Cape & Islands Self-Reliance to Offer Photovoltaic Installation Course

Self-Reliance to offer photovoltaic installation course in June

NORTH FALMOUTH - The solar industry is growing worldwide. In New England the market demand for renewable energy systems is strong and the potential for business growth is high. Most states or utilities now offer some sort of rebate for grid-tied photovoltaics, which has helped make systems more affordable.  However, there is a great need for well-trained installers in the industry. 

In June, interested business owners, contractors and homeowners will have an opportunity to learn first hand the fundamentals of photovoltaic system design and installation procedures including how to properly site, specify, permit, and install a residential scale photovoltaic system. The class will be divided between indoor classroom activities and fieldwork, which will involve the installation of a residential scale PV system at a private residence in Brewster.

  The course is designed for renewable energy practitioners, people who are interested in photovoltaic systems and homeowners and business owners who are interested in installing a photovoltaic system.
  This is a working workshop where active participation is required. Tool are not required, but attendees may bring their own tools which must be clearly marked with your name. Wire strippers, cordless drill, needle nose pliers, tape measure, utility knife and screwdriver are suggested.
  A notebook and writing implement is required. Cost is $750 which includes the texbook, lunch and break snacks for five days. Registration is limited to 14 participants.This 40 hour, apprentice-level workshop will take place Monday, June 9th through Friday, June 13th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Snacks and lunch will be provided each day.

This course will be taught to the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner's (NABCEP) learning objectives.

The workshop will be taught by Megan Amsler, Executive Director of Self-Reliance; Richard Lawrence, Clean Energy Coordinator at Cape Cod Community College; Conrad Geyser, Principal and lead installer of Cotuit Solar and Jason Stoots, President of e2 solar.

This workshop is organized by Cape & Islands Self-Reliance, as a part of a collaborative workforce development educational effort with the Cape Cod Community College, Cape Cod Economic Development Council, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Cotuit Solar and the regional technical high schools.

More information is available on Self-Reliance's website www.reliance.org or by calling 508.563.6633.  Workshop registration is $750, which includes break snacks and lunch each day as well as the textbook. On-line registration is available at www.reliance.org.