§17172 Solar Energy Curriculum Development and Certification Grants

Summary

The Secretary must set up a competitive grant program inside the Office of Solar Energy Technologies to create and strengthen solar workforce training and internships for installing, operating, and maintaining solar energy products. The goal is to make sure there are enough well-trained workers to support solar industry growth. Grant money can be used for making local solar curricula (including community colleges), supporting certification for installers and training programs, funding hands-on internships, buying needed equipment, getting training programs certified, adding solar modules to construction trade training, and helping instructors stay updated. Grants can run up to 3 years, must be spread across the country, and go to certified programs or ones with a clear path to certification. The program should consider women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities. The Department must publish each grant recipient’s name, institution, a short project description, and the award amount. Congress authorized $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.