ONTILITY Responds to Solar Jobs Growth
Nationally recognized solar training company ONTILITY and will offer its Solar Electric Training on October 24-28, on the campus of the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana. Recent research findings show continued very strong growth in solar electric job growth nationwide.
Solar Electric Trainingprovides students with basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and how to work with solar conversion equipment. The course is based on the photovoltaic installation job task analysis developed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, NABCEP. The course focuses on real-world, site-specific knowledge. Hands-on training covers site surveys; mechanical and electrical design, safety and construction issues; tool and test equipment use; best-practice construction skills; national code and local inspection issues.
The course is suitable for anyone interested in solar energy. Those looking for new career opportunities have found it valuable as have entrepreneurs, electricians, electrical, mechanical and general contractors and others in the building trades who are interested in business opportunities in solar.
In a preview of its soon to be released, "National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce", the Solar Foundation announced recently that the number of Americans working in the solar energy industry has topped 100,000 and that between August 2010 and August 2011, 6,735 new workers have been hired in all 50 states; an increase of 6.8% in the number of U.S. solar workers.
Jobs in the economy overall grew by only 0.7% during that same time period, and the fossil fuel electric generation sector lost 2% of its workforce.
Andrea Luecke, executive director of The Solar Foundation said, "The National Solar Jobs Census series provides a definitive measure of the U.S. solar workforce and its growth over time. It proves where smart solar energy policies are having the most impact both in terms of states and across the vast solar supply chain."
"Solar is a job-creating phenomenon in an economy that is flat-lining, with near 7% year-on-year increase in the number of Americans working in the industry," said Danny Kennedy, president of residential solar installer Sungevity and member of The Solar Foundation's board of directors. "This is a sign of a thriving industry - due to the demand for lower cost, clean electricity that creates value in America."
The full 2011 National Solar Jobs Census examines employment throughout the solar industry, including installation, sales and marketing, solar training, wholesale trade, manufacturing and other fields. It is highly detailed and includes state-by-state growth rates and job numbers for 31 separate occupations.
“The rapid growth of the solar market demands a well-trained workforce and is a key element in the long-term success of the solar industry,” according to ONTILITY Director of Education, Ken Whiteside. He continued, “A comprehensive introductory solar energy course which includes system design and installation is a great way for anyone to get started in solar.” The upcoming 40 hour ONTILITY class consists of five days of training, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Those who complete the course are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam. The 40 credits earned by completing the class also satisfy the education requirement for NABCEP PV Installer certification.
About ONTILITY
In just over one year, ONTILITY has grown from a start up to a 60M Solar Distribution, Solar Training and Solar Projects Enablement leader. ONTILITY supplies top quality PV panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other solar products to solar integrators and other qualified solar contracting firms. Additionally, ONTILITY is one of the nation's largest solar training organizations, featuring NABCEP, DOE and IREC courses. To complement its distribution and training divisions, ONTILITY offers a full portfolio of solar project support services. ONTILITY is one of the largest solar players in the U.S. with a leading market share in many of the top solar markets.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
- Design Support – End-to-End Design and Engineering Support Services
- Consulting Support – NABCEP Certified Installation Consultants to Support Your Projects
- Financial Support – Financial Solutions for Your Business and Customers
- Rebate Support – Rebate Assistance and Coverage Solutions
- Logistics Support – Remote, Field, Project Site and Rooftop Delivery Solutions
- Marketing Support – Websites, Collateral, Business cards, Co-branding
More Information, Please Call or Visit Us: 877.558.7479 or www.ontility.com.
