Advice on the workshop

[ohie]

Can you guys give advice on the training offer by this

http://www.solarenergy.org/workshop/building-future-sustainable-home-design-online?wid=801

Thanks.

[Mike90250]

Since I'd have to pay $750 to see what's in it, I can't really comment on it much, can I?

They don't promise you would get any certifications, other than maybe a piece of paper. Nothing anybody else would honor.

I could guess from the "blurb" that you could read several efficency books from the library or on the web, and get at least 80% free. So then what's their % worth to you?

[russ]

Any community colleges around?

The 'green' training programs are springing up all over - recently some Wall Street type started a company for this - with big fees.

İt an online program and they have a waiting list you can get on?

The topics list as follows is not impressive as far as İ am concerned:

Building Orientation
Solar Site Analysis
Lessons Learned
Building Science
Moisture & Air Leakage
Super-Insulation Strategies
New Window Technologies
Passive Solar Designs
Energy Efficient Technologies
Indoor Air Quality
Sustainable Back-up Heating Systems
Healthy/Green Building Materials
Domestic Solar Hot Water
Renewable Energy Options
Practical Building Techniques

İ agree with Mike but you can probably find 200% for free on the net.

[ohie]

ic. If I plan to be a installer of the solar system,do I need to have some sort of cert. as referance? Kindly advice.

[Jason]

Hi Ohie,

you would need to research your local laws in regards to that. I wouldn't dump 700 into an online program quite yet. Go talk to people in the industry. If you are going to put holes in someones roof and mess with electricity, you need some hands on training. I'd read up as much as you can, pick up a book, talk to installers in your area. Maybe volunteer or shadow a company? Find hands on training at workshops or schools. Google is going to be best for figuring this one out

[Sunking]

If you want to make anything above minimum wage go to a two year college and put up an Associate degree in Electrical & Electronics, get hired by a electrical contractor, do your 5 years apprenticeship and obtain your electrical journeyman license.

[netttech]

Sunking is right, become an electrician. That's something I regret I should have done....followed my dads footsteps. Electricity is a field/trade that will not go away anytime soon. Once you know the field then decide to become an 'PV installer'...if that's what you want. I'm not knocking PV, but frankly until the price gets a lot cheaper, there isn't going to be 'rush' to mount panels by home owners. The Government can only prop-up an industry for so long.
Jeff

If you want to make anything above minimum wage go to a two year college and put up an Associate degree in Electrical & Electronics, get hired by a electrical contractor, do your 5 years apprenticeship and obtain your electrical journeyman license.

[MarineLiner]

... would need to research your local laws ...
I wouldn't dump 700 into an online program quite yet.
Go talk to people in the industry.
.....
I'd read up as much as you can, pick up a book, talk to installers in your area.
Maybe volunteer or shadow a company?
Find hands on training at workshops or schools.
Google is going to be best .....