Published: February 04, 2008 09:36 am         

FSU accepting applications for wind and solar energy education program

FROSTBURG - Applications are being accepted for the new wind and solar energy certified education program at Frostburg State University.

The program, which focuses on design and installation of residential electric generation systems using photovoltaic solar modules or small wind turbines, consists of an online course supported by hands-on workshops.

The online course begins March 31 and ends May 23, and the on-site training workshops will be held from May 29 though June 1. Registration fees are $500 for solar PV, $500 for wind, and $750 for solar and wind combined..

Participants will learn the basics of PV/wind systems and resource assessments, components of PV/wind systems, setup configuration, sizing, wiring and controls, relevant sections of the National Electric Code, zoning laws and building codes pertaining to PV/wind systems, interconnection requirements and practical experiments, and demonstrations of different aspects of PV/wind generation systems, including an FSU WISE system site visit and hands-on setup of a small grid connected system.

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to take the certification test administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Inc.

Applications will be accepted through March 15 and space is limited. Applicants must possess a high school diploma.

For more information or to apply, log onto www.frostburg.edu/renewable or contact Hilkat Soysal at (301) 687-3166 or renewable@frostburg.edu.