ImagineSolar’s Michael Kuhn Addresses Austin’s Solar Workforce Value

Austin, TX – Michael Kuhn, President, CEO and Chief Learning Officer at ImagineSolar is speaking at the Solar Austin Press Conference this Tuesday, February 14th where surprising information on local solar jobs will be discussed.  At issue are solar job projections, where solar jobs and investment capital are headed if Austin maintains current plans to phase out local rooftop solar programs, and how this plan destroys the opportunity to create thousands of additional jobs. The press conference is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at ImagineSolar’s training center, 4000 Caven Road, Austin, Texas 78744.

At the press conference a report will be released that outlines how early programs made Austin a hub for the solar industry, currently resulting in $10 in local solar company payroll for every $1 invested in Austin Energy solar incentives. “Developing an educated workforce is a strong foundation for growing the solar energy industry in Austin and supports the pathway to the smart grid of tomorrow.  It benefits local economies, increases jobs, helps preserve air quality and provides affordable energy for generations to come,” said Kuhn.

Solar industry representatives say current proposals may cost Austin Energy customers the electric price stability, economic development and environmental benefits of rooftop solar.  Furthermore, these proposals could starve the robust solar industry which has been created in Austin and is saving the utility and their customers’ money. Few people have a sense of just how big the local solar industry is, and how big it would become with larger goals.

In addition to Michael Kuhn, press conference speakers include:

If you haven’t learned about this project, now is the time.  This ground-breaking idea kicked off in 2008 and is gaining steam.  See the YouTube below introducing Pecan Street:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And read Insteading’s full Pecan Street write-up here.

DALLAS (Jan 30, 2012) – The accelerating growth worldwide of harvesting electricity from the sun with photovoltaic’s will require increased numbers of installation workers, futurists predict.

We are seeing “tremendous growth,” says Charles (Chuck) Korstad, vice president of global quality and reliability at Applied Materials that makes the equipment used to produce solar panels. “Over the last five years (solar power has) grown from about three gigawatts of installation to 18 to 20 gigawatts, a sevenfold increase in PV (photovoltaic) solar capacity worldwide.”

Korstad said power companies are becoming more interested in using solar PV as it approaches price parity with oil. Cost-per-watt continues to come down and has decreased some 400 percent, he pointed out.

Korstad spoke by phone from his office in Santa Clara, California, on the ScienceNews Radio Network program, the Promise of Tomorrow with Colonel Mason. The program originates in Dallas, Texas, and is now archived and Webcast for its world audience.

When Mason pressed Korstad on where solar panels are manufactured he admitted most of them come from China and are a huge export to the rest of the world. “China has targeted solar,” said Korstad, “they want to be the leader.”

This push to adopt solar on rooftops and around power transmission facilities is expected to cause increased demand for workers qualified at installation. Korstad predicted we are going to see over one-third of our electricity being created from clean energy on a global basis, “producing a much cleaner environment for the citizens of the world, it will come faster than forecast. For our children and grandchildren’s sake that will be exciting to see.”

Korstad will be a keynote speaker addressing the 2012 IEEE Green Technologies Conference produced by Region 5 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) held April 19-22, 2012, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The public is urged to attend by registering at the website.

Released by Colonel Mason, 214-329-4949, colonel@prfirm1.com.

This new solar power plant will provide electricity to 5,000 homes in Austin, Texas, and help the utility reach its 2020 goal of generating 35% of its power from renewable sources.

Enjoy the event photos and news articles below.  Professional photos courtesy of Austin Energy.

Officials flip switch at Webberville Solar Project

Austin Energy inaugurates 30MW Webberville solar plant

Webberville Solar Project Dedicated

Last week, Austin Energy’s extensive public hearing included hours of outcries from Austin residents about the utility’s proposal to increase electric rates.  Read the two articles below about the hearing.

As city residents watch Austin Energy’s rate increase saga unfold, solar advocates have become more vocal about the increasing value of solar and how increasing our energy independence is the best way we can ensure a secure energy future.

Visit our resource page for solar industry reports and presentations on the ever-rising Value of Solar.

Electric rate increase proposal blasted at hearing

By Marty Toohey

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Updated: 10:58 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012

Published: 10:39 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012

Critics assailed Austin Energy’s proposed rate increase from all sides Thursday, leveling accusations against the utility that ranged from lying about its operating costs to discouraging rooftop solar power to making the poor pay an inordinate burden of the rate hike.

“This increase is upside down and backward,” said Carol Biedrzycki, executive director of the Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy, uttering a phrase used throughout an hours-long public hearing.

The comments were directed to the City Council, which will decide whether to adopt the increase but did not debate it Thursday. Council chambers were packed Thursday night as dozens of people spoke.

Austin Energy proposes raising its rates 12 percent for the approximately 400,000 homes, businesses and other customers it serves. The utility has waited 17 years — a very long time in the utility world — to raise its “base rate,” or what it charges to run the enterprise.

The rate increase will not hit all Austin Energy customers equally. A consultant hired by the utility determined that many businesses have been paying more than the cost of delivering them electricity.

