Five-day course is aimed at tradespeople and home or business owners

As prices of goods and services continue to rise, more and more people are exploring the value of going solar. College of the Rockies is pleased to offer a five-day solar photovoltaic course from March 6 to 10 at the college’s Gold Creek campus.

This training is popular with those looking to install solar panels for personal use, electricians and tradespeople looking to expand their skill set, and those who are just interested in learning more about the technology.

“We live in one of the sunniest places in B.C., a perfect environment for switching to solar power,” said Tracey Whiting, Manager, Continuing Education and Contract Training. “For homeowners and businesses exploring solar energy as a power alternative, this course will provide the extensive hands-on experience and classroom learning you need.”

The Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation course covers a variety of material, including the science of solar, electrical basics, wire sizing, site evaluations, the business of solar, and workplace safety.

This course is delivered in partnership with the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition, a multi-year project to build awareness and workforce capacity for a low carbon and clean energy transition in the Kootenays, facilitated by the Community Energy Association (CEA). CEA is offering a $200 subsidy for course participants from the Columbia Basin and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

Megan Lohmann, Deputy Executive Director of CEA said, “We are seeing an increase in demand for solar in our region and it is exciting to see College of the Rockies introduce programming like this to ensure that our regional workforce is ready to meet the projected growth rates.”

Thanks to the federal government’s Commercial Tax Incentive, business owners can now write off 100% of the full cost of specified renewable energy equipment in the first year and are eligible to apply for the B.C. Employer Training Grant. The grant was put in place to help British Columbians access the skills training required to adapt to the labour market’s changing job requirements. Employers wanting employees to gain solar photovoltaic training can apply and receive 80% of the cost of training.

“The college has embraced alternative energy sources with several solar installations at our Cranbrook campus, including a solar wall on our Purcell building, and solar panels on both the Kootenay Centre and Purcell House student housing. This use of solar reduces costs as well as the impact on our environment,” Whiting added. “Most recently the college installed electric vehicle charging stations. Our hope is to hold a one-day Electric Vehicle Charger course as a follow-up to the Solar PV course, should we get sufficient interest.”

For more information on the Solar PV Design & Installation course, go to: cotr.ca/solar

Lead image:  College of the Rockies’ Solar Design and Installation course will be held at the college’s Gold Creek campus from March 6 to 10. (Stock photo submitted)

College of the Rockies

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