While the solar panels are the complete units, it is the actual design and the components of the solar panels that make them work and make them capable or incapable of producing a level of energy capable of being sufficient enough to actually help to reduce utility bills with the solar energy. The new solar collectors are both smaller and more efficient solar panels that help to increase the production of power using solar energy making them more useful and able to create a larger savings than their older counterparts could.

The components used in the newer and more efficient solar panels are what make them so incredible. One of the recent developments to improve the design of solar panels was actually coming up with a way for the airflow to pass through the solar panels. This resulted in solar panels that required a lot less framework during the installation which caused the costs of solar panel installation to be reduced and also meant that there was less chance of damage to the house or building itself. Another radical development in the production or more efficient solar panels was the introduction of thin-film solar panels.

The thin filmed solar panels allow for the production of solar panels that take up a lot less room, weigh much less and work more efficiently than the older, large, bulky and heavy solar panels from the days of old. Thin-film solar technology is being aided with the introduction of newer and more efficient photovoltaic cells or collectors that actually increase the efficiency of solar panels noticeably for the better. In fact, these new types of photovoltaic receptors are so sensitive and so capable that they have virtually transformed the world of solar power all on their own. While that may sound like an exaggeration, a look at the statistics will show exactly why the use of these is directly responsible for much more efficient solar panels.

Older solar panels were only capable of absorbing a limited amount of sunlight due to the restrictions of the older photovoltaic receptors but the new solar collectors are proprietary cylindrical shaped photovoltaic collectors that are much more potent and effective. The new photovoltaic receptors used in the more efficient solar panels collect sunlight from a full three hundred and sixty degree radius meaning that if the sun is heating these solar panels, they are generating electrical current. So efficient are they that not only can they collect sunlight from any angle but they can even generate electrical current from sunlight that is diffused (like when you have dirty solar panels) and even sunlight that is reflected on to the solar panels from a different location. This was unheard of in the past so the use of these cylindrical photovoltaic collectors is in truth, directly responsible for a new generation of more efficient solar panels.

Boots on the Roof, one of the best solar/wind training providers in the San Francisco bay area, is currently enrolling students into its upcoming Solar PV and Wind Energy training boot camp.  Students can get certified as solar PV installers. The training program includes hands-on labs, classroom activities focusing on solar electric system design, safety regulations, installation and extra business topics related to photovoltaic.  To learn more about dates, locations, and course details,  click here.

Solar Installer-Roofers are the people who install solar panels and solar cells in the roofs of residential and commercial buildings.  Currently, trained, qualified Solar Roofers are hard to come by these days, even in our quickly growing “green” economy.  Why?  Because a Solar Roofer must not only possess the trade skills and construction experience of a roofer, but must also be a competent solar electrician.

Solar Roofs

There are basically two different types of solar roofing jobs being done today: retrofitting and integrated.  Retrofitting is installing a solar panel on an existing roof.  Integrating is incorporating solar cells and panels into a new roof being built.

Solar electrician skills are less important for retrofitting solar roofing.  This is a relatively easy job.  It basically consists of mounting one or more solar panels on an existing roof, and feeding the wiring though the roof to the battery banks.  A regular roofer could do this, and leave the wiring to an electrician.

Retrofitted solar roofs, however, have many drawbacks.  Solar panels are bulky, more exposed to the elements of wind, rain, and snow, and many consider them to be an eyesore that drags down property values.  Consequently, integrated solar roofing has become increasingly popular.  The solar panels are actually built into the roof, the sides more or less flush with the rest of the roof.  Such solar panels are less exposed to harsh weather and more aesthetically pleasing.  It’s still obvious, however, that you have solar panels on your roof.

To compensate for this problem, solar cell manufactures have started producing “solar shingles.”  These are specialized roofing shingles that have photovoltaic solar cells built into them, but otherwise appear to be the same shape, size, and color as regular asphalt shingles.  Solar shingles can provide an entire building roof that is essentially one big solar panel, but (from a distance, at least) looks like any other roof.  Although solar shingle roofs are increasingly popular, they have also increased the demand for Solar Installer-Roofers.

