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| Quality Training as a Key to Sustainable Growth for the Solar Industry |
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In
the 2009 Renewable Global Status Report
drafted by the Renewable Energy Policy Network, it is reported that the solar
photovoltaic (PV) industry is growing at a significant rate,."Since 2004, when
the Renewables Global Status Report was first launched, many indicators of
renewable energy have shown dramatic gains," said the report, and further reported that "in the four
years from end-2004 to end-2008, solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity increased
sixfold."
The
renewable energy industry, despite dire economic circumstances, continues to
demonstrate significant growth. As the industry grows, the number of well
trained solar panel installers remained relatively flat. There is a gap between
those wanting to hire solar panel installers and the availability of
professionally trained installers.
Therefore, it is encouraging to see that emerging solar training
programs respond to this market need and increasingly offer quality hands-on
training for solar PV installers.
In
fact, industry statistics and trends underscore that trained solar panel
installers are in growing demand. In 2008 the Centers of Excellence released a report indicating that
solar-related firms in California employ between 14,500 and 17,000 workers with
a projected 70% of employers planning to increase their employees over the next
year.
According
to a report issued by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), entitled Workforce Development: A Survey of Industry
Needs and Training Approaches, the rapid growth and expansion of
Photovoltaic (PV) markets poses great challenges to the industry in meeting
workforce needs. The report indicated California as being one of the most
rapidly growing places for the business, accounting for greater than 60% of all
solar PV installations in North America. "The primary goal is to create a well
trained and highly qualified workforce of sufficient size and diversity to the
projected needs of this country," stated the report. "For the photovoltaics industry, the IREC
workforce development survey indicated that the greatest need is for well
trained PV installers".
The article's facts, figures, and data
were provided by the Livermore based SolarUniversity which addresses these
important needs by providing a comprehensive 5 - day hands-on solar PV installer
training. For more information about
SolarUniversity's SunPro Tech training program, please visit www.SunProTraining.com. Additional information about the importance
of training can be found at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council at http://www.irecusa.org/.
| Message from the President |
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The industry is at an important turning point with immense growth opportunities as solar technology installations are becoming more accessible for California consumers. NorCal Solar's Board of Directors and staff are moving forward with education initiatives that will function as an important cornerstone to solar technology expansion. We are currently collecting input from industry experts and supporters to facilitate programs that meet the growing need of solar education. As part of this effort, we will hold our upcoming networking event on September 22nd and are planning a special seminar event on solar jobs and training for later this fall. In the meantime, we will continue our work on expanding the NorCal Solar website with new resources important to consumers by augmenting our Solar Energy Resource Guide (SERG) in important ways.
We appreciate the support from many in the solar industry and like to invite other businesses to feature their logos in the ENews and on our website. Please contact us for our special sponsorship rates and programs that would feature your ongoing commitment to an environmentally sustainable future.
Solar Greetings,
On Behalf of our Board of Directors and Staff
Claudia Wentworth, President
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| Network with NorCal Solar! |
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We at NorCal Solar have been working to help you network with fellow solar enthusiast. In person or online... you choose!
Join us for our second networking event on Tuesday, September 22nd. We will be meeting again at Luka's Taproom in Oakland. Come out and catch up with your fellow NorCal members and find out what is happening solar-wise in Northern California. We had a great response and turn out at our last networking event so let's do it again. Luka's has great food and drinks. We will be gathering in the side room on your left as you enter. Grab a name tag and get involved.
Date & Time:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
5:30 - 7:30pm
Location:
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
2221 Broadway @ West Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA
(510) 451-4677
www.lukasoakland.com
A block from the 19th St BART station
Also, we now have a Facebook fan page and a Linkedin account. If you have a Facebook or Linkedin account please join us and take advantage of these great tools. Let your friends know we
are there and let's see if we can get some good interaction going.
Now it's easier than ever to network with fellow NorCal Solar enthusiasts!
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| What you May Want to Know! |
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According to a story in the San Jose Mercury
News the price of residential solar power is
dropping, thanks to lower installation costs and a glut in the supply of key
components even as a state rebate is shrinking.
However, PG&E has approved rebates for more than 11,400 residential
solar installations since the California
Solar Initiative began in January 2007.The article explains that the cost
of a typical 4,000-watt home solar system has dropped as much as 10 percent in
the last year - falling below $20,000 in the San Francisco Bay area, after
factoring in the California rebate and a federal tax credit that increased this
year. It is emphasized that this
important trend makes solar more broadly available and further explains that
such developments have prompted solar advocates to say that ‘the day is coming
when rebates and tax credits won't be needed to spur the growth of the
renewable energy industry'. For more
detailed information, click here for a link to the article.
For aditional information visit:
- PG&E Rebates - Click here
- CPUC Go Solar - Click here
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| Solar Ambassador Tips |
Types of Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar
water heaters are often divided into two categories: Passive Systems use water pressure or natural
convection to move water from the collector to the storage tank, and Active Systems
use one or more pumps operated by an electronic controller to circulate fluid
between the collector and storage tank.
Passive Systems
Advantages:
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Less expensive
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Easier to maintain
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Continue working during power outages
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Can be use in mild climates where the water pipes
will not freeze.
Note: The two more common varieties of passive solar
are integral collector storage(ics) and thermosiphon
Active Systems Advantages:
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More expensive
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More efficient
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Many systems include a solar panel to power the
pump
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Can be used in cold climates where hard freezing occurs
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| Solar in the News |
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NABCEP Releases Expanded PV Entry Level Objectives
Clifton Park, NY-- The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners has accepted and approved the release of a newly revised set of Learning Objectives for its highly successful Photovoltaic Entry Level Exam Program.
Renewable Energy World.com Sept 2009
Read More
Swiss Solar Plane Prototype Designed to Fly Day and Night
The first aircraft designed to fly day and night propelled solely by solar energy was unveiled at Dübendorf airfield, Switzerland, in late June. The Solar Impulse has the wingspan of a Boeing 747-400 and the weight of an average family car (1,600 kg).
Powermag.com Sept 2009
Read More
First U.S. "Power Tower" Lights Up California
Turning the sun's heat into electricity--by concentrating it with thousands of mirrors onto a tower. In southern California's Antelope Valley, 24,000 silver-bright mirrors have been positioned to reflect light on two 50-meter-tall towers.
Scientific America.com Aug 2009
Read More
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| NorCal Solar Education Message |
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NorCal Solar
is committed to increase solar awareness and appreciation as a
fundamental roadmap for solar technology expansion in Northern
California.
Towards this end, NorCal Solar
is dedicated towards a world where clean, renewable energy is available
to all sectors of society; where energy supplies are secure and easily
accessible; and where solar energy takes its natural place as a primary
energy source in our economy.
The NorCal Education program is made possible through contributions
from our entire membership---individuals, business and corporate
members, as well as member organizations ( see listed on the top
banner) who have provided additional sponsorship for the ENews.
Support
NorCal Solar's Education Message; If you are interested in featuring
your company logo in our eNews, please contact us at
info@norcalsolar.org
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