The new solar technology is made by improved designs for the solar panels and their components. These days, solar panels take up a lot less room and work far more efficiently. The components are state of the art and there is more power generated and less power loss when the solar panels are tied in to the home or buildings commercial electrical system. These designs also allow for the new solar technology to be installed much cheaper than traditional solar panel installations and with a lot less mounting and housing required. This means that in addition for it being less expensive, the installation of solar panels on your home no longer has to be an eyesore to all of your neighbors.

A look inside the housing for the new solar technology is where the first and most obvious changes can be found. The housing for the photovoltaic cells is much more aerodynamic than ever before allowing the air to pass through the solar panels meaning they get buffeted around much less and thus, last longer and work more efficiently. Additional new solar technologies include the use of thin-film solar panels that are not only smaller but lighter weight and a lot easier for the final installation. What is really most amazing regarding the new solar technology is the actual photovoltaic cells themselves.

While the old photovoltaic cells were very limited in scope and how they could absorb the sunlight to convert it to electrical current, the new solar technology for photovoltaic cells allows these cells to work much more efficiently creating more energy in the same amount or even less space as their ancient solar panel counterparts. The new photovoltaic cells have a cylindrical shape that allows them to collect the sunlight from all three hundred and sixty degrees making them a lot less limited in the amount of time throughout the day that they are absorbing sunlight and generating electricity.

The old photovoltaic cells only absorbed sunlight for a limited amount of time each day and could only produce electrical for that limited amount of time making them extremely limited in both scope and efficiency. The new solar technology for these cells allows them to capture and collect sunlight for the production of electricity no matter where the sunlight is coming from even if it is diffused or indirect sunlight. The new solar technology is very impressive but hopefully it is only a good sign of things to come.

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.

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.

It is important to point out this is an industrial, not residential, construction job.  Being a residential Solar Fabrication Technician (usually referred to as Solar Installer-Roofers) requires a slightly different skill set.  Residential solar fabrication involves a lot of retrofitting solar power systems into existing buildings.  This most commonly involves setting up solar panels on the roof and wiring them into the building’s electrical power grid.  Consequently, residential Solar Fabrication Technicians are a combination of carpenter, roofer, and electrician.  Industrial Solar Fabrication Technicians, in contrast, work more with metal, concrete, and heavy construction equipment.

Being an industrial Solar Fabrication Technician involves a slightly different set of trade skills than residential technicians.  It involves less carpentry and more metalworking.  Furthermore, on an industrial scale, construction positions are more specialized.  Industrial Solar Fabrication Technicians build and erect freestanding solar collectors and can leave the wiring to the electricians.

Solar Fabrication Technicians need to be proficient in working with metal sheeting and tubing, usually steel and copper.  You must be able to cut, bend, file, drill, rivet, weld, and paint metal, using machine shop equipment such as jigsaws and band saws, drill presses, power brakes, pneumatic drills, and rivet guns.

Requirements for Becoming a Solar Fabrication Technician

A Solar Fabrication Technician is one of the careers in the green power segment that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree.  Work experience and training in construction and the trades are more that sufficient.  You’ll need to complete either a vocational school program, or a trade apprenticeship program in an area such as metalworking or pipefitting.  Even if you haven’t completed such a program, enough years of work experience in the trades may be enough to qualify you for a position as a Solar Fabrication Technician.

That being said, an academic degree certainly doesn’t hurt.  In some sun farms, the solar panels are mobile, designed to be able to tilt and rotate to follow the sun across the sky to collect the most direct sunlight.  In such cases, Solar Fabrication Technician positions might require varying degrees of mechanical aptitude as well and trade skills. An Associate’s or even Bachelor’s degree in engineering or material science would certainly increase your chances of landing a Solar Fabrication Technician position at such a sun farm.  It would also help you get promoted to foreman or other supervisory positions.

If you are looking for a job in the green economy, keep in mind that a Solar Fabrication Technician job is mostly a construction position.  If you take pride in your craft, are willing and able to perform sometimes strenuous manual labor, and don’t mind working outdoors in potentially very hot weather (most sun farms are located in California and the Southwestern deserts for obvious reasons), then you’d be a good fit for the Solar Fabrication Technician job.

