Renewable Energy Education
Education is at the foundation of the Illinois Solar Energy Association and a vital component
in growing the renewable energy industry in Illinois. The ISEA has been providing renewable
energy education since 2006 and is currently developing both online and classroom courses
to meet the needs of the budding entrepreneur as well as providing information to those
interested in installing renewable energy on their homes and businesses.
We have added a new resource page, Educational Videos, to supplement our courses.
Please send comments or video suggestions to contactisea@illinoissolar.org.
Debbie Insana is an ISEA member and RECAP participant.
PUBLIC
The ISEA is here to educate homeowners about the facts and the process for installing a solar, wind, or geothermal system on your property.
Watch both of the videos and learn what the process is all about. Then take one of our courses to get an overview of the technologies available, economics, site assessment, and installer resources. Check out our Events Calendar for details.
The Solar Tour is a free, public event that provides tours of homes and businesses in Illinois that have renewable energy installed. You will meet installers, homeowners, and business owners, hear them give a guided tour of their system and be able to ask them questions. Visit the Solar Tour website for more information.
The ISEA hosts Solar Socials quarterly to provide in-depth opportunities to learn about specific installations. We have hosted a tour of the Exelon City Solar facility, the Helenowski LEED Platinum home with solar pv and small wind, Freedom Field (a renewable energy testing facility), Testa Produce, and the Gorr residence. When you join the ISEA you will receive invitations and notifications to attend these member events.
COURSES UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Disclaimer: The ISEA does not endorse either business portrayed in this video or any products used.
PROFESSIONAL
The ISEA hosts educational events for professional members throughout the year. Solar Drinks is a bi-monthly educational and networking event for our members. We often have presenters and discuss current policy issues and other topics related to solar professionals in Illinois.
We recently hosted a Streamlining Solar Conference: Expediting Permitting, Zoning and Codes to educate inspectors and code officials, municipalities, and solar professionals about the importance of adopting expedited solar permitting to save money and time for all parties.
ISEA COURSES UNDER DEVELOPMENT
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION RESOURCES
Colleges currently offering Renewable Energy Degree Programs:
- Rock Valley Community College, Rockford, IL
- Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL
- Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, IL
Training courses (non-degree)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Custer, WI
- Heatspring Learning Institute - online
- Solar Energy International, Aurora, CO
Certifications
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP’s mission – to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders – is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.
NABCEP Entry Level Certificate Program
The Entry Level Certificate Program is designed for those individuals wanted to get into the solar field; it is a way for them to show they have achieved basic knowledge comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) system operations. The certificate demonstrates that the student has passed an industry-designed exam based on learning objectives developed by subject matter experts. Individuals passing the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam should not be confused with NABCEP Certified PV Installers.