Unlike solar panels in which all the solar cells are already wired together, solar shingles must be wired together into a solar array as they are applied to the roof.  Furthermore, the solar shingles need to be installed and wired together before the rest of the roof is installed with regular shingles, so that the wires from the solar shingles can be run along the ridge cap of the roof, where they are hidden from sight and protected from harsh weather.

Requirements for Becoming a Solar Installer-Roofer

Solar Installer-Roofers are usually made rather than found.  Unfortunately, few people today possess both roofing trade skills and solar electronics training.  Therefore, solar roofing companies either hire roofers and train them to be solar electricians or hire solar electricians and train them to install roofs.

If you are already a roofer, enter a two-year program in electrical engineering at a community college or vocational school.  Another option is an electrician apprenticeship trade program.  Either way, this should give you the electrical knowledge and experience necessary to qualify for a Solar Installer-Roofer position.  For there, your employer should train you on the specifics of their methods and equipment.

On the other hand, if you are already have an Associates or Bachelors in electrical engineering, or are a certified electrician, you’ll need to train to become a roofer as well.  Vocational schools should at least offer a few classes in this construction skill, and some might even offer full programs.  Another route is to enter a roofing apprenticeship trade program.

Boots on the Roof, a leading Renewable energy training institute, is enrolling students into its Alternative Energy Training classes. For more information on qualifications, Training Dates and Locations, click here.

Everyone is going green these days. Even the fashion and the food industry are advocating earth-friendly ways of doing things. This trend has only grown in popularity in recent years, although movements to save Mother Earth have been around for some time. In the construction industry, this move to turn green, is still in its nascent stage.  This makes it an ideal time for architects, engineers, draftsmen, sales people, business professionals and skilled workers in the construction industry to specialize. That is, it’s a great time for training in new technologies and new, earth-friendly ways of doing traditional things. Now is the time for the construction industry to focus a measure of its time and resources for solar panel installation training.

Solar panel electricity is one of the most sustainable of alternative energy sources. The sun would definitely outlive the Earth, scientists say. It’s basically an immense power source that’s perpetually present. As such, the trend toward harnessing more of the sun’s energy to power cities and communities is definitely growing. As governments and people continue leaning toward cleaner sources of energy to solve the energy crisis, there is a surge in investments in solar panel electricity on most national budgets.

Solar panel installation training is a valuable investment. Key players in the construction and energy industry who invest in solar training for their human resources are investing in the future. As the world gears toward being more and more earth-friendly, products, services, resources and skills, even business practices that are considered ‘clean and green’ will become more and more valuable. When you’ve got competencies coveted by others in the industry, you are a valuable asset.

The market for solar energy is wide. In all five continents and all sectors of society that need or are housed in buildings, including families and communities. Both government and private businesses would require solar-trained experts for their solar-powered building projects. Even homes will be requiring experts with previous solar training for their homes. If Bill Gates’ multi-million dollar mansion in Washington is any indication of how future homes will be, solar training is a must for everyone in the construction industry.

The Future Has Solar

Although you can be sure governments and large private interest groups will continue to explore more earth-friendly, more cost-effective alternatives, solar panel electricity is definitely among the top choices for energy efficiency, sustainability and earth-friendliness. As this fact begins to sink in, more and more young people are going to see excellent opportunities and outstanding career paths in the solar energy industry.

Businesses will continue to provide solar panel installation training to their staff to keep them abreast of the latest in the industry. A number of third-party providers will specialize in solar education. In fact, this is already happening today. A quick keyword search on Google shows you there are a number of organizations offering various specialties and sub-specialties in solar education. If you are already in the construction and energy industry, it’s high time for you to take solar training seriously. It’s not a fad that comes and goes; it is the future and it’s here to stay.

One of the premier energy training establishments, Boots on the Roof, is enrolling students into its Solar PV Training classes. For more information on your qualifications, available training dates and locations, click here.