Resources for Solar Education and Training

Resources for Transitioning into a Solar Career

The solar industry is an incredibly exciting field to be in right now — it’s now the biggest employer of all energy industries, and solar is the fastest growing source of energy in the US. It’s no surprise then that people want to become a part of the industry, but it is also true that there is a good amount of specialized knowledge that goes into becoming a solar professional. Here are a few resources for people who are looking into a career in solar:

1. Solar Energy International (Terra2 Partner). SEI offers classroom learning, hands-on workshops and online courses in solar PV, micro-hydro, and solar hot water. Solar Energy International started in 1991 as a nonprofit with the mission to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. Their courses can be taken as part of the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification process — SEI also offers their own Certificate Program, as well. https://www.solarenergy.org/
2. The Solar Training Network. This initiative is run by the Solar Foundation and funded by the Department of Energy. The Solar Training Network features a library of career planning and development resources, a national directory of solar training providers, and a national solar industry job board. https://www.americansolarworkforce.org/about-us/
3. Solar Ready Vets. Also run by the Solar Foundation and funded by the government, this project takes an innovative approach to providing transitioning veterans with promising civilian career paths in solar energy while also providing the solar industry with highly qualified and motivated workers. https://www.americansolarworkforce.org/solarreadyvets/
4. Other government-funded programs. The Department of Energy funded several projects for solar training and education in order to “help increase solar adoption and improve solar installation times by educating the ecosystem of professionals, not just the solar installer.” The listed projects include training programs and resources for professionals in all aspects of the solar industry, including real estate and design. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-training-and-education-professionals-step

Hopefully these resources will prove to be a good starting point for anyone wanting to become solar energy professionals. The already high demand for solar energy will only increase as time goes on, and the industry will need knowledgeable and well-trained individuals to keep up with that demand.

At Terra2, our mission is to expand access to renewable energy investment opportunities for all people. We believe that the impact an average person can have on emissions reductions has been limited due to a lack of opportunity. Not everyone can afford to buy solar panels or has a place to put them.

Using our platform, accredited and unaccredited investors alike will be able to invest directly in solar farms with as little as $1000*. Increased access to financing will help developers build more and more solar farms, thereby accelerating our transition to a completely renewable future so that we can meet our emission reduction targets. Moreover, we project that our solar assets will be attractive long-term investments that offer stable cash flows years into the future. Investing directly in solar farms can therefore offer an avenue for people to preserve and grow their wealth as well as fight climate change.

We at Terra2 believe that while governments and corporations must take drastic action, they are not alone in their responsibility. We the people must act to address the impending climate catastrophe. Together, our collective impact can make a real difference in the fight against climate change while democratizing the energy sector.

*subject to change