Teacher Development
Hands On Solar teacher development workshop
The biggest challenge for schools wanting to start effective programs in solar energy is finding qualified teachers. Ideally instructors should have real life experience designing and installing solar energy systems. Because the field of solar energy is still relatively new, veterans of the trade are hard to find, and those that have the knowledge in the field may not be available to teach. The fact is that most installers and designers are busy installing solar and making money.
Because of this, most schools use existing faculty members to teach classes in this relatively new technology. This poses challenges to the schools and to the instructors. There is an amazing amount of information instructors have to master. There are new hands-on skills that they must acquire and master. This process will involve self study, attending training events and workshops, enrolling in trainer classes online and taking traditional college classes.