Solar Electricians are the backbone of the solar power industry. After all, photovoltaic solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, and that electricity then must be distributed throughout a building. Attending a solar school to get solar panel installation training rather than a regular vocational school, however, to get an Electrical Engineering degree specializing in solar power will provide you with a strong advantage in getting hired as an electrician in the solar power industry.

Why? The answer is because wiring a building to run off of solar power requires very different technologies and skill sets than wiring a building to run off of the local electrical power grid.

Using local grid power, regular home construction electricians are used to accessing a constant, regulated, steady flow of electricity from the local power grid. All they have to do is distribute that constant flow of electricity throughout the building via the standard residential electrical wiring network.

Solar power, however, is much more complex. Under solar power systems, electricity comes not from the local power grid, but from the sun. Solar panels in the roof convert sunlight to electricity. Consequently, the flow of electricity is neither regulated nor constant. To overcome this problem, electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in battery banks. The batteries, in turn, provide a regulated, steady flow of electricity to the building. If the batteries are depleted, the home electrical network needs to be able to switch seamlessly back over to the local power grid.

All this, obviously, adds an extra layer of complexity to wiring a building’s electrical network. Any electrician specialized in dealing with it will be in high demand in the solar power industry.

How will I use my Solar Power Training Certification–What Does a Solar Electrician Do?

In addition to wiring a home or building with the usual electrical network, a solar electricians must also set up the solar energy battery banks. This is not as easy as it sounds. The solar electrician must know what type of batteries to use, and how many will be needed. If there is more than one battery (as with all but the most basic solar power system there will be), the solar electrician will need to set up load-balancing equipment to charge and deplete the multiple batteries evenly. The electricity will also need to be converted from DC power to the 120-volt AC power used in the building’s wall outlets.

Solar electricians also need to be also to install instrumentation to measure the charge in the battery banks, and control mechanisms to switch over to local grid power when the battery banks are almost drained. Today, very few homes are capable of being powered entirely by solar energy. Most use a combination of solar and grid power, using the solar power produced merely to reduce their monthly power bill.

How Do I Become a Solar Electrician?

At least an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field would be the required to qualify as a Solar Electrician. Obviously, a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree you be preferable. If possible, attend a solar school rather than a community college or a vocational school program to get solar panel installation training. Not only will a solar school train you in the specializations needed to work with solar power systems, but you’ll learn more about solar power in general. Both of these will make your degree more attractive for a solar power company, and increase your chances of being hired.

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

Nowadays, an education is a means to an end. Of course, the end is securing a well-paying job although helping your environment and helping your fellowman while you are helping yourself is a good proposition. This is exactly what you will get from your solar school education!

With your education, you can earn anywhere from $31,200-$60,000 per year with solar engineers earning as much as $80,000. Now, that’s a good living any way you look at it while you are doing good things for the environment! However, to maximize your education, there are three things you must do.

Get Busy!

The solar sector of the renewable energy industry is one of its fastest growing areas. In fact, the Department of Energy’s Solar America Initiative predicts that solar power shall be a competitive energy source for commercial electricity by 2015! As such, many job opportunities are available for professionals who possess the right kind of qualifications. Therefore, professionals must get busy with acquiring more knowledge and more experience either from getting a solar school education or from the field.

If you cannot secure a job within the solar sector, volunteering in establishments that are solar-friendly can boost your résumé. If you have spare time, learn all you can about the industry through trade journals. If you must, take the low-paying job being offered just because it provides for entry into the solar sector. The point is to get busy expanding your network, your knowledge and your experience. Eventually, you will get noticed by the top honchos of the company and the sector you want to work in.

Get Noticed!

Even when you have attained good performance marks in your solar school education, you still need to get noticed by the solar industry. There are many ways to achieve this goal although you have to put your personal twist on them.

• First, you must attend industry conventions. These are venues where professionals converge to discuss the concerns and directions of the solar industry, which are also often excellent sources for employers to source out prospective employees. At the very least, you can distribute business cards and résumés to the people who matter in the industry.
• Second, you must build a good reputation within the industry. At present, the solar sector is sufficiently small to allow for an atmosphere of almost-everybody-knows-almost-everybody to pervade. As such, good word of mouth advertising as well as official recommendations from former employers and co-workers will provide for more job opportunities.

Again, the point is to get noticed in a positive way. It will not just be your education from a prestigious solar school that matters, but your personal and professional track record will matter, too!

Get Updated!

As usually happens, fast growth means fast obsolescence and fast turnover. As such, the solar industry is always on the lookout for newer, bigger and better technologies and applications.

