Boviet Solar USA is collaborating with Spice Solar and the San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School (SJCC&CS) to help train vocational students in solar system installation. Boviet Solar USA has donated three different types of solar panels to the SJCC, and Spice Solar, innovators in rooftop module mounting systems, is providing SJCC students with hands-on training in rooftop solar installation.
The SJCC&CS provides “at risk” young men and women with secondary education courses and training in basic skills such as communication, computer literacy, and employment instruction, allowing them to earn a high school diploma and receive vocational career training. As part of the program, SJCC&CS provides hands-on construction experience and on-the-job training though its job training programs. To support the job training programs, Boviet Solar USA and Spice Solar collaborated to provide instruction in solar system installation. Boviet provided three types of solar modules and Spice Solar provided instruction in rooftop solar installation. More than 40 students have already received training in rooftop solar installation techniques, safety, and best practices.
“Thanks to Boviet Solar USA and Spice Solar we are able to offer SJCC&CS students hands-on training in solar systems installation and repair, which is one of the hottest construction job markets in Silicon Valley,” said Thomas Albrecht, Advanced CTE Director for the SJCC&CS. “Through our job training program we are not only able to train students as solar installers, but many of them are paid to apprentice with local solar companies. This is an ideal example of the SJCC&CS job training mission; to create on-the-job training and employment opportunities for our students working side by side with leading industry professionals.”
Boviet Solar USA has donated three different types of PV modules to the SJCC&CS, including eight BVM6610M-260 250-270W monocrystalline modules, eight BVM6610P-260 256-270W polycrystalline modules, and eight BVM6612P-320 300-320W polycrystalline PV modules. Boviet Solar USA also is using the SJCC installation for real-time performance monitoring of its PV modules. The installation offsets approximately 15 percent of the school’s electrical costs.
“Boviet is always ready to help train the next generation of solar professionals,” said Eric Ma, PhD, President and Managing Director of Boviet Solar USA. “Working with partners such as Spice Solar and organizations like the SJCC&CS allows us to provide practical training using our solar modules. As a bonus, we get a working test bed to monitor module performance. This is the type of alliance where all the parties win, especially students interested in the solar industry.”
“Spice Solar is pleased to partner with Boviet and the SJCC YouthBuild program,” said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Spice Solar. “By providing real on-the-job training using Spice Solar Built-In racking, these future solar installers experience the latest in solar power mounting systems that make installing rooftop solar faster and less expensive.”
News item from Spice Solar and Boviet Solar