Category: USA

Solar Installation Program in LA

With the earth’s fossil fuels set to be exhausted within the next 50 years, solar paneling and green energy are quickly becoming an indispensable. Coast Career Institute’s Solar Installation program gives students everything they need to become proficient, skilled, and ready to take on high paying jobs providing solar installation, maintenance and repair.
The Solar Installation program includes thorough coursework that covers photovoltaic principles, system wiring, mounting, system installation, and the maintenance and troubleshooting of solar panels. Upon completion of this program, students are qualified to attain employment in a variety of settings, ranging from entry-level positions to private contracting work. A mixture of lectures, field trips, and hands-on education at the Coast Career college in Los Angeles ensures that students finish the program with the confidence and knowledge to succeed.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Coast Career Institute is accessible from all reaches of the LA metropolitan area, and the campus’s intimate learning atmosphere is ideal for making new friends and acquaintances.
Source: http://www.solarthermalmagazine.com/2011/03/16/solar-installation-training-allows-students-to-get-on-the-fast-track-to-career-success/

Geothermal projects get started in USA

The United States’ geothermal industry is cautiously celebrating the return of investors to hot projects that had cooled off with the recession.
The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) expects at least a half-dozen idled projects to finally begin construction in the next three years thanks to $6 billion in renewed investments, including a $96.8 million U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee announced last week for the 23 MW Neal Hot Springs power plant in Eastern Oregon.
“There are probably more geothermal projects under development today in the United States than there has ever been in U.S. history,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.
The GEA hopes to release better estimates at the end of the month, so it is still unclear how many projects will actually get enough funding for completion. For now, Gawell says he has accumulated anecdotal evidence that more investors are picking up where they left off in 2008 and 2009.
Though exploration has all but stopped, the industry is hopeful that the extension of the Section 1603 Tax Credit program could provide a cash incentive for new development. Some say federal grants could also help jump-start investment in rapidly advancing low-temperature technology, creating the potential for a new wave of next-generation projects.
Some of the biggest geothermal developers are not yet convinced that 2011 will be the time to invest in the costly drilling of new exploration wells. Since the U.S. has become mired in the politics of climate change, there are no guarantees that cash grants through a one-year tax credit extension will sustain growth beyond 2011.
Yes even amid all the uncertainty in the U.S., Ormat and other developers are focusing attention overseas, where developing countries view geothermal resources as less expensive alternatives to coal power plants.
“When things are slow in the U.S. … our sales folks are developing projects in the ring of fire region in places with prolific geothermal resources, like Indonesia,” said Ormat spokesman Paul Thompson.
GEA estimates the addition of at least 1,000 MW of U.S.-based geothermal projects in the next three years.

Source: www.renewableenergyworld.com