Green Training

Biofuels Process Operations

This course prepares participants to work as biofuels plant process operators, technicians, or control operators at biofuel production facilities. Emphasis is on biodiesel and ethanol plant operators.

Required Prep:

Must be at least 18 years old, high school diploma or equivalent, 8th grade math and 9th grade reading recommended, complete and turn in Physical Examination Clearance. Applicants must apply for and hold TWIC to gain access to on-site courses.

- Section 1 - Feb 18 - Oct 30; MTW; 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 84 mtgs
Leeward Community College; $3600
course code: SU5000
Fundamentals of a Photovoltaic System

This course provides an introduction to photovoltaic (PV) concepts, applications, and the solar energy industry. Topics covered include the basics of electricity, load estimation, energy efficiency, solar site surveying, photovoltaic system components, sizing, financial analysis, design, installation concepts, and maintenance.

This is a basic course which will give those new to the industry insight on what PV is about. This is a prerequisite course for those with no PV experience. Taken with Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation, this course prepares participants to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge exam.

**According to Hawai`i law, all electrical work needs to be performed by a licensed electrician.

Required Prep:

Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent

- Section 1 - Jun 13 - Jul 18; TTh; 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 10 mtgs
Honolulu Community College; Pham; $665
course code: 132F1TGSP101A

No meeting on July 4

Fundamentals, Solar Photovoltaic

This introductory course provides participants with fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the next level of training, namely, Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation, including NABCEP test preparation. This 30-hour fundamentals course includes basic math skills as they relate to Solar PV systems and introductory concepts of electricity including voltage, resistance, power, energy, power formulas, Ohm's Law, and current. Participants will also be introduced to basic design elements of Solar Photovoltaic Systems and installation including battery systems. Successful completion of this course and the Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation course will prepare you for employment as a Solar PV installer.