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Finance Your New Career with eRenewable Resource Institute
eRenewable Resource Institute is proud to announce that we now offer financing for professionals who want to break into the solar industry.
According to a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts, jobs in Arizona's green industries grew faster than overall state employment over a recent 10-year period so don't miss out on this opportunity.
Today you can get your career on track and funded in as little as 1 week with beginner and advanced classes offered through eRenewable Resource Institute is the first and only licensed Private Post-Secondary Education School in the state of Arizona.
Solar is our business both as educators and when it comes to helping our students launch or enhance their green careers. All aRRI courses provide eligibility for a paid internship through our staffing partner, ARG Staffing and all students qualify for ARG Staffing's free "green staffing machine," services that include assistance with job placement and career enhancement.
It's never been a better time to jump with both feet into a new career in solar and it's easier than ever to get trained with our simple financing options.
Call to find out how to apply for financing now (480) 446-0400 or contact us at, www.eRenewableResouce.com.
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Get Paid to Train in Solar Now!
The time is now for green jobs and trained workers are in higher demand than ever. Arizona is on board as one of the key states working hard to make solar energy and renewable energy readily available with the building of the largest solar power plant in the world, Solana, as it has been named, in Gila Bend.
All three eRenewable Resource Institute programs are approved by the AZ Workforce Connection which provides funding for under or unemployed workers who want to break into solar industry.
These programs include:
Pv100 – Solar Design & Installation
This is your entrance into an exciting entry-level career in the growing renewable energy industry. Students develop basic trade knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) systems, designs and safe installation of residential and commercial solar-electric systems.
Pv200 – Advanced Solar Design & Compliance
This classroom oriented session expands upon PV100. It focuses on the National Electric Code (NEC), including grid interface calculations, grounding considerations and wire sizing. Participants evaluate system performance under various operating conditions. Commercial system design elements, including inter-row shading, inverter selection, and data monitoring solutions, are covered.
Pv101 – Residential Solar Installation Lab
This hands-on workshop offers three (3) days (8am-5pm) of supervised installation practice on solar-electric systems. This workshop focuses on how to safely install, test and commission solar-electric systems. Hands-on labs for installation of source electrical including: disconnects ac/dc, inverters, meter base, combiner boxes, utility interconnects. Osha safety training integrated in program.
All of these courses provide eligibility for a paid internship through our staffing partner, ARG Staffing. All our students also qualify for ARG Staffing's free "green staffing machine," services that include assistance with job placement and career enhancement.
Don't hesitate to get into the well-paying, secure field of solar design and installation. It's easy with eRenewable Resource Institute!
Classes are limited so call today or visit their website for a complete list of available classes and dates.
www.eRenewableResouce.com or Register by Phone at (480) 446-0400
Cash Back for Business Owners Training Green
If you are a business owner looking to add solar installation and design to your services you may be eligible to get up to 90% of your training costs reimbursed. Depending on the size of your company the funding can range from 50% – 90%!
In 1998, President Clinton signed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), a federal law designed to improve the quality of the U.S. workforce, enhance the competitiveness of the nation, and reduce welfare dependency.
The WIA helps business owners, like you, get the trained workers you need, when you need them. Not only does the WIA help you, but it also strengthens economic development, while building the states program. Unemployed and dislocated workers can get re-skilled through this program and back working, which not only helps the individual but the state, and ultimately our U.S. economy as a whole.
The eRenewable Resource Institute of Arizona offers solar programs approved by the AZ Workforce Connection with all classes qualifying for Arizona's State Fund TUITION REIMBURSEMENT through the WIA. As a licensed post secondary solar school and industry approved renewable energy institute, they can help you, or your employees become experts in solar with funding from the state of Arizona.
We also take the leg work out of filing by assisting you with completing the form to acquire funding and getting it to the State Department for approval within a week. If you are looking at sending workers for training, you only need to file once to secure AZ State Funding for all your employees for any of our classes.
Visit www.eRenewableResouce.com or contact them by Phone at (480) 446-0400 to get the workers you need to take advantage of the high demand for solar installation and design.
Posted in Jobs, Renewable Energy, solar classes, Solar Education, solar jobs, Solar training | Leave a Comment »
AriSEIA Update
The great state of Arizona showed itself once again to be the wild and crazy state on Wednesday morning after the recent primary elections. There were surprises galore once again this time around. Of course the biggest to the solar industry, which so closely, follows the activities at the Arizona Corporation Commission, was the primary loss of Renz Jennings in the Democratic Primary. Most people expected Renz to cruise to victory, but that did not happen. On the Republican side, Commissioner Gary Pierce and Brenda Burns comfortably beat Barry Wong. They will face Democrats Jorge Luis Garcia and David Bradley in the General election.
If you missed the Meet the Candidate event that AriSEIA held on August you missed a great event that brought most all of the ACC candidates to The Phoenician, in Scottsdale, to answer questions from the industry on their positions on issues important to the solar industry in Arizona. Over 300 people showed up for the forum and the mixer that followed. Thanks go out the many people helped put the event together including the main sponsors, Snell & Wilmer Law and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Thanks should also go out to the Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Solar Center who helped make this event a success.
