The solar thermal training course offered by the Green Business Institute focuses on plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and swimming pool installations. Solar photovoltaic contractors, engineers and architects typically enroll in this course. The six-day boot camp focuses on the installation of solar domestic hot water (DHW) systems, ramping up renewable energy businesses, techniques for increasing cash flows, and estimating and providing ROI (return on investment) to business owners on projects. The entire course costs $3,195 as of 2011 and is available in selected areas across the country.
Solar Energy International provides training on solar electric design and installation in various locations, including Arizona, California, Utah, Colorado and Washington. This program provides an overview of the three basic photovoltaic system applications, primarily on grid-direct systems. The core concepts of this program include system components, site analysis, photovoltaic module criteria, mounting solutions, safety and commissioning. This is a five-day workshop. Tuition fees range from $995 to $1,195 as of 2011.
The Solar Training Institute provides accelerated training classes for engineers, contractors, solar energy entrepreneurs, sales people and anyone who plans to have a career in the solar industry. Courses include photovoltaic design and installation, advanced solar photovoltaic system design, introduction to photovoltaic design and installation, 10-hour safety for professionals, and solar sales and estimation. These courses are offered at various locations in California and Hawaii. Each course costs $325 as of 2011.
The six-day solar boot camp by Boots On The Roof is suitable for general and electrical contractors, business professionals, consultants to the solar energy, architects and engineers. This boot camp is made up of approximately 35 percent hands-on labs, 25 percent classroom activities and 40 percent lecture. It covers solar electric system design, installation, safety procedures, and business and industry topics. The course also includes an introduction to photovoltaic systems, system design, electrical connections, major components of a photovoltaic system, off-grid systems and the business of solar. The boot camp is offered in Fremont and Los Angeles, California and Newark, New Jersey. The tuition fee is $3,195 in California and $3,495 in New Jersey as of 2011.