Sowela TCC, Louisiana CleanTech Network and ONTILITY Offer Solar PV System Training Course in Lake Charles, LA

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 27, 2010) - Sowella TCC will host a Solar Energy Installation Training course in partnership with Louisiana CleanTech Network and ONTILITY on May 10–14 on the campus, 3820 J. Bennett Johnston Ave.

The Solar Electric Training course consists of 40 hours of professional lecture and hands-on training presented in five days of sessions from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Tuition for the training is $1,395.

The course teaches the NABCEP Entry Level Photovoltaic learning objectives and engages students in installing Solar Electric Systems in two hands-on lab sessions where they will learn to use the proper tools and materials for the job.

“The solar energy technician career field is emerging in SWLA,” said R. B. Smith Vice Chancellor for Economic Development. “There are federal and state tax incentives for installing solar energy systems in residencies and small businesses. To qualify for these incentives certified technicians must install the solar energy systems. This training program prepares qualified people to install and maintain solar energy systems in our region.”

The 2008 Annual Outlook projected grid-connected solar power to experience a 73-fold increase by 2030, nationwide. Angelou Economics, a Texas-based economic development consulting company, reported in its publication, Growing the New Energy Economy in Texas, December 2008, that the solar energy industry will grow from $20 billion in 2007, to $74 billion by 2017.

“Demand for well trained, highly skilled solar energy workers will naturally accompany this market growth” said Stephen Shelton, Executive Director, LA CleanTech. “Solar industry jobs range from high school graduates to those with master’s degrees and carry average annual salaries from $23,000 to $87,000. In the last two years over 100 Louisiana based companies employing over 300 workers have entered the solar industry and have installed over 700 solar energy systems.”

For more information or to register for the course go online to LACleanTech.net or ONTILITY.com. Please call Stephen Shelton at 504-343-4638 with any questions.

About the Solar Installation Training – Solar Electric Systems Course

The course is a combination of lecture; hands on training; real world solar applications; solar installation contractor training; National Electrical Code (NEC) information; explanations of solar incentives offered and Federal tax credit incentives; and Texas solar installation contractor requirements.

The classes are very interactive – student participation is emphasized. The "hands-on-training" includes the complete installation of a Solar Electric system, from installing the solar panels on the roof, to the complete wiring of the balance of systems. There is a total of two days of hands-on installation and lab training that includes all materials and tools to do the job right.

This course teaches the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level learning objectives. Students that complete the class will qualify to take the NABCEP Entry Level PV exam. The certificate of training, which all course graduates receive, will satisfy one of the requirements needed to be a solar system installation service provider in some incentive programs, and satisfies the educational requirement to apply to sit for the NABCEP PV Installer National Certification exam.

Anyone interested in learning about or working in the solar industry or starting a solar energy company may attend this class. No particular skills are needed. A construction background and/or electrical experience are helpful.

About SOWELA

Sowela’s mission is to empower students in transfer, career and technical education to become globally competitive citizens through state-of-the-art learning experiences in all programs and services.

About Louisiana CleanTech Network - LACleanTech.net

LA CleanTech is a state wide non-profit membership organization based in New Orleans with a mission to promote the growth of clean technology businesses in Louisiana and to encourage environmentally responsible economic development. LCTN began offering Solar Energy Installation Training classes June 2008 in New Orleans in conjunction with the US Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities program. LCTN has since worked with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to expand the program to Lafayette, and now Lake Charles.

About NABCEP - NABCEP.org

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP’s mission–to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders–is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.

About ONTILITY

ONTILITY is committed to the solar market and solar industry development. Learn Solar through our professional training. Buy Solar from our stocking warehouse of superior products at competitive prices. Accelerate Your Solar Business with our full range of partner support services including engineering and design consulting, due diligence and financial support, custom training and educational consulting. ONTILITY brings you best-in-class solar training, energy efficiency training, solar products distribution and support for solar installers, dealers and integrators.

• Solar Products – Over 120 Manufacturers / Maintains over 20M in Monthly Inventory
• Solar Training – NABCEP and IREC Training Courses and Certification Programs
• Financial Support – Financial Solutions for Your Business and Customers
• Design Support – End-to-End Design and Engineering Support Services
• Consulting Support – NABCEP Certified Installation Consultants to Support Your Projects
• Rebate Support – Rebate Assistance and Coverage Solutions
• Logistics Support – Remote, Field, Project Site and Rooftop Delivery Solutions

More Information, including a current course schedule is available at: 877.558.7479 or www.ontility.com.

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