While we don't have a transcript of the questions presented to the candidates at the AriSEIA event, each candidate responded to a list of questions that was sent to the candidates by the Arizona Solar Center. The following link will take you to that questionnaire:
http://www.azsolarcenter.org/images/docs/az/ACC-candidate-responses-to-AzSC-questionnaire-2010-08.pdf
One surprise on the legislative side was the loss of Ken Clark in the District 15 House of Representatives race. Ken, a former legislator, lost his race to Lela Alston and Katie Hobbs. Although we are sure that whoever is elected from District 15 will be supportive of solar and renewable energy, we will miss not having Ken in the Arizona Legislature once again.
News from Washington
Not much coming out of Washington these days, since November elections are near. However, in early August, Congress rescinded $1.5 billion of funding from the DOE Loan Guarantee Program to offset spending on other programs. Before the funding was rescinded, two loans were guaranteed. Abound Solar Manufacturing was offered a conditional guarantee for the manufacturing of thin films photovoltaic panels in Indiana. The factory will operate out of a new factory built for a Chrysler auto parts supplier that they were never able to move into due to the economic downturn.
Here in Arizona, Abengoa Solar Inc. was given a conditional guarantee for the Solana Power Plant in Gila Bend.
Evidently, there is a promise from the Obama Administration that the funds will be restored so that projects planned for later this year can move forward.
A recent editorial in the Arizona Republic written by Rhone Resch outlined two of SEIA's priorities, continuation of the Treasury Grant Program and the DOE Loan Guarantee Program. Here is a link to the editorial that appeared on August 17th:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2010/08/17/20100817resch17.html
ACC Activities
The Arizona Corporation Commission recently held a workshop on Feed in Tariffs and the impact that a FIT program would have in Arizona. AriSEIA President, Lee Feliciano, provided the workshop attendees with a presentation on successful FIT's in other areas. At this point, the APS has incorporated a FIT Pilot Program into their 2011 Implementation plans. We will keep an eye on the other regulated utilities to see what develops.
Also at the Commission, it appears that a battle is looming over Aggregated Net Metering (AGM). Pima County is asking the commission to aggregate all of its meters and install a large photovoltaic system and net meter the excess electricity. Tucson Electric is opposing to this concept and is questioning the numbers that Pima County has provided in their filing with the Commission. A workshop is being held today so that each side can make it's case.
Also before the Commission, APS is asking for clarification on changes to their 2010 Implementation Plan. APS would like clarification on the level of 2011 funds that should be committed during the last quarter of 2010. Here is a link to the docket at the ACC: http://images.cc.state.az.us/scripts/cgi/dwisdocket2.pl
Finally, there are the 2011 Implementation Plans. Below are links to the 2011 plans for some of the affected utilities and cooperatives:
APS: http://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000113781.pdf
Current APS program numbers can be found at the following link: http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/solar/funding.html
Tucson Electric Power: http://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000113785.pdf
Unisource: http://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000113784.pdf
TRICO: http://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000113782.pdf
The AriSEIA Residential and Commercial Groups are working on comments that will be filed with the Commission.
American Solar Electric Tax Ruling
One thing that I neglected to mention in my last update was the IRS Private Letter regarding the Investment Tax Credit and utility payments for the Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits. The letter was sought by American Solar Electric through the law firm, Snell and Wilmer.
I protested to no avail when the utilities started advertising solar programs using the term rebates, because the payment that a ratepayer receives from the utility is not a rebate, but a purchase of renewable energy credits generated by the solar system being installed. These are two different types of transactions and are treated differently in tax code. A rebate must be subtracted; however a purchase of renewable energy credits does not need to be subtracted before applying the 30% ITC. The funds received from the utility are, however, considered taxable income. I have attached the IRS letter.
Thanks go out to American Solar Electric for pursuing the issue and finally obtaining clarification for the industry and Snell and Wilmer for so capably handling the matter.
Solar Day at the Arizona Legislature
If you have not already done so, mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb 3, 2011. We have reserved the Senate lawn for Solar Day at the Arizona Legislature. We are working on plans for a mini trade show for legislators and other policy makers. We will also be working with AriSEIA members to hold a "Lobby Day" at the Legislature. We will assist members with making appointments with their legislators, letting them know the importance of the solar industry to Arizona's economy and air quality. We will be looking for sponsors for the event. If you are interested in sponsorship, feel free to contact me.
Solar Power International 2010
Solar Power International is coming soon! Mark your calendars for October 12 to the 14 for Solar Power International, the biggest and greatest solar event of the year. It is the largest solar conference and expo in North America, currently by a factor of more than 5, and attracts the widest range of professional attendees. The event also educates consumers through a one-night public opening of the expo hall.
