The solar energy industry has endured crippling challenges for the past 40 years. With a strong presence in the 1970s and its influence waning in the late 1980s and 1990s, the industry is making a major comeback with a lot of help from the government and an expanding global manufacturing base. Federal and state tax incentives are largely responsible for the growing popularity of systems for homeowners and businesses coupled with the decrease in cost of the systems at almost $5 USD/watt.
The role of this renewable power source in lessening the environmental impact of traditional sources of energy such as nuclear and coal-fired power plants is becoming increasingly important. Traditional coal-burning power plants that produce greenhouse gas, SO2, NO2 and heavy metal emissions threaten to contaminate waterways, air and adversely impact human health.
NABCEP or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners has developed a certification process for people wanting to become recognized in their field as having enough skill to design and install a system. While this is not a mandatory certification, it is the United States’ most recognized professional accreditation in this field.
NABCEP courses are offered at schools such as CarolinaSolarTraining. Their curriculum is composed of fundamentals courses as well as design and hands-on installation training. NABCEP exam preparation courses are also offered. Schools that offer hands-on work instead of online coursework for example give the student an advantage because they can gain an invaluably practical perspective of how the technology works. Training consists of installing modules on mock roof tops and the racking systems as found on commercial roof tops.
There is a bright future in this growing field. Job prospects have significantly improved in the last few years with the decrease in price of the technology and significant savings through the federal and state tax incentives. In some states, the tax incentives are as high as 45% off of the gross cost of the system. The United States Treasury has also offered cash back on systems that are installed by a specific date.
Entry level salaries can be as high as $50,000 USD for technicians who do the installation work. Technical sales jobs are a great alternative for those with the training, but cannot perform the demanding physical tasks that mounting modules on a roof may require. In general, the NABCEP training at organizations such as CarolinaSolarTraining is required by systems manufacturers before someone can assume a technical sales position.
The solar energy industry today is stronger than ever. Its resurgence is due to generous federal and state incentives and a growing manufacturing base. It has learned to thrive even in the midst of challenging economic times. Now more than ever, there are economic, environmental and social imperatives that support the growth of this renewable industry.
Business owners, check out our site for details about the benefits of installing commercial solar energy systems, now. You can also find information about a reputable commercial solar panel installation firm, today.
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