AUSTIN, Texas, June 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Kuhn, CEO of ImagineSolar, spoke at Austin Solar Day on the opening day of the 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC) on Sunday, June 3rd, at the Austin Convention Center. The IEEE PVSC is the premier technical conference covering all aspects of PV technology from basic material science to installed system performance. The purpose of Austin Solar Day was to raise public awareness of solar photovoltaics and its potential impact on the community.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13185
Kuhn presented what is happening in the solar and smart grid industries, what is creating their growth, and what career opportunities are available now. He gave an overview of several solar career pathways - including component production, system design, marketing/sales/permitting, and installation and operations. He also spoke about diverse career opportunities being created as the smart grid is implemented across the nation.
"The solar and smart grid industries are launching an expanding wave of new technologies and business models that are disruptive to the traditional energy industry," said Kuhn. "There is a need for specialized training and continuing education to stay on top of this wave. Career opportunities in this field are available to everyone including engineers, electricians, entrepreneurs, and other professionals."
The solar industry has grown significantly over the past decade as the shift from nonrenewables is augmented by the vision of a sustainable future in the U.S. The solar industry boasts a job growth rate of 6.8% annually, compared to the national employment growth rate of 0.7% (Source: The National Solar Jobs Census 2011).
Solar career opportunities include installation, production, design, sales, marketing and more. The smart grid offers new career avenues for those in information technologies, software, energy, wireless/telecom, finance, contracting, and consumer products. A CABA research study projects that by 2015, the smart grid will be approaching a $10 billion industry in North America. In 2010 it was worth only $5.6 billion. High-tech training in these clean energy careers is paramount.
View Michael Kuhn's 2012 PVSC Austin Solar Day Presentation.
About ImagineSolar
ImagineSolar provides solar and smart grid education and advisory services. They prepare individuals for clean energy careers and industry certifications (including NABCEP). ImagineSolar is an ISPQ accredited, fully licensed TWC school and a TDLR and AIA approved Continuing Education Provider. They train nationwide with live lectures, online courses, hands-on labs, and workforce training programs. For their 2012 Course Calendar or free career eBooks, visit imaginesolar.com.
The ImagineSolar logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13184
