New Training Program For Solar Technicians To Open In Iowa

A new training program for the solar energy industry is opening at the beginning of the year.

Renewable energy is a growing field for engineers and technicians, but much of the growth is across the border in Iowa.

The Solar Training Academy is sort of like a master’s degree program for college graduates with degrees in associated fields, or electricians who want to expand into renewables.

Academies in Milwaukee and the Twin Cities run by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association have already been operating for two years.

Clay Sterling is a trainer, and said a new academy will begin in Dubuque in January. He said Iowa’s solar businesses are booming, more so than they are in Wisconsin.

“Even with the policies we have in Wisconsin, solar installers are staying busy but as we go across the river, outside the borders, there’s just oodles of kilowatts going online. Lots of solar installations, big and small,” he said.

After finishing the five month course graduates can take one of several exams to become nationally certified.