Austin Energy proposes correcting what it considers an imbalance. Many speakers said that correction improperly distributes the increase.

“When there is added cost, it requires us to not do something,” said Gene Chappell, a minister at Hillcrest Baptist Church, which will see its rates rise 44 percent, in part because churches will be considered commercial instead of residential. “A church is not a commercial entity. … We can’t charge (church members) more to come see us on Sunday.”

Residential customers would see a rate increase of 23 percent. But even among homes, the increase is not spread evenly.

The average home, which uses an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month over the year, would see its rates rise 14 percent, or about $16 a month. The largest homes would see the biggest dollar increase (about $154 for one that uses 6,269 kilowatt-hours), while the smallest would see the biggest percentage increase (41 percent for a small apartment).

Those who use the least electricity would see the largest percentage increase because Austin Energy is increasing its base monthly fee from $6 to $22.

But Austin Energy proposes a rate tier structure so progressively higher consumption comes with progressively higher rates (similar in concept to the federal income tax).

Environmental activists say Austin Energy’s approach amounts to putting the highest percentage increase on those who can afford it least.

Members of Solar Austin, an advocacy and trade group, turned out in force Thursday to contend that Austin Energy is putting too little emphasis on rooftop generation.

“My primary concern is this rate does not consider the true value of solar,” such as environmental benefits, power available when it’s needed most and particularly installation jobs, said David Dixon, chief technology officer of Hill Country Ecopower.

Some Austin Energy customers living or working outside the city limits contend they would be unfairly charged for spending that does not benefit them.

By some calculations, Austin Energy now spends about $150 million on city operations that are not directly related to the electric business, such as parks, roads and police.

State Rep. Paul Workman said the approximately 45,000 customers outside the city limits should not have to suffer a rate increase in light of this spending, particularly when they cannot vote in the City Council elections that determine who sets policy for Austin Energy.

“This amounts to nothing less than taxation without representation,” said Workman of Austin, a Republican who represents southwestern Travis County.

mtoohey@statesman.com; 445-3673

Public Hearing on Proposed Energy Rate Increase

January 13, 2012 9:12 am by: Lucia Duncan

It was a full house in Austin City Council chambers last night, packed with people who oppose a proposed rate increase for Austin Energy customers.

Gary Brown is pastor at Friendship Community Church. He told Council that two other parishes use the facility and they’ve already tried cutting back on their electricity bill for a year.

“No use of the sanctuary, except on Sundays,” said Brown. “No fellowship meals in our dining room if it requires heating or air conditioning.”

The rate change would increase the base rate for residential customers from $6 to $22. Churches would be classified as “commercial customers.” The proposal would restructure the way customers pay for the electricity they use. The charge per kilowatt hour increases according to how much energy is consumed each month.

Austin Energy hasn’t raised its base rate in 17 years. The utility was able to stave off rate increases because of city growth, but officials say that it could end up in the red this year. It needs $126 million to replenish reserves and maintain its bond rating. Lanetta Cooper spoke on behalf of residents.

“The rate filing package should be sent back…to reduce the amount of money set aside in these reserve accounts, and to increase the number of years used to replenish these funds,” said Cooper.  “And while it is true base rates have not increased since 1994, rate payer rates have increased since 1994 because many of these costs have been funneled through the fuel factor.”

While most of the testimony called for Austin Energy to go back to the drawing board, some found a benefit in the rate review, such as Wally Herrera, an employee with Self Reliant Solar.

“I’m here to listen to the new price increases and see if that’s going to help us and my industry kind of help portray – with the Austin Energy rebate – portray a little better payback for a customer that is looking forward to installing solar,” said Herrera.

Several other solar company owners challenged the city to adopt a plan to have 300 megawatts of rooftop solar power come from Austin homes. Right now the city’s goal is 14 megawatts of solar from rooftops by 2020. Solar advocates said this would be one way residential customers could stave off the electric rate increase and boost the industry.

As one solar installer said, the last time San Antonio’s utility had an electric rate review, solar incentives were born and just this week they announced a 400 megawatt solar project. A second public hearing on the Austin Energy rate proposal is set for February 2nd.

For ImagineSolar students (future, present and alumni), we’ve gleaned the most important information you need to know about what solar companies are seeking in their future workforce.  This synopsis should give you insight into your solar career path and any additional solar training you may need.

At ImagineSolar, we are pleased to inform you that we excel in key areas that NREL found are vital to getting hired in the solar industry:

1. We provide IREC ISPQ-accredited solar training courses, which employers seek when hiring qualified solar employees.
2. We train our students to pass NABCEP certification exams with our staff of NABCEP-certified instructors.
3. We offer customized workforce training programs for companies in the solar industry.
4. Our training incorporates National Electric Code compliance standards.
5. Solar sales, marketing and customer service skills are crucial needs in the solar labor market, according to NREL’s findings.  ImagineSolar offers Solar PV Technical Sales training and provides licensed engineers, architects, construction-industry employees, electricians, and electrical workers an introduction to the solar industry, enabling them to “talk solar” when collaborating on solar projects and earning them Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
6. ImagineSolar’s Employer Outreach Program connects our graduates with hiring solar employers through our extensive regional network, a free service that gives alumni a crucial competitive advantage in launching a successful solar career.

