PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
GRID’s 5-week Solar Installation Basic Training course consists of formalized classroom settings coupled with hands-on training labs and a practical application of occupational skill sets in real-world scenarios. Each class is 8 hours a day for 5 weeks and allows for up to 12 participants. Course participants spend 5 weeks completing GRID Alternatives’ Installation Basic Training Certificate program, while gaining safety certifications in OSHA-10 and CPR-First AID.
In addition, students demonstrate safety and occupational skill sets through hands-on installation of photovoltaic components on residential rooftops. During week 1 participants train on the basics of installing photovoltaic components on mock rooftops. In weeks 2 – 5, trainees install entire photovoltaic systems on over 12 residential rooftops. Through the electrical component of the training, participants gain a firm understanding of relevant wire code and required techniques. Trainees also design field-related resumes and learn interview and industry tips from industry professionals. Upon successful completion of the 5-week course, participants are prepared with the necessary skills to become an entry-level installer within the solar industry.
The learning modules include classroom work as well as a hands-on outdoor lab. Classroom lessons incorporate lecture and discussion utilizing PowerPoints and supported handouts. In the hands-on outdoor lab, students will perfect lab work and hands-on solar installation training. Also, work assignments will be administered for each session. Participants can use handouts for review to complete on their own time.
Objectives
GRID Alternatives trains and leads teams of job trainees and community volunteers installing solar electrical systems on homes belonging to low-income families. Participants gain skill sets which may lead to a successful transition to the solar industry.
Through GRID’s “classroom on the roof” model, individuals are gaining hands-on real-world experience, empowering them to take initiative to enhance their quality of life.
For participants looking to enter the solar industry, GRID Alternatives offers an industry recognized “Installation Basics Training” helping to assist in positive employment outcomes. Given the guidance for essential skill building, trainees have successfully grown their technical skill sets which could lead to gainful living wage employment.
Topics
The overall course objective is to prepare participants for an entry-level position in the solar industry. Participants perform construction and electrical basics, interpret and comprehend the National Electrical Code (NEC), comprehend North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) concepts, and demonstrate proper industry-related OSHA safety training. Each participant is presented with quizzes covering Job Site Safety, Fall Protection, and Electrical Safety. Participants are evaluated through observation of installation techniques and ability to display competences aligned with the IBT syllabus.
Successful students will learn:
- Read, interpret, and apply installation site plans for basic array layouts
- Learn techniques for rafter location, mount installations, and racking components for rooftop phoelectrical layout of site plans to authority having jurisdiction
- Learn techniques for mounting modules and module wire management
- Pull modules, inverters and balance of the system to ensure install vehicles are properly equipped with materials and components for the week’s installs.
- OSHA—10 Safety Certificate -- 10-hour course training to understand OSHA regulations for general construction sites
- CPR and First Aid Certificate
The overall course objective is to prepare participants for an entry-level position in the solar industry. Participants perform construction and electrical basics, interpret and comprehend the National Electrical Code (NEC), comprehend North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) concepts, and demonstrate proper industry-related OSHA safety training. Each participant is presented with quizzes covering Job Site Safety, Fall Protection, and Electrical Safety. Participants are evaluated through observation of installation techniques and ability to display competences aligned with the IBT syllabus.
Successful students will learn:
- Read, interpret, and apply installation site plans for basic array layouts
- Learn techniques for rafter location, mount installations, and racking components for rooftop phoelectrical layout of site plans to authority having jurisdiction
- Learn techniques for mounting modules and module wire management
- Pull modules, inverters and balance of the system to ensure install vehicles are properly equipped with materials and components for the week’s installs.
- OSHA—10 Safety Certificate -- 10-hour course training to understand OSHA regulations for general construction sites
- CPR and First Aid Certificate
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment within the solar field. Some of the areas of employment possibilities include:
- Solar Installer
- Construction Assistant
- Warehouse Assistant
- Conduit Bender
This educational program is not a degree program; however, the certificates offered upon successful completion of the program (which includes the passing of written tests as well as observation of competency skills) include:
- OSHA-10
- CPR-Aid
- GRID Alternatives’ Installation Basic Training Certificate
Testimonial
Daniel Torres is a recent graduate from GRID Alternatives’ Central Valley Individual Basics Training (IBT) program. According to Daniel, “three seconds after graduating from GRID’s IBT program,” he was hired as a solar installer.
When I spoke with Daniel this morning, he was exuberant. Daniel stated, “GRIDs IBT program taught me everything I needed to know.” He brought his GRID folder which included his hard-earned certificates and the resume he created during the IBT program to his interview. When he showed his prospective employer his folder, Daniel knew he had scored. “I could tell he was impressed. The OSHA 10 certificate was a deal sealer! He hired me on the spot!” he went on to say.
Testimonial
Sergio completed the IBT program, and within three days he was hired by a local solar company. When asked about GRID Alternatives' IBT program, he stated, "Great! Doing great. The training definitely helped me. The training and people are excellent. The experience was great!" Sergio Alvarado, Jr.