In the spring of 2023, NorthWestern Energy and Solar Energy International – Solar In the Schools (SEI-SIS) continued piloting a solar energy training pathway program for high school students in Montana. SEI-SIS provided two immersive one day solar energy training sessions for technical education students at Helena High School and Capital High School in Helena, Montana. Similar to the high schools in Billings, where SEI-SIS solar training was completed in November 2022, the high schools in Helena also have well developed technical trades programs.
Students at both Helena and Capital High Schools were very engaged in learning about the basics of solar energy and principles of grid-direct residential and commercial photovoltaic (PV) design and installation. During the training students participated in hands-on labs to calculate load power and energy outputs, students were introduced to the components of a PV system, and participated in wiring and testing outputs of PV modules. Students were also given an overview of solar energy industry jobs with an emphasis on solar installers and the outlook for skills needed in the solar job market.
A tour of the school’s roof-mounted PV systems and calculations of the system’s energy output were made by students. The school’s PV systems were funded through a NorthWestern Energy E+ Program grant. PV systems at both Helena and Capital High Schools were assigned to be monitored by the school’s Green Clubs.
After participating in the solar energy immersive training students and teachers at both Helena and Capital high schools were very interested in continuing a solar energy training program as part of their technical education programs. Technical trades programs within high schools are a great fit to integrate solar energy / renewable energy job skills training. SEI-SIS would like to support schools to include a solar energy unit within their existing classes (construction, electrical, welding, or auto mechanics) or through a one or two semester long class dedicated to solar / renewable energy paired with hands-on training, industry recognized certification and internship and apprenticeship opportunities. SEI-SIS will continue our partnership with NorthWestern Energy to explore further expanding the program to other schools across the state.
For more information, check out SEI’s Solar in the Schools program.
Program Point of Contact
Andrea Wang | [email protected] | 970-527-7657 x212
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- Source: https://www.solarenergy.org/solar-in-the-schools-provides-solar-training-to-students-in-montana/