Key Findings:

• PV sales and evaluation is expected to be a fast growing-area of employment within the PV industry, second only to installation in terms of number of positions.
• While informal “on-the-job” training was prevalent among installers (82%), over 50% reported using industry training (IREC/NABCEP) or “custom” training for new hires.
• 91% of employers view electrical skills as important in new hires.  88% view general construction skills and important in new hires.
• Customer service/sales skills are also highly desired by potential employers.

Excerpts: 

• Companies prefer experienced workers and are having difficulty finding them. About half (52%) of firms reported “some” or “great” difficulty in finding entry-level candidates who have the appropriate skills and training; 59% reported difficulty finding non-entry-level employees. Although unemployment is high in most solar markets, in many cases workers seeking employment do not possess the skill sets or hands-on experience that employers seek. In some cases, they may lack sufficient knowledge of effective pathways to solar careers (page 7).
• Critical skills and desired experience include those associated with electrical and construction trades, customer service, and specialized solar knowledge (page 7).  
• To be most effective, training programs need to understand local market trends and continue developing partnerships with local solar employers (page 7).
• Training providers that find ways to identify, recruit, and up-skill unemployed construction workers for solar may find that their construction experience is desirable to prospective employers, making solar an important option in their job search. Employer data collected for this report also indicate a strong preference for workers with some background knowledge or experience, most critically:
• Hands-on construction experience
• Electrical knowledge or experience and knowledge of the National Electrical Code S.690
• Customer service/sales skills or experience
• An understanding of basic principles of solar power, which can be shown through completion of certification programs (page 41).

Visit the following link to read NREL’s full 75-page report.

Numerous sources have reported that “Green collar” (renewable energy) jobs are significantly outpacing jobs in non-renewables like oil, gas and coal.

Renewable Jobs Far Outstrip Fossil Fuel Employment: Renewable energy promotes US job growth better than investment in fossil fuels

Coal Industry Hands Out Pink Slips While Green Collar Jobs Take Off

Putting renewables and energy efficiency to work: How many jobs can the clean energy industry generate in the US?

In addition, The Solar Foundation just released their 2011 National Solar Jobs Census with excellent statistics.  Some report highlights:

• Over the past year, U.S. solar jobs increased at nearly 10x the job growth rate of the rest of the economy.
• Jobs in the overall economy grew by a mere 0.7%, while fossil fuel electric generation lost 2% of its workforce.
• Texas has the 7th highest number of solar jobs of all U.S. states.
• Since August 2010, solar jobs have grown almost 7% nationally.
• 2011-2012 anticipated job growth rate by sector:
• Installation jobs anticipated to grow 22%.
• Manufacturing by 14%.
• Sales and Distribution by 35%.
• Other by 17%.

Austin, TX – Over 70 businesses, organizations, and individuals participated in a renewable energy forum introducing smart grid concepts and solar-distributed technology at ImagineSolar’s Solar and Smart Grid Open House on Saturday, January 7th.  Participants came from as far away as El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth to attend the Open House and Smart Grid Forum.

Roofing contractors, U.S. military veterans and engineering companies in attendance showed continued interest in solar technology training.  Numerous attendees registered to win one of five free seats in ImagineSolar’s new Solar PV Fundamentals course, a $295 value.  Participating organizations included:

ImagineSolar’s training programs are accelerating the transformation of clean, smart and renewable energy through knowledge.  They train professionals through solar and smart grid courses, hands-on workshops, corporate advising on solar projects, and workforce training programs. ImagineSolar’s Triple O training platform provides onsite, online, online LIVE and onsite LIVE learning, which enables them to serve clients worldwide.  For class availability and corporate training visit www.imaginesolar.com or call (888) 514-1972.

2011 U.S. Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Installations by Market Segment

Market Report Highlights for Photovoltaics (PV):

• Grid-connected PV installations in Q3 2011 grew 39% over Q2 2011 and 140% over Q3 2010 to reach 449.2 MW, making it the largest quarter in the history of the U.S. market.
• More than 1 GW of PV was installed in the first three quarters of 2011, the first time the U.S. has surpassed 1 GW annually.
• Cumulative grid-connected PV in the U.S. has now reached 3.1 GW, which is ten times the size of the U.S. solar capacity in 2005.
• After two quarters of consecutive declines, the residential market grew 21% over Q2 2011.
• The utility market alone installed over 200 MW in Q3 2011, more than the entire market in every quarter through Q3 2010.
• The non-residential market shrank substantially in Q3 2011 as a result of downturns in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
• Major questions remain regarding the shape of the 2012 market, including the impacts of the potential 1603 Treasury Program expiration, potential import duties on Chinese cells/modules, and whether module prices will continue to fall.

2010-2011 U.S. Solar PV Installations by Market Segment

 
Source: www.SEIA.org