We often talk about “payback periods” in the solar PV industry when explaining how quickly a new installation “pays” for itself. So for example, if a PV installation costs $100 total and saves you $25 a month in electricity bills, the payback period is 4 months. But you never hear …

As you probably already know, you don’t have to be a licensed solar PV installer to actually “install” solar panels. In fact, depending on where you live, you don’t even need installation training.  There are no federal requirements for the industry, and very few states regulate the profession. This lack …

Are you ready for a series of exciting announcements that get better and better? Here we go…. 2012 was a record-breaking year for solar – especially in the US.  While most industries across the nation continue to battle their way out of a recession that has lasted for almost 5 …

It’s no secret that Florida enjoys enviable sunshine all year round.  This much is clear in our nickname – the Sunshine State. This is why every month of the year, USSolar Institute welcome students from all over the globe who flock to our Fort Lauderdale campus to receive advance certification …

The other day, we announced  (Can’t Wait for the Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo? Neither Can We!) a special training and pre-order sale leading up to the Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo (held this year in Kingston from April 15th to 16th).  We decided to launch these companion deals based on feedback from …

For the past 5 years, USSolar Institute (USSI) has trained and certified more than 1,000 professionals to work in the growing solar energy industry –  and it has accomplished this remarkable feat at no direct cost to the American tax payer. While many rival solar training schools receive green stimulus …

If you follow this blog, you already know how highly we value certification, safety, and licensing.  Installing high voltage solar PV technology is not a field one should ever take lightly.  Under the best circumstances, an improperly installed system simply won’t work.  Under the worst, however, you can have fires, …

It’s a curious facet of life that professions like massage therapy and hair styling require licensing while solar PV installation lacks any unified training requirements. Working with hair is not without its dangers, but a poorly installed PV system can destroy property, cause injuries, and worse – much much worse. …

  With less than a month and a half away (April 20-21), the Jamaica Alternative Energy Expo continues to evolve beyond what any of us had ever envisioned.  The feedback we’re receiving from exhibitors, sponsors, and fellow organizers is incredibly encouraging, and we just wanted to update you on some …

Despite the current economic crisis, some industries in the United States continue to experience severe labor gaps as they desperately search for qualified professionals to fill their rosters.  In addition to traditional standbys like health and medicine, solar energy has a dearth of certified green workers to satisfy growing residential …