Solar Night Industries Inc. executives Tim Corbet (CEO) and Jason Loyet (president and chairman) recently met with senior staff of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to offer recommendations for accelerating the adoption of solar energy systems within residential, commercial and governmental sectors. Also in attendance was Charlie Boyd, president and CEO of VETSS Group Inc.
The primary topic centered on projections for solar capacity within the next five years and the reciprocal need for qualified installers to handle that capacity. Solar Night's projection was a need exceeding 150,000 more jobs by 2011. All parties agreed that the acceleration is needed in order to meet the U.S.' rising peak energy demands and increase renewable energy capacity, the companies say.
The DOE discussed its initiatives in this area, including a study regarding training and certification programs. Solar Night committed to the development of programs to coordinate and integrate the use of qualified solar professionals in its business model.