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.

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.

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

A good idea before starting any renewable energy installations is to determine what your actual power needs are.  By knowing this information you will be able to best select a solar panel system that will meet your needs, and ensure that you have all of the proper equipment so that you can truly maximize your investment.  Not having proper equipment, or a system that is large enough will make it virtually impossible for you to really get what you need, at a price that is affordable.

Boots on the Roof is currently enrolling students into its upcoming Solar PV training boot camp. To learn more about dates, locations, and course details,  click here.

Solar school can provide you with the training you need to start a new career or simply expand an old one. There are a number of aspects to solar energy that needs to be considered. First there is knowledge of the technology.

Technology has changed over the years. Solar panels have evolved over the years and come in a variety of different systems. It is an engineer’s job for example, to determine how many pv solar panels, how large the panels should be and which type of panel should be installed. However, depending on the job description these types of engineers may or may not be installation technicians as well.

Another aspect of solar school is the actual physical installation of the equipment. There are many things to consider when installing solar panels such as the location of the panels. Many homes are not situated in a location that allows for maximum exposure from stationary panels. However, new technology allows flexible solar panels to move with the sun to allow for maximum exposure. These pv solar panels however require yard space, which increases the likelihood of shade. It is these questions that solar school helps train you to answer.

Boots on the Roof is currently enrolling students into its upcoming Solar PV training boot camp. To learn more about dates, locations, and course details,  click here.

One of the main issues in the recent US elections focused on government investments and dedication toward finding sustainable, cost-effective energy sources. Not that the world’s supply of oil is near depletion. Besides being harmful to the environment, the world, not just Americans, hates being dependent on foreign oil. Thus, the need to look for sustainable, alternative energy sources.

This move away from oil-powered energy plants, gas-driven cars and use of depletable fuel sources has prompted this present trend toward alternative sources of fuel. As governments and private organizations continue to invest in research and development, technologies that have been known to work well, such as those tapping solar energy, are taking the frontiers. Solar heating training for professionals and skilled workers are in high demand in the construction industry to address the growing need for solar-powered facilities.

The Demand in Numbers

Solar panel installations around the world were nearly 6000 megawatts, more than double the number of solar panel installations in 2007. Demand for solar energy grows at a staggering 30% annually in the last decade and a half. Last year’s increased worldwide demand was due to government attention. Germany’s Feed-in law made it the second largest market in 2008. US markets increased to 357 megawatts; Japan is now the sixth largest market worldwide. PV cell manufacturers worldwide produced a total of 6.85 gigawatts in 2008.

Solar Career Opportunities

Obviously, with the market growing, there’s a surge of jobs and various career opportunities in the solar industry. And it’s only a subset of an even larger industry – renewable energy sources industry. Here are some of the many career opportunities for professionals with solar heating training:

• Sales engineers: It’s a new industry and the demand for highly qualified sales people are on the rise. Sales engineers whose expertise lie in solar panel installations, design of solar heating systems and other custom solar-powered energy-saving products can help speed up the process of bringing clean energy sources to communities.

• Technical support staff: As is the current trend in business, an after-sales support service is vital in keeping customers happy. The renewable energy sources industry needs it’s version of professional staff to man its phone lines, websites and other customer feedback channels. If you’re already familiar with the customer service industry, solar heating training will give you that edge to become part of a highly technical new industry.

• Trainers and Teachers: Solar training is a growing business as well. With new industries spurring a high demand of skilled workers, educational institutions are pooling experts to train workers for the industry. This presents an excellent opportunity for those who already are in the field to take on leadership roles and train others to join them. Engineers, architects and others in the construction and energy industry could obtain more specialized skills with solar training.

The demand in the renewable energy market will be filled some time in the future. But just like the internet, it’s here to stay. Trends will change, practices will improve but those who have positioned themselves as key players when the market was young will remain valuable. So, even if you’re still a bit skeptical, you can’t go wrong with an additional skill.