Funding Awarded: $90,000

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:

Austin Public Utilities

Key Partners:

Workforce Development, Inc., Riverland Community College

Project Summary: 

In Austin, the local public utilities company is working with the local community college to cross-train licensed electricians to install solar equipment in the region. The company is responding to the growing interest in solar energy by both consumers and producers.

Project Outcomes:

  • Solar Installer curriculum completed and delivered at Riverland Community College

  • 17 students completed Solar Installer training

  • 5 educators prepared for instruction in Solar Installer Training

  • 28 students expected to be trained annually as a result of new curriculum and educators trained

Project Description:

With the growth in demand for solar energy, there is a great need for electricians who can install solar technology. Riverland Community College worked with Workforce Development, Inc. to develop curriculum for electrical contractors who want to add solar installation to their service offerings.

"There is very little published information about the quickly developing field of solar energy in our area," said Steve Vietor from Riverland. "We used project funding to interview industry and utility professionals in solar energy and in contracting to see if there was an opportunity for people to make a living installing and maintaining photovoltaic (PV) solar electrical systems.

"A Solar Alternative Energy Summit was held to gather information from business leaders including local utility, Austin Public Utilities. They have an active solar incentive program for installing solar PV, so they were very interested in supporting the development of this technology. Sixteen students completed training and received the Solar Installer Certificate at Riverland College in May.

This project also spurred collaboration between Riverland College, Century College, and Alexandria Technical College. The three institutions are now exchanging materials, information, and ideas about their renewable energy programs.

Another piece of this project involved Riverland College Electrical instructor, Al Henslin, reviewing two new renewable energy courses being developed at Albert Lea High School. In addition to PV solar power, students will learn about fuel cells, electricity, magnetism, wind, hydroelectricity, electronics, and the basics of alternative energy.