, students will learn the business side of the solar industry including marketing, sales, and constructing business plans. This program gives students a strong foundation of current practices in the solar industry while looking towards the future (batteries and storage) and encouraging innovation.
