IBEW Local 300 Solar Training Is Here!

There is one color in all of our futures – green.  The bottom line is our country must work to reverse global warming and reduce its dependence on foreign oil.  If we do not act now, we will be committing a grave injustice for future generations.

Responding to the demand for electricians proficient in energy efficient “green” technology, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 and the Vermont Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee started the state’s first intensive, year-round solar photovoltaic training for electrical workers.  Courses are typically 32 hours and include both classroom and hands-on components.  The endeavor was jumpstarted by a Vermont Department of Labor workforce development grant.

Here’s a taste of the topics covered:

- Hands-on instruction on one of three planned training arrays
- Solar radiation
- Site surveys and planning
- PV systems and components
- PV cells, modules and arrays
- Batteries
- Charge controllers
- Inverters
- System sizing
- Mechanical integration
- Electrical integration
- Utility interconnection
- Permitting and inspection
- Operations and maintenance
- Economic analysis

We utilize a textbook entitled “Photovoltaic Systems,” written by renowned solar expert Jim Dunlop.  Mr. Dunlop is the director of the IBEW/National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee’s solar initiative.  He came to Vermont in October 2008 to train nearly 30 IBEW Local 300 instructors how to teach the solar course.

The initial goal is to offer four solar classes, each with a maximum of 10 trainees, in 2009.  Slots fill up very quickly, so please contact IBEW Local 300 Training Director Jean Watkins at (802) 864-5864, ext. 14, or jmw@ibewlocal300.org.

Please click here to visit our events calendar for upcoming training opportunities.