Native Sun Community Power Development, in partnership with Minnesota Rural Electric Association, the Red Lake Construction Management Office, and the GM Foundation, is offering a FREE course training with instructor Nick Matthes taking place in Red Lake at the new Red Lake Community Center the week of May 22nd through the 26th. Class begins at 9 AM and ends at 4 PM Monday through Friday.
Fifteen participants for the FREE course training with snacks and beverages provided. Upon successful graduation, some participants will have an opportunity to work on the solar installation happening on the OG Building in Red Lake as well as other opportunities for renewable energy work happening on and around the Red Lake Nation.
Here is the course progression.
Working with Electricity (G 108)
This course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work and how to stay safe when working with or near electricity. Hands-on labs will be used to reinforce and solidify the learning objectives of the course. Extra time will be spent exploring the mathematic principles that are foundational to solar energy.
Intro to Solar Energy Work (PV 100)
This course provides a broad look at the principles of how solar works along with an introduction to working in the solar industry. Participants will learn about the work outlook for solar workers, how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, different PV system types, identify necessary system components,
Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101)
This extended course addresses the basics of solar electricity. Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, compare and contrast different PV system types, identify necessary system components, and understand the best applications for (and limitations of) each system type. Other discussion topics include energy efficiency strategies, researching a site’s solar potential, and where to find information about PV costs and incentive programs.
Site tour/Company Visit, Etc.
Students will be taken to visit a site with a functioning solar electric system to further explore the principles discussed in class and provide examples of real-world applications. A guest speaker will be invited to come and give the students an outlook on the realities of working in the solar industry and the market opportunities while providing opportunities for the students to have any of their questions answered.
Register by emailing the course facilitator Joe.Parkhurst@NativeSun.org or call him directly at 952-999-2802 to register.
Registration ends Friday, May 5th at 3 PM.