§17172 Solar energy curriculum development and certification grants

Summary

Creates a competitive grant program in the Office of Solar Energy Technologies to build and improve training and internships for installing, operating, and maintaining solar energy systems. The goal is to make sure there are enough well-trained workers as the solar industry grows. Grants can pay for making local solar curricula (including community colleges), supporting certification for installers and trainers, hands-on internships, getting training programs certified, adding solar lessons to construction trades, buying needed equipment, and helping instructors stay current. Grants last up to 3 years. Awards must be spread across the country and go to certified programs or ones that can show a clear path to certification. The Secretary must consider women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities. The Department must publish each grant’s recipient, a short project description, and the award amount on its website or provide it on request. There is $10,000,000 authorized for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.