Training Requirements
For Small Wind Program
To become an Energy Trust Small Wind trade ally, contractors must demonstrate technical competency and experience installing wind energy systems, as well as participate in Program training. To demonstrate technical competency, prospective trade allies must do one of the following:
- Provide proof of successfully installing at least 3 small wind systems on towers ?60 feet within the last 2 years. To show proof of installation, you must provide at least 3 references from the project owners of small wind systems that were installed within the last 2 years with your Form 731A-Small Wind Trade Ally Addendum. Additional information or references may be requested.
OR
- Attend a hands-on small wind installation training session of at least 40 hours in the past 2 years. Training must cover a minimum of: proper system siting, estimating wind resource and energy output, design, hands-on installation of the wind generator of the size/type that will be installed by the trade ally, and normal maintenance.
Energy Trust does not offer hands-on installation training. For information on technical training providers, see the Other training opportunities section, below.
Program Training
Energy Trust conducts Program training sessions for businesses that are interested in joining our Trade Ally Network and learning more about our small wind incentive program. The training familiarizes contractors with the Small Wind program’s processes, current incentive levels, application paperwork, policies and technical installation requirements.
All prospective Small Wind program trade allies must attend a Program training session before being approved. Existing small wind trade allies who have not installed a turbine in over a year are also required to participate in program training to ensure they are up to date with current program requirements and processes. These sessions are generally offered as free webinars—pre-registration is required in order to receive the webinar log-in and conference call information.
The next small wind Program training webinar will be held:
Required reading for Program Training
More information
If you have any questions or would like to be notified about future training sessions, please contact Trade Ally Coordinator Ashley Jackson at 503.459.4070.
Other training opportunities
Upcoming Oregon Training Opportunities
Overview of Small Wind: November 7, 2011
Small Wind Site Assessor Course: November 8-11, 2011 (Overview of Small Wind required for participation in Site Assessor Training)
Wind Turbine Design Considerations: December 5-7, 2011
Small Wind Turbine O&M: December 8-9, 2011
To register, or for more information, contact Jon Roschke at jroschke@oswea.org or visit oswea.org.
Current Energy Trust small wind trade allies may qualify for a training reimbursement of up to 50%. Find out if you are eligible.
These organizations offer classroom and hands-on technical small wind trainings throughout the country. Prospective small wind trade allies who have not installed at least 3 systems on towers that are at least 60 feet tall must participate in a hands-on small wind installation training.
SEI: Solar Energy International offers high quality training courses and seminars on small wind system installation in various locations around the country. SEI can be reached at 970.963.8855, or on the web at www.solarenergy.org.
OSWEA: The Oregon Small Wind Energy Association offers various installer training opportunities throughout the year. For more information, please contact OSWEA at info@oswea.org, or see the website at www.oswea.org.
MREA: The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) hosts a series of educational and hands-on workshops throughout the year. These workshops vary in length from 1 day to 2 weeks. They are taught by experienced renewable energy experts in small classroom settings and on-site installation locations. For more information, contact 414.431.0758 or visit the website at www.the-mrea.org.
IREC: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council maintains a nationwide list of training providers for a variety of renewable technologies. You can search for wind trainings using their online training provider database: http://irecusa.org/irec-programs/workforce-development/education-information/training-providers/.
Manufacturers: Many small wind manufacturers offers week-long, hands-on installation courses for their dealers. This training may meet Energy Trust’s requirements for hands-on installation training. The manufacturer must have products that are on Energy Trust’s list of eligible turbines. Contact wind@energytrust.org ahead of time to receive approval for manufacturer training.