In turn, the professionals must be constantly updated on these new technologies. It is a challenge that creates new business opportunities. It is fast growth that requires new knowledge. In short, the more you know of the latest in solar technologies and events, the more opportunities you have to maximize your solar school education!

Truly, solar education must be maximized not only for the sake of financial stability and career advancement but because it paves the way for a brighter and cleaner future.
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

There is an overwhelming need in our country for people who have advanced educations in the renewable energy industry. Not only is the demand for this energy higher than ever, those professionals already in the field are nearing retirement and suitable replacements will be needed. It is estimated that there will be over 100,000 positions to be filled.

Solar energy education is flourishing. Educational institutes have recognized the need to included solar energy education programsdue to the increased need for well training professionals in the solar energy industry. There are programs that offer certificates all the way up to four year degrees and beyond.

Solar energy education is not only for those looking to start a profession in the industry. Many homeowners are getting solar energy education to learn how to install and maintain solar energy systems for their homes. There are basic courses designed for these individuals. These programs will teach them the basics of how to install a variety of solar energy systems, the state codes they must follow and the specifics for their area. They also teach them how to be able to repair and maintain all part of their home’s system.

Engineering degrees are very valuable and these professionals are in high demand. Also degrees that focus on research and development have growing demands as companies are looking to make solar power more efficient. An environmental internship can be a helpful addition to a solar energy education program. Internships allow you to prove that you can be a valuable player at a company. It will give you invaluable experience and additional trainings that will give you the edge over your competition who are entering the solar energy industry.

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.

Solar energy is one of the first things that come to mind when you think of renewable energy. Going green is something that has been all over the news, the TV and the internet. Schools and programs are expanding, growing and starting because of the increased demand for qualified workers in the solar energy field.

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.

As the field of alternative energy sources grows due to increasing demand for renewable energy not dependent on imported fossil fuels, the need for those trained in solar electric is becoming more important than ever. These people are the ones who design and install smaller, solar energy systems used to generate electricity in individual homes and businesses.

Basic solar training classes cover what a photovoltaic (PV) cell really is and how it works. Advanced solar training classes teach things like fundamentals of designing and installing solar power generation and solar hot water systems. This provides the springboard for an entry level position with a dealer or installer or other company in the photovoltaic industry. Students learn the criteria necessary for practical system design, guidelines for installation, safety issues and how to best handle them, maintenance of the different systems and components, and legal issues that might surround the use and installation of solar-based systems.

Training in solar can open up a wide range of opportunities. Solar electric training or solar training classes in fields like residential plumbing will be an asset to any contractor looking to build green or provide green options to those looking to remodel older properties.

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 video we recently produced that highlights the benefits of online solar training. Are you ready to start your new career?

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.

Are you a college student still undecided about a major, a returning student contemplating a career path? Maybe an adult student considering what careers could best improve your quality of life. No matter how old you are, when you’re at a point where you’re free to choose which career path to follow, the bottom line is almost always the same – this is your life, your future, your happiness. It’s obviously a decision that requires careful consideration, true. But however you choose, there’s no doubt solar training is a must. Here’s why:

Industry trends are going green. Study various industries and research future trends. These days, there’s a lot of emphasis on going green and companies are looking toward for efficient and definitely more cost-effective ways of doing things. In this regard, the solar industry is undeniably among the fastest-growing. The number and variety of solar electric training courses offered by various institutions should alert you to the requirements in this industry.

Universal skills and multi-taskers are in high demand. Acquiring knowledge and skills that are useful across industries and meaningful in many career paths ensures you of a good start. Wherever your passions lie – physics, medicine, biology, mathematics, design, arts, etc – the trend is green and in that trend, solar electric training provides you with a competency that distinguishes you in the field you choose. It’s a new trend and the number of professionals or skilled workers in the solar industry is still on the rise. Whether you choose to join the ranks of hardhats, the lab coats or the suits, a specialized knowledge gained in solar training would serve you well.

Experts and skilled workers are in short supply. With the prospect of the solar industry booming and demand for quality expertise on the rise, the knowledge and labor supply remains low. This supply-demand disparity is true to all new industries; it takes a while for knowledge and skilled workers to catch up. And while solar training isn’t a household term yet, now is the time for you to get caught up and acquire the competency. Staying ahead of the competition is always the way to remain on top of your game. Be among the few with that coveted set of skills and specialized knowledge. You’ll be a sought-after talent in many industries.

