Cincinnati State launches solar power classes
March 13, 2009
As part of Cincinnati State’s energy initiative, its Workforce Development Center is offering specialized training to electricians seeking certification as installers of solar photovoltaic systems.
The training incorporates three classes which prepare students for tests developed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
The NABCEP™ is an independent, non-governmental body that offers certification programs throughout North America to professionals in the renewable energy industries. Since 2003 it has been offering certification testing in photovoltaic systems. According to the organization’s website, as of early March 587 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico had earned NABCEP certification for solar photovoltaic installation, and 85 had received certification as installers of solar thermal systems.
A solar photovoltaic system uses the sun’s energy to produce electricity. Thermal systems use solar energy to generate heat.
The program at Cincinnati State’s Workforce Development Center (WDC) in Evendale starts with a 40-hour course that provides an overview of solar-electric systems. Topics include the design and sizing of solar systems, hands-on system installation, performance analysis, and troubleshooting. Those who complete the course are qualified to take the NABCEP’s “Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge’’ exam in photovoltaics.
The second course requires students to design, size, specify, install and commission a 10 KW solar photovoltaic system. It’s a 16-hour course that may be applied to the NABCEP requirements for photovoltaic installer certification.
The final course in the WDC series is a one-day review to prepare students for the NABCEP solar photovoltaic installer’s exam.
Four of the five people in the inaugural session of the WDC classes, and six of seven in the second round, passed the NABCEP certification test on the first try. The next series of classes will begin in April.
To register or to seek more information, contact Larry Cherveny, a business manager at the WDC, at 513-569-1497 or by e-mail at larry.cherveny@cincinnatistate.edu.
About Cincinnati State
Cincinnati State offers more than 100 associate degree programs, majors, and certificate programs in the following academic divisions: Business Technologies, Center for Innovative Technologies, Health and Public Safety, Humanities and Sciences. In addition to its academic and technical programs, the Workforce Development Center in Evendale offers continuing education courses, seminars and on-site training for business and industrial clients involving such topics as industrial and quality improvement training; HAZMAT, rescue, and safety; professional, managerial and leadership; and health business.
About 8,700 students were enrolled at Cincinnati State in the winter 2009 term. Annually more than 15,000 students enroll in Cincinnati State courses, which are offered in the day, evening, and on weekends.
Cincinnati State has a 93% placement rate within three months of graduation, and its students have a 91% pass rate on required licensing and registry exams. It has the largest co-op program among two-year colleges in the U.S.
