Specifically, Solar Laboratory Technicians pioneer new ways to improve and diversify ways of gathering sunlight, turning it into electricity, storing it, and utilizing that energy.  Similar research & development laboratory positions exist, however, in other areas of the renewable energy economy.  Green power companies involved in wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, and biomass gases all need research scientists and technology architects.  And this isn’t even mentioning the many other new alternative energy technologies that are currently being explored, but have yet to become well-known household terms.

Obviously, being a Solar Laboratory Technician requires a large amount of detailed knowledge of solar electronics.  The most common and well-known type of solar power systems are photovoltaic solar arrays  that convert sunlight into electricity.  The development of solar cells that can generate more electricity, automatic tracking systems to follow the movement of the sun to optimize the efficiency of solar arrays, and batteries that can store more electricity for longer periods of time are all things that Solar Laboratory Technicians research, build, and test.

There are many other types of non-electric solar power, however, that a Solar Laboratory Technician should be familiar with.  An example is thermal solar cells, which convert sunlight into heat.  Other areas include passive solar systems, an area of research that seeks to optimize variables such as location, weather, architecture, windows, and insulation to heat or cool a building by either absorbing or reflecting sunlight.  Finally, another form of solar energy utilizes focusing lenses and mirrors to concentrate sunlight and thermal energy.  Applications of this technology include warming homes, heating water, and even boiling water for electricity-producing steam turbines.

Requirements for Becoming a Solar Laboratory Technician

Obviously, Solar Laboratory Technicians must possess a greater knowledge of solar power systems that solar panel installer-roofer or maintenance technician.  In fact, Solar Laboratory Technicians require some of highest education and most thorough training of all careers in the green energy economy.  Solar Laboratory Technicians need to understand applied and theoretical science, as well was the design, development, engineering, construction, and testing of electronics, particularly electrical power systems.

Solar Laboratory Technicians should also have practical experience using scientific equipment, tools, and instrumentation.  Advanced mathematics, including calculus and statistical methods and applications, will most likely be a prerequisite.  The ability to read, interpret, analyze, and compile scientific data, charts, and graphs is also necessary.

To become a Solar Laboratory Technician, you would need at least a Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or material science.  A Graduate degree in any of there fields would be better.  Some companies might also accept an Associate’s degree if combined with at least two or more years of work experience in this field.

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.

Most all systems that are installed today will have batteries to store solar power. This allows users to not only get power during the hours the sun is not up but on cloudy days as well. Solar energy systems are increasing in popularity. They are extremely efficient in saving energy as well as better for the environment then other energy sources. Here are some basic solar energy facts:

• Solar energy is one of the best energy sources for our environment
• It can be used to produce electricity through the photovoltaic solar panels to heat water, power heating & air conditioning units and any other electrical needs
• As the used of solar energy panels increases the demand all over the world increases
• Solar energy power is measured with 1 kilowatt equaling 1000 watts
• A 100 watt light bulb utilizes 1 kilowatt per hour
• In 1999 it was estimated that the average American household will use about 866-kilowatt hours per month in 1999 costing them $70.68 with this number being much higher now
• 30% of this usage being to simply heat their homes

There are a variety of solar panel installation courses and training programs available throughout the country.

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

A solar hot water system can come in one of several forms. One particular style consists of a tankless hot water system that runs off the electricity generated by solar panels installed on the structure. Whenever hot water is needed, just the hot water that will be used is heated, offering a savings in energy costs to the homeowner because water does not need to be kept heated and circulated in a tank as is done with the older water tank technology.

The other system has specialty plumbing which runs under solar panels and is heated by the radiant heat that is collected by the solar panels. When it also is part of a system that provides heat to the structure, it runs through piping placed in the floors or walls, sending the cooled water back up to be reheated when the sun strikes the solar panels again. This particular configuration might require specialized solar panels installation training to insure that the panels and plumbing cause no damage to the structure in the event of a malfunction.

Even solar hot water systems that are gas fired might have to have electrical circuitry installed to fire the starter or ignition system, so it is still quite possible to gain a saving in energy costs by making use of the electrical energy generated by solar panels, rather than having to buy power from the local utility grid.

