These frequently asked questions (FAQs) relate to the solar instructor training network. This project was launched by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP or Solar Program).
What is the Solar Instructor Training network?
Who are the nine regional training providers and which regions do they serve?
How much funding does each project receive?
How were these projects selected?
Does DOE plan to fund more regional training providers in the future?
I am a solar instructor or would like to become one. How do I receive instructor training from a regional training provider?
I am a solar installer/systems designer/engineer/salesperson or would like to become one. How do I receive worker training?
Do the regional training providers certify workers?
Do the regional training providers certify instructors or trainers?
Do the regional training providers accredit training programs?
Q: What is the Solar Instructor Training network?
A: The Solar Instructor Training network is an interconnected group of nine regional resource and training providers funded by DOE to support the professional development of instructors training the downstream solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) installation workforce. These providers enable a rapid scale-up of local training programs by providing community colleges and other institutions with replicable training models and instructional support. Through this effort, DOE creates sustainable jobs within the solar installation industry and accelerates market adoption of solar technologies by ensuring that high-quality installations are standard.
Q: Who are the nine regional training providers and which regions do they serve?
A: Kennebec Valley Community College (Northeast); Hudson Valley Community College (Northeast); The Pennsylvania State University (Northern Mid-Atlantic); North Carolina State University (Southern Mid-Atlantic); University of Central Florida (Southeast); Midwest Renewable Energy Association (Midwest); Energy Institute at Houston Community College (South Central); Salt Lake Community College/Solar Energy International/Utah Solar Energy Association (Rocky Mountain); California Community Colleges Board of Governors/California Energy Commision/California Centers for Sustainable Energy/Labor Management Cooperation Committee (California and Hawaii)
Q: How much funding does each project receive?
A: Each regional training provider receives between $2 million to $3.5 million during the 5-year life of the project. DOE plans to invest up to $27 million total, including $9.7 million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Q: How were these projects selected?
A: The regional training providers were selected through a competitive merit review process. Reviewers judged the projects based on strategic approach to overcoming market barriers, replicability, sustainability, market impact, thoroughness, viability of the implementation plan, and qualifications of the applicants to conduct the work.
Q: Does DOE plan to fund more regional training providers in the future?
A: DOE does not plan to fund more regional training providers for this project.
Q: I am a solar instructor or would like to become one. How do I receive instructor training from a regional training provider?
A: Contact the regional training providers directly. A list with their contact information is available.
Q: I am or would like to become a solar installer, systems designer, engineer, or salesperson. How do I receive worker training?
A: Visit our educational resources page for experienced professionals and students and entry-level job seekers.
Q: Do the regional training providers certify workers?
A: Most providers administer exams created by independent, nationally-accredited certification bodies. After completing the training, students can take an exam to become certified. The regional training providers teach local instructors how to align their courses to the best certification standards available.
Q: Do the regional training providers certify instructors or trainers?
A: The regional training providers help local instructors become certified instructors of energy efficiency and renewable energy courses while informing them of the best certification standards available. One recognized developer of standards is the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ), which specifies requirements for competency, quality systems, resources, and qualification of a curriculum through which trainers and training programs can be evaluated. The ISPQ creates standards for a certified independent master trainer, certified affiliated master trainer, and certified instructor.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is the North American licensee for the ISPQ standard. IREC manages all aspects of the ISPQ accreditation and certification designations and is responsible for the application, audit, award, and maintenance of the award. Visit IREC's Web site for more information.
Q: Do the regional training providers accredit training programs?
A: The regional training providers help operators of energy efficiency and renewable energy training programs meet criteria for program accreditation while informing them of the best accreditation standards available. One recognized developer of standards is the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ), which specifies requirements for competency, quality systems, resources, and qualification of a curriculum through which trainers and training programs can be evaluated. The ISPQ creates standards for accreditation for training programs and accreditation for continuing education providers.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is the North American licensee for the ISPQ standard. IREC manages all aspects of the ISPQ accreditation and certification designations and is responsible for the application, audit, award, and maintenance of the award. Visit IREC's Web site for more information.