You’re smart. You want to position yourself well career-wise. You know the world’s economy is driven by knowledgeable workers who not only have specialties, but sub-specialties as well. You know that specialized solar training expands your career opportunities and opens industry doors to you. At the very least, a solar electric training can provide you a fallback or contingency – when your first choice doesn’t work for you for some reason, you have an additional skill, a competency that can ease you into a career in the solar industry.

There are few things you can’t go wrong doing with your career. Acquiring a specialty, becoming an expert in one field – a field that’s on the rise – is definitely among those few. If you’re still skeptical about its uses, you can simply think of solar education as a hobby you’re indulging.

One of the best organizations on the private front has best been served by an energy association known as Boots on the Roof. Boots is fast becoming a world renowned solar training institute based in North America.

Because of the huge shortage of qualified technicians, Boots offers online solar training paired with hands-on workshops located all over the world, intended to test the practical knowledge of the student. These courses will help fill the holes in understaffed teams of technicians needed to install, maintain and repair the systems used in a residential and corporate solar systems. These instructor-led  and Online Solar PV classes can also provide a stepping stone into careers with the bigger solar power companies.

Solar companies are experiencing a rapid rate of growth as America looks to find a clean, renewable energy source that doesn’t have to rely on the consumption of fossil fuels to generate electricity. President Obama is also supporting aggressive steps to bring numerous, smaller solar generators online to aid the large solar power companies meet the growing need for sustainable power. When the smaller systems are hooked into the utility grid of the big solar companies, any overages generated by the smaller systems can be added to what the big solar power companies produce for the use of any consumer.

Financial incentives are now being offered to the public to create a true solar power house, through the construction of new houses that take advantage of green technology like solar-powered electricity, solar lighting, solar heating and solar hot water systems. Some houses can also be retrofit with the newer technologies during remodeling, but as a general rule, new builds can take advantage of a whole new range of designs that can maximize ambient lighting that won’t need electric lights, or heating systems that can heat indoor spas or pools using solar power, and thus help provide heat to the interior of the structure. Some newer technologies include materials incorporated into the walls that can capture radiant solar heat and store it for gradual release during cooler nighttime hours.

Boots on the Roof offers both the online PV training as well as instructor led classes in nation wide locations. For more information on the solar training courses and dates, click here.

Our world is slowly but surely becoming aware of our environmental situation and is taking steps to remedy that situation. Solar systems are one alternative to environmentally detrimental energy sources, like oil or steam. This technology, however, requires a special set of skills in order to make use of it, and this is where solar training comes in.

Penetrating a new market

Solar energy systems are part of a relatively young industry in the global market. This keeps it under the radar of most people, but is definitely a viable career option for anyone seeking a career path. Solar training then offers courses for a trainee to understand, install, use, maintain and market these solar technologies, effectively arming them with the basic set of skills to penetrate the solar technology market.

Slow but steady increase in demand

As previously mentioned, the world is slowly accepting the need to switch to a more eco-friendly way of life. Solar technology is one alternative, and solar training allows you to be able to establish a foothold in the business before it becomes saturated with skilled professionals. You will always find a client who is looking to go green with their power, and the clientele will only grow with time.

Lack of skilled experts in the field

Speaking of skilled professionals saturating the market, there is currently a gap between supply and demand when it comes to solar power. Obtaining solar training early on will help you establish a name for yourself in the business as the number of skilled experts and professionals in solar technologies are still lacking. This will allow you to find a solid client base as well as build a reputation in order for you to get known in the world of solar technology.

Broad range of potential clients

The potential clients for solar technologies are wide and can be found all over the place, from individual homeowners seeking a solar-powered water heater to conglomerates seeking green energy to enhance their public image. Solar training will allow you to identify which client niche you are going to target, as well as providing you with the expertise needed to meet their needs.

Increasing national and international support

Even governments around the world are recognizing the need to go green, and solar energy systems are on top of the list. Solar training will bring you to a career path that is made even more financially sound thanks to the efforts of the government to use more sustainable and environmentally-friendly sources of power.

Training future generations

Solar training is a career in and of itself. You yourself can be an educator when it comes to the application of solar technology, which means you can then make living from training others in the art and science of solar technologies.

The rising demand, the lack of skilled experts, the broad range of clients and increasing global and government support means that solar technology will be here for a long to come. Getting solar training early on will help you get a slice of the cake before everyone else comes scrambling into the fray. For more information on dates on your options for Solar Training  in California and other nationwide locations, there is no better resource than Boots on the Roof. Learn more about Solar Training Programs here.