Ideally, solar hot water training or solar panels installation training will help someone who is already in the contracting business to integrate this new, green technology into new construction. In addition, the contractor can make this technology available to those who are looking to do remodeling and who want to upgrade from older, less energy-efficient systems. Through these solar training classes, the resulting replacement of the old technology will prove to be a savings both in reduced power usage by the consumer, and will draw less on vanishing resources like the coal now used to generate a significant portion of the electricity consumed today.

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

Many times solar thermal training and solar hot water training will go hand in hand with the training that those currently in the construction business already have in HVAC. This solar technology training will allow the contractor or installer to design a system which will make use of the newer, more energy efficient technology to heat a structure using a combination of solar panels that can collect the radiant heat provided by the sun and special plumbing which can be used to transfer heat from water warmed by the sun into the structure.

Solar thermal training and solar hot water training can also be done in the context of aiding engineers and architects make use of concepts learned as a part of this training to design structures that can make use of solar energy to provide heat to a structure, or to avoid excess heat during the daylight hours, yet retaining the heat from day during the cooler nights. Some of the solar heat can come into the structure in the form of ambient light that shines down on building materials specifically chosen to store heat in the day, yet slowly dissipate it to provide heating during the nighttime. This provides almost a double savings to the consumer because not only does it save on electricity not used to power indoor lights, but it saves in power that is not needed to run a solar hot water heater system like a boiler or furnace.

Solar technology training can also help those already in the construction industry get the education necessary to seamlessly integrate solar generation and heating systems into the wiring and plumbing already in a structure. By knowing the weight of the solar panels, the installer can help figure out whether or not the roof can safely support the extra load the panels would place on it.

Solar technology training can also prepare technicians to troubleshoot and repair solar hot water heaters that may be malfunctioning. These technicians can be trained separately from those who do installations, adding an added dimension to an existing business looking to take advantage of the economic opportunities the new, green technology can provide, especially in light of the declining economy. While older, less energy efficient building techniques are suffering; those who are knowledgeable in the new systems are experiencing rapid growth and job security for the near future.

To help make learning more accessible, several manufacturers and dealers offer training in solar hot water panels and solar water heaters. PV installation training workshops for both beginners and experienced professionals cover the basics, installation, maintenance and topics of solar pv components. Webinars are becoming quite popular because you can take these courses right from the comfort of your home.

There are different types of solar hot water systems; active, which has circulating pumps and controls and passive which do not. Because we deal with varying climates, there needs to be some type of control for those areas prone to freezing temperatures. These are known as the indirect circulation systems that pump and circulate a heat transfer fluid that is non freezing through the collectors as well as a heat exchanger. Water is heated and flowed into the home. As you might imagine, this solar water heater is more expensive than the passive system.

The passive solar hot water system is usually more reliable than their active partner and lasts longer. These units work best where the temperature rarely falls below freezing and in households where the bulk of the hot water needs are in the daytime and early evening hours. Learning how an integral collector-storage passive system or a thermosyphon system operates isn’t really that difficult once you have the hands on approach in your training sessions and a good grasp on the mechanics of the solar hot water systems.

Proper installation is crucial, taking several factors into account. Solar resources, local building code requirements, climate, and safety all need to be addressed before the purchase. There is also maintenance that will need to be performed as your equipment begins to age. Some states have already begun to require a valid plumber’s and/or solar contractor’s license. Check with your state’s contractor licensing board. This might be a good time to become licensed for the future of solar hot water heaters.

Perhaps you are looking into becoming a solar hot water dealer and need to understand the basics plus receive certification necessary to start your own business. In this case, most manufacturers are more than willing to help you approach your new venture with as much knowledge as you can handle about their products.

Other ways to learn about this popular new energy saving system is to get involved with an online solar forum or plan to attend a solar and pv seminar. Most people do not realize the waste of energy in something as simple as a hot water heater. The facts alone may interest you enough to enter the solar hot water heater business. Get involved and get solar educated.

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