The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in support of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, is offering a no-cost solar photovoltaic (PV) training program for cities and counties seeking to add solar energy to their facilities (on both buildings and land). The training commitment will be approximately 20 hours over a 12-month period, primarily in 2018.
The training modules, which take about one hour each, cover the following topics:
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Evaluation Framework and Goals
- Who should be involved in this process? How should solar opportunities be evaluated?
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Site Screening and Evaluation
- How much PV can be installed on municipal buildings and land?
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Site Assessment and Permitting
- How are projects permitted?
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PV Financing
- What types of financing options are available for a PV system, and what are the tradeoffs of different financing options?
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PV Policies and Incentives
- What policies and solar incentives can lower the cost of solar?
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PV RFPs
- How is a request for proposals (RFP) issued for PV? What are the most important aspects to include in the RFP?
The series is comprised of virtual and in-person training options, and virtual modules are designed for multiple staff members to view together. No city or county staff are required to attend in‑person training. Upon completion, attendees will receive a one-on-one consultation with an NREL staff member to answer any additional questions. Attendees will also be given tools and resources and asked to share what they have learned with five additional cities or counties to help spread the word about adding solar energy to municipal facilities.
To apply, please complete and submit the short application form by Thursday, Nov. 30.
