SUNY Delhi Photovoltaic Program Re-Accredited by Interstate Renewable Energy Council

DELHI, NY (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi has been awarded the renewal of its Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP) Training Program accreditation by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) for its photovoltaic courses. This renewal is in recognition of the college's rigorous standards in assuring quality and energy efficient solar electric training.

Professor James Ellis has been a lead instructor of the program since its inception. "Currently, photovoltaic electrical systems have become the most popular type of alternative energy installation with homeowners and businesses," said Ellis. "This accreditation confirms that SUNY Delhi does an excellent job in preparing today's electricians for this ever-changing industry."

Delhi was granted a five-year renewal of its ISPQ credential by IREC. This credential sets the bar for renewable energy, energy efficiency and distributed generation fields. An institution with this credential reflects the best in content, quality and resources in a training program.

Delhi first received ISPQ accreditation from the IREC for its "Photovoltaics: Design and Installation" course in 2005. Delhi is one of a few New York State colleges accredited for solar energy technician training.

Delhi's photovoltaic training courses are an extension of the college's existing curriculum in Electrical Construction and Maintenance and allow individuals who are qualified to work as electricians the opportunity to also become a certified installers of photovoltaic systems.

The program includes the basics of electricity and photovoltaics, site survey, system sizing, selection of proper photovoltaic equipment and balance of system components, proper construction techniques, voltage drop considerations and wire sizing, N.E.C. requirements, safety issues while working with installations, and battery safety. Students benefit from hands-on learning through the installation of a grid-tied, battery-based system.

In the fall of 2012, Delhi began offering a two-year degree in Integrated Energy Systems. This two-year degree exposes students to an array of alternative energy generation methods, such as solar, wind and remote generators, and the distribution of that energy.

SUNY Delhi Professor Emeritus Robert Morris introduced the concept of teaching solar electric energy in a 2002 student workshop. His goal was to help Delhi become certified to train solar technicians for New York State, which is the case today. "Delhi's inspiration has been Bob and his son Jeremy," said Ellis. "Without them, our program wouldn't be where it is today."

SUNY Delhi's ISPQ accreditation was made possible by a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Posted Tuesday July 03, 2012 at 06:00 am by SUNY Delhi
Last Updated Friday July 13, 2012 at 03:50 pm