1. Meet Technical and Professional Requirements
- Industry experience: Most programs require instructors to be working solar professionals with 3+ years of field experience (e.g., PV installation, design, or engineering).
- Certifications:
- NABCEP PV Installer certification (or actively pursuing it).
- Electrical licensure (e.g., licensed electricians are often prioritized).
2. Complete Instructor Training
- Solar Energy International (SEI) requires instructors to undergo rigorous training on their curriculum, including:
- Online or in-person course prep to master teaching materials.
- Solar Professionals Certificate Program (recommended).
- Remote Energy’s ASPIRE Program offers:
- Solar Educator courses with lab safety and teaching techniques.
- Mentorship for hands-on lab instruction and curriculum delivery.
3. Curriculum Licensing and Implementation
- SEI’s licensed curriculum provides:
- Pre-built lesson plans, quizzes, and hands-on lab guides.
- High school pathway options through PVOL101HS (86-hour hybrid program).
- Best practices: Programs like IREC’s Solar Training Best Practices guide instructors on student engagement and technical rigor.
4. Ongoing Professional Development
- Advanced training: Remote Energy offers Units 3&4 for larger AC system labs.
- Collaboration: Partner with organizations for co-teaching opportunities and discounted student programs.
High School Teacher Pathways
- SEI’s Solar in the Schools trains teachers to deliver college-level PV courses, including:
- RE100 (renewable energy fundamentals) and PVOL101HS (grid-direct design).
- Hands-on labs with real-world equipment.
Institutions like SEI and Remote Energy prioritize practical experience and structured pedagogy training to ensure instructors can effectively prepare students for solar careers.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-teachers-be-certified-to-teach-solar-energy/