AriSEIA members receive a 15% discount on conference registration. During the registration process, just enter the code "PTNMBRSPI10" to receive 15% off the full conference rate. For more information on SPI 2010, go to http://www.solarpowerinternational.com/sepa2010/public/MainHall.aspx?ID=626&sortMenu=101000&MainMenuID=626
Solar Energy in the News
7 Renewable-Energy Companies to Receive Grants
Arizona Republic, Aug. 27] The Arizona Energy Office is distributing more than $2.7 million in new stimulus grants for seven new or expanding renewable-energy companies, Gov. Jan Brewer's office said Thursday. The Energy Office in the state Commerce Department, recently changed into the Commerce Authority, got $55.4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. After reviewing funding requests for a variety of programs, it is now distributing that money for several initiatives. The manufacturers whose grants were announced Thursday are required to create two jobs per $100,000 in grants, pay 50 percent in matching funds, and have their factories running or upgraded within a year.
A 'Solar State' Makes Big Play for Wind Power
[ForConstructionPros.com website, Aug. 20] BP Wind Energy wants to dramatically increase wind power in Arizona with a proposed 500-megawatt power plant that would be the state's largest wind farm and potentially open the door to other large-scale wind power development. The Houston-based company's Mohave County Wind Project in northwest Arizona, south of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, would include as many as 335 wind turbines spread across portions of 40,298 acres of federal land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation. BLM is accepting public comments on the Mohave County proposal through Sept. 9 and will hold a series of public meetings before initiating an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project, said Jerry Crockford, BLM's contracted project manager for the wind farm. The company wants the estimated $1 billion plant in operation by 2012, when it could power as many as 425,000 homes in Arizona, Nevada and California, said Daniel Runyan, BP Wind Energy's senior director of business development.
Arizona Set To Become Center For Algae-Based, Biofuel Industry
[Arizona Republic, Aug. 27] Arizonans have cleaned algae from cattle tanks, swimming pools and fish tanks for decades. Now, Arizona researchers are developing algae as a promising 21st-century alternative fuel to power cars, trucks and planes and propel the state's economy into the future. With its ideal climate and abundance of available land, Arizona is poised to become a major center of a multibillion-dollar, algae-based, biofuel industry. Scientists at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus say major innovations in research in recent years have put them on the brink of boosting production capabilities from thousands of gallons to millions – the difference between powering a few vehicles and fueling millions of cars and fleets of airliners. ASU researchers say they are three to five years from large-scale production, a breakthrough that could eventually reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
DV Receives Solar Panels and More from SRP
[Foothills News, Aug. 21] Desert Vista High School is one of 14 Arizona schools that will receive a comprehensive solar panel system in a partnership with the Salt River Project. By the end of 2010, a 10 kW photovoltaic solar panel system will be installed on the roof of the Ahwatukee Foothills School. SRP is giving DV all the necessary hookups into the electrical grid, a weather station for the roof and an information center in the front office where students, faculty and community members can see how much energy is being produced and how much it is saving the community. The faculty already has plans to involve not just science classes, but business, math, and social studies
Solar Panels to Provide Energy, Shade Cars
[Arizona Business Gazette, Aug. 26] Students and instructors who pull into the south parking lots of Arizona State University's West campus will find relief from the heat under a project designed to eliminate the university's carbon footprint. Looming over the parking spaces are massive shade structures made up of hundreds of photovoltaic solar panels. Tilted to the south to catch rays the entire sun-drenched day, the panels are part of a wider solar project that could feed at least half of the energy the campus needs. By the end of the year, nearly 10,0o00 panels will provide shaded parking over three south-facing parking lost.
Solar Zone' Becomes Reality in Less Than a Year
[UA News, Aug. 25] A partnership with Tucson Electric Power has helped UA Tech Park become a bustling solar-centric zone that's advancing solar energy innovation and production
Arizona Corporation Commission action Tuesday affirmed that in less than a year, the Solar Zone at the University of Arizona Science & Technology Park, or UA Tech Park, has moved from an on-paper concept to a bustling, solar-centric business zone that is advancing solar energy innovation and production. The Solar Zone is the intended site of four of 10 new solar power plants developed through contracts with Tucson Electric Power, or TEP, that were endorsed Tuesday by the commission. The new projects will combine with two previously announced systems to expand the Solar Zone's total solar generating capacity to nearly 20 megawatts, making it one of the largest contiguous solar facilities in the nation. Together, the systems will generate enough clean energy to power more than 4,600 Tucson homes annually. The four new Solar Zone tenants A partnership with Tucson Electric Power has helped the UA Tech Park become a bustling, solar-centric business zone that's advancing solar energy innovation and production.
TEP Plan to Buy Power Wins State Approval
[Arizona Daily Star, Aug. 26] State utility regulators have approved Tucson Electric Power Co.'s plan to buy the output of 10 new renewable-energy projects that together will generate nearly 150 megawatts – enough energy to power more than 30,000 Tucson homes. The agreements approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission allow TEP to purchase energy from eight new Tucson-area solar power systems, including four projects at the Solar Zone, a generation and demonstration project at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park. The other projects are a landfill gas generation project at the Tangerine Road landfill, and a New Mexico wind farm. The first systems completed could start producing power in 2011 or 2012, TEP said. Two solar projects in TEP's original application have been delayed and so were not part of the package approved by regulators.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support.
Michael Neary
Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association
solar-guy@cox.net
602-708-1497 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 602-708-1497
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