By Thom Gottberg  (12/2/09)

          

        The first solar electric photovoltaic installation class to be offered in the Coachella Valley is presented by Renova Energy & Solar and will begin December 11, 2009 and run for a total of  four full days.  Held at the GreenZone in Palm Desert, Dec. 14-15 and Dec 18-19,, the entry level solar electric “Boot Camp” will introduce “cadets” to the basics of solar installation with a combination of in-class and hands-on instruction.

           Offered through the UCR Riverside Extension program, the classes are designed to train entry-level installers and serve as a pre-apprenticeship, providing a solid foundation in renewable energy principles, utility technology fundamentals, and best practices.  According to Renova CEO and LEED AP Vincent Battaglia,  “The Coachella Valley is poised to become a major center for solar.  These graduates will have the option of continuing their education with courses offered by College of the Desert, UCR, or applying work directly on upcoming projects like the Desert Sunlight Solar Project or the Solar Millennium Project which are scheduled to begin in 2010.”

            The program is heralded by valley leaders as a necessary step for the Coachella Valley to maintain its momentum in alternative energy.  “We can’t move forward without a skilled workforce,” says Assemblyman Brian Nestande.  “What Renova is doing is right on target with what needs to be done to help get folks back to work while benefitting our environment at the same time.”

            Additional classes in Solar 101 will also be offered in the future and eventually available to the public, and classes in related subjects such as Solar Thermal 101, Energy Efficiencies as a Trade, Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Applied Wind Technologies are being added. For more information on how to enroll in the course please go to www.extension.ucr.edu/schedule/index.html and search keyword: SOLAR.  For more information on Renova Energy & Solar, please visit www.renova360.com.