Solar Energy Technician

Key Trends That Solar Energy Technician College Students Must Know About

March 06, 2018

solar technician certification

For decades, solar energy was something of an elusive holy grail of renewable power. The dawn of affordable solar energy would negate the need for burning fossil fuels or splitting atoms necessary to generate the power society needs. Instead, the world would be able to use the abundance of sunshine to charge its batteries and power its homes and businesses.

This is an elusive dream no longer. Intense competition across the globe has led to the creation of incredible solar installations, and immense opportunities for those who gain the skills necessary for working in the solar energy industry.

For aspiring solar technicians, understanding some of the key trends behind this growth can be a valuable asset. Interested in making your way in the solar industry? Read on to learn more.

The Price of Solar Has Fallen And Should Continue to Fall Dramatically

Solar energy has become not only affordable, but often the best deal in energy in many places around the world. Partly thanks to Chinese government subsidies driving down the costs of R&D and production for the world’s largest exporter of solar panels, and partly because of competition from European, American, and other manufacturers, solar energy has dropped in price remarkably quickly. In fact, a US government target price of $1 per watt of solar energy was reportedly achieved three years early.

As more companies get in on the action, and complementary technologies like utility-scale battery plants become more common as well, solar is only going to become more appealing, accessible, and cheaper still. If you’re considering entering the solar industry soon, you will likely be perfectly positioned to take advantage of one of the biggest and most exciting technological and energy revolutions ever.

Students in Solar Technician Training Should Know About Utility-Scale Solar Projects

The iconic image of solar panels on the roofs of houses, as well as high profile announcements like the Tesla solar roof, are great for promoting at-home solar energy, but don’t mistake that for an indication that home installations are what matter most.

By far, the greatest driver of today’s solar boom is utility-scale installations. Thanks largely to falling pricing, governments are increasingly seeing solar as an attractive investment for new energy projects. The fact that solar is clean and drives new kinds of employment is sugar on top of an already sweet deal.

solar energy technician college_1.jpgUtility-scale solar installations are the main driver of today’s solar revolution

From a practical, professional standpoint, this reality means that it’s important for those entering solar technician training to choose a program like the one offered by North American Trade Schools, which includes instruction for industrial installation and maintenance. With learning based primarily on hands-on practice, you can enjoy a quick pathway to the functional skill set you need to capitalize on an important trend in today’s solar industry.

Graduates of Solar Energy Technician College Can Expect a Growth in Home Installations, Too

Despite the fact that industrial solar is and will likely continue to be the biggest story in the world of solar energy, graduates of solar energy technician college should be aware that there are some compelling opportunities in home installations, too. One trend to take note of is that more home owners are electing to buy their solar installations outright rather than leasing them, as was common before.

This is something that solar energy technician program graduates should keep in mind if they choose to enter a career in solar energy sales. Promoting things like tax credits for owning a solar installation, the estimated time to recoup the initial investment (usually 3-5 years), and other relevant information could prove key to driving more sales in your career.

solar technician certification_1.jpgFuture salespeople should recognize that homeowners want to own their solar installations

Are you ready to take advantage of the exciting possibilities in the solar industry?

Contact North American Trade Schools to learn about our solar technician certification program!

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