Here comes the sun: Lanier Technical College solar program grows to meet industry demand
Always looking for new opportunities to connect students to sustainable jobs, Lanier Technical College has set its sights on the solar industry.
Demand for solar energy has grown about 30 percent per year during the last 15 years, according to Solarbuzz, which tracks the industry worldwide as part of the marketing research firm, NPD Group. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations increased by 7.3 gigawatts in 2009; up from 6,080 megawatts in 2008. (A megawatt is 1,000,000 watts; a gigawatt is 1,000 megawatts.)
Solar PV Training Class Starts April 13
The only solar photovoltaic class in Georgia that qualifies students for the NABCEP Entry Level Solar PV Exam is beginning its second session this month. The Lanier Technical College Photovoltaic Certificate of Knowedge class is taught in the Milton center, near Alpharetta, GA. This class is an excellent way to learn about the technology and business of solar electric power, a booming industry with 40% annual growth nationwide.
NABCEP Certified instructor Bill Silva and his students
Georgia Solar & Sustainable Luncheon
William Silva presented at the Gwinnett Heritage Center’s Sustainable Luncheon in January. Houser Walker Architecture and Timmons Design
partnered with Suniva and United Renewable Energy to speak to Architects and Engineers on the trends in sustainable design. Solar Installation in Georgia was one of the topics, with an explanation of emerging trends for renewable energy in sustainable architecture.
Largest Commercial Solar Array in Georgia
The largest commercial solar array in the state was commissioned last week in Dalton, GA. USFloors, a nationwide leader in sustainable flooring, installed an 144.48 kW solar array on their facilities. USFloors President Piet Dossche explained, “The array is expected to more than cover the energy needs for our green building, producing enough energy to power 14 homes. As part of USFloors’ ongoing sustainability mission, we have more than quadrupled the amount of solar energy we provide to the community.” The array covers approximately 14,500 square feet, and is visible from I-75.
By producing solar power on site, USFloors is able to take advantage of excellent Government and Utility benefits; a 30% Federal Grant, a 35% State Tax Credit and accelerated depreciation. North Georgia EMC pays USFloors a premium for the solar power that it generates. Ownership of power provides business owners with the opportunity to hedge against dramatic cost increases, and carries strong financial benefits.
The system was installed by Alpharetta based United Renewable Energy, LLC. William Silva, President of United Renewable Energy LLC added that “USFloors continues to show leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices and job growth. This solar power system is impressive in it’s size alone, but more importantly because this is the largest commercial solar photovoltaic installation in Georgia since the 1996 Olympics.”
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