Ecotech Institute Marks National Solar Day with more than 10,000 Hours of Solar Energy Produced

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energyand sustainable design, today announced that its on-site solar and wind units have produced more than 10,000 kilowatt hours of energy since opening in January.  To celebrate National Solar Day and the achievement of this major energy milestone, Ecotech Institute invites guests and their families on Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to tour the eco-friendly campus and ask questions about solar-related education and careers.

Ecotech Institute’s Solar Energy Technology Program prepares students for careers in the solar industry and is designed to provide a solid grounding in fundamentals of solar energy technology. State-of-the-art facilities, modern labs, and small class sizes give students the opportunity to apply theory to the real world. Currently, Ecotech has more than 300 students and continues to grow as solar technology gains momentum due to new incentives from state and local governments.

For current and prospective students looking to enter the solar industry, examples of jobs after graduation include construction, installation and repair of solar energy systems and working with architects or engineers as they design and install solar projects.

Some solar workers concentrate primarily on installing solar panels. Others, especially those at small companies, do everything from sales to planning to wiring.  Experienced installers in any size company may advance to lead installer, system designer, sales representative or other positions. Given the trend in favorable government incentives, analysts expect that the solar power industry will continue to grow rapidly. 

Ecotech Institute’s Solar Energy Technology Programmay be right for people who love working outdoors; want to help develop cleaner, more sustainable energy; are interested in how electrical devices work; enjoy math and science; and like working with power tools to assemble, repair or install.

Ecotech has attracted students from all over the United States because of its high-caliber programs and Colorado’s culture of sustainability.  Learn more about relocation at www.ecotechinstitute.com/ecotech-location.cfm.

In Colorado alone, there is high demand for an educated workforce in the solar industry.  However, growth in solar technology is nationwide and, according to research experts Clean Edge, solar power ranks first in the top sectors for cleantech job activity in the U.S.   Local examples of expansion in this industry include:

·         Colorado had the sixth-highest installed solar generation capacity, with the majority of capacity generated in southwest Colorado. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has classified the southwest Colorado region a high potential solar resource area that could satisfy about half of the state’s peak power demand. (SNL Financial, 2010; Interstate Renewable Energy Council, 2010)

·         In 2010, more than a dozen companies chose Colorado as the place to develop new wind and solar projects.  According to a study by professors at Arizona State University, Colorado ranked as the second-most attractive location for businesses hoping to export solar power.

·         The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation named SMA Solar Technology AG, the largest solar inverter manufacturer in the world, “Deal of the Year” award winner in 2010. The Germany-based company was recognized for its significant economic impact to the region through capital investment and job creation. In 2010, the company hired 200 workers at its northeast Denver plant and could add up to 500 more positions by the end of 2011.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energyemployers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.  The next round of classes begins this month and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available.