Role of education and training programs in the commercialization and diffusion of solar energy technologies [electronic resource].

Published: Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1979.
Physical Description: Pages: 56 : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators: United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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Summary

An important part of analyzing employment and labor force requirements in the solar energy field is determining the availability of trained and experienced workers and of programs to provide additional training. This paper provides a base for analysis of these labor force supply questions by identifying the importance of education and training in the commercialization and diffusion of solar technologies, discussing issues for planning and analysis of solar education and training efforts, and illustrating the range of programs and courses presently available. Four general perspectives are reviewed, on the diffusion of a new technology such as solar energy systems, with special attention to the education and training issues. Planning and analysis issues discussed include: whether there is a need for more education and training programs, and of what kinds; the possible roles of the federal and state governments; the availability of trained workers for the manufacture of solar systems; the tradeoffs between expanding the capabilities of persons already within the HVAC field or training unemployed and underemployed persons as solar workers; and the allocation of effort between training workers and training trainers. Examples of programs and courses are given for the four categories identified: general education, professional solar energy education and training, technician training, and solar industries infrastructure training. The general conclusion is that a large number and variety of education and training programs and courses are presently offered, but that little or no evaluation of individual programs or the overall effort has yet been done.

Report Numbers

E 1.99:seri/rr-53-128
seri/rr-53-128

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Note

Published through SciTech Connect.
01/01/1979.
"seri/rr-53-128"
Burns, B.; Mason, B.; Armington, K.
Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)

Funding Information

EG-77-C-01-4042

View MARC record | catkey: 14096704