Bright Solar Futures
Donation protected
Solar installer is the fastest growing job in the U.S., and Philadelphia is launching one of the nation’s first programs to train high school students for jobs in this rapidly expanding industry. The new Solar Energy Career and Technical Education Program, titled Bright Solar Futures, will be hosted by Frankford High School. The Philadelphia Energy Authority is seeking contributions for the new Frankford Solar Lab which will house the inaugural Bright Solar Futures program.
Bright Solar Futures will prepare students for solar jobs. From 10th through 12th grade, participants will receive extensive instruction in solar installation, design, and sales, as well as energy efficiency, electrical basics and construction safety. Participants will be connected to opportunities for paid summer internships and employment upon graduation.
About the Frankford Solar Lab
The Frankford Solar Lab will provide participants with the opportunity to apply their learning in a hands-on and project-based learning environment. The Solar Lab will be outfitted with training equipment tailored to each of the major areas of the curriculum.
· Solar Installation. Bright Solar Futures participants will have the skills and tools to complete a solar installation from start to finish inside of the Solar Lab. A mock roof will simulate the experience of installing solar on a pitched rooftop and an outdoor space will be used to practice installing the ground-mounted racking. Participants will practice installing roof flashings, racking, and solar modules and conduit in both settings.
· Solar Design and Sales. Bright Solar Futures participants will take solar modules and testing equipment outside to conduct a shading analysis and estimate system production. Participants will use computer software to design an installation and evaluate project economics.
· Electricity Basics. Participants will practice installing wiring and connecting an inverter to an electrical panel in the Lab. The lab will also contain a training cart equipped with standard household appliances for exercise about a home’s energy load.
· Building Auditing and Weatherization. Participants will practice conducting a home energy audit using a blower door in a mini-house. They will demonstrate their skills by weatherizing the home with air sealing, insulation, and energy efficient windows and doors. The Lab will also contain a plumbing mock-up for learning about water efficiency.
· Construction Safety. Participants will practice all tasks in the course while wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including harnesses, helmets, and air masks.
Background
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance clean and affordable energy goals for the City. PEA has facilitated over $100 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since 2017, creating more than over 1,000 jobs. PEA’s $1 billion Philadelphia Energy Campaign, launched in 2016 with the leadership of City Council President Darrell Clarke, will create 10,000 jobs by 2026 through the implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Learn more at philaenergy.org.
PEA is committed to preparing Philadelphia’s young people to fill these new positions and partnered with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) to start training high school students for solar jobs. PEA delivered introductory solar training to 70 students and placed 17 students into internships in the clean energy sector since 2017. In October 2018, PEA was selected for a $1.25 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Bright Solar Futures as one of the nation’s first solar energy programs for CTE students.
Contact Laura Rigell, Solar Manager for more information at [email redacted]
Bright Solar Futures will prepare students for solar jobs. From 10th through 12th grade, participants will receive extensive instruction in solar installation, design, and sales, as well as energy efficiency, electrical basics and construction safety. Participants will be connected to opportunities for paid summer internships and employment upon graduation.
About the Frankford Solar Lab
The Frankford Solar Lab will provide participants with the opportunity to apply their learning in a hands-on and project-based learning environment. The Solar Lab will be outfitted with training equipment tailored to each of the major areas of the curriculum.
· Solar Installation. Bright Solar Futures participants will have the skills and tools to complete a solar installation from start to finish inside of the Solar Lab. A mock roof will simulate the experience of installing solar on a pitched rooftop and an outdoor space will be used to practice installing the ground-mounted racking. Participants will practice installing roof flashings, racking, and solar modules and conduit in both settings.
· Solar Design and Sales. Bright Solar Futures participants will take solar modules and testing equipment outside to conduct a shading analysis and estimate system production. Participants will use computer software to design an installation and evaluate project economics.
· Electricity Basics. Participants will practice installing wiring and connecting an inverter to an electrical panel in the Lab. The lab will also contain a training cart equipped with standard household appliances for exercise about a home’s energy load.
· Building Auditing and Weatherization. Participants will practice conducting a home energy audit using a blower door in a mini-house. They will demonstrate their skills by weatherizing the home with air sealing, insulation, and energy efficient windows and doors. The Lab will also contain a plumbing mock-up for learning about water efficiency.
· Construction Safety. Participants will practice all tasks in the course while wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including harnesses, helmets, and air masks.
Background
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance clean and affordable energy goals for the City. PEA has facilitated over $100 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since 2017, creating more than over 1,000 jobs. PEA’s $1 billion Philadelphia Energy Campaign, launched in 2016 with the leadership of City Council President Darrell Clarke, will create 10,000 jobs by 2026 through the implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Learn more at philaenergy.org.
PEA is committed to preparing Philadelphia’s young people to fill these new positions and partnered with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) to start training high school students for solar jobs. PEA delivered introductory solar training to 70 students and placed 17 students into internships in the clean energy sector since 2017. In October 2018, PEA was selected for a $1.25 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Bright Solar Futures as one of the nation’s first solar energy programs for CTE students.
Contact Laura Rigell, Solar Manager for more information at [email redacted]
Fundraising team (2)
Philadelphia Energy Authority
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Energy Authority
Beneficiary
Andrea Hogan
Team member
