As someone deeply immersed in everything solar and as a veteran writer in this space, I’m always excited when an opportunity arises to share valuable insights that could potentially help you step up your solar game. Today, I’ll be dwelling on a significant aspect that often gets neglected despite having a cardinal role in the solar ecosystem – specialized training for solar installers.
Considering the murmurings of a 22% spike in solar installation jobs within the next decade (as seen in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections), we could be in the cusp of a monumental shift. About two-thirds of jobs in the solar cosmos are concentric around installation and project development firms, underscoring the importance of a technically adept installation workforce to the overall health of the industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy, in similar vein, emphasized the strategic significance of a highly skilled workforce for the seamless deployment of safe, foolproof solar energy systems. It’s against this backdrop that Array Technologies, a stalwart in the sector, established a bespoke training academy, which offers a blend of classroom and practical learning experiences. Their curriculum covers a broad spectrum, including field installation, commissioning, and best practices for operation and maintenance (O&M).
One advantage of well-drilled installers is their knack for understanding the intricate utility-scale solar process, thereby avoiding work hiccups and facilitating a quicker track to profitability and sustainability. But, what happens when training is not up to par?
Solar companies, especially those in development, engineering, procurement, and construction roles, alongside O&M professionals, stand to lose enormously. Whether in terms of entrepreneurial reputation, the potential for accidents, or losses in project execution – the cost of inadequate training could be staggering.
Aside from acquiring much-needed technical acumen, installers also get clued on issues around safety regulations, complexities tied to electrical systems, and daunting component configurations – all in sufficient depth. Another upside of this specialized training is the chance to bag certification credits from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), a highly respected body in the realm of renewable energy.
Whether you hope to install solar panels for your home or guide a solar company in setting up a wider solar array for home purposes, gaining a NABCEP certification complements your industry knowledge, validates your technical skillset, and heightens your earning prospects.
To crown it all, the Array Academy presents an opportunity to learn vital skills and regulations in a controlled environment – a far safer and beneficial approach compared to the typical on-the-job learning methods. Because, in essence, solar is all about channeling the power for a brighter, greener future, and it all starts with adequately prepared solar installers. To learn more about the Array Academy and its programs, click here.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/07/array-academy-offers-field-services-and-customized-training-for-utility-scale-solar-workforce/
