The Austin Daily Herald's Matt Peterson reports in Renewable energy gets push locally for 2014 that the program coordinator for the state's only soilar installer diploma program is looking forward to the new year:
On Jan. 1, provisions of Minnesota’s Solar Incentive Program take effect: provisions included in 2013 legislation that aim to entice more homeowners and business people to install solar panels while requiring investor-owned utilities to get 1.5 percent of their energy sales from solar electricity by 2020.
Steve Vietor is one of those excited advocates. . . .
. . .As an instructor, Vietor is particularly excited. Years ago, he looked at the benefits and technical aspects of southeastern Minnesota’s growing wind farms and helped bring the educational aspects into the college. The same thing is happening with solar energy.
“We are the only school in the state that has a solar installer program,” he said.
Riverland offers a 22-credit, one-semester solar installer certificate program, which is available starting this January in Albert Lea.
Vietor is convinced solar energy has a significant future in Minnesota, for both homeowners and workers, as incentives for manufacturers to make solar equipment are also a big part of the legislation.
“In the next three years, this solar industry is going to turn into a $2 billion industry in Minnesota,” he said.
Vietor is also excited about solar gardens, for those who don’t have the means to install solar.. . .
Read the entire article at the Herald.
Photo: A solar garden.
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Considering that most of Minnesota's at similar-to-lower latitudes compared to most of solar powerhouse Germany, the goals set are eminently achievable.
Posted by: Phoenix Woman | Dec 31, 2013 at 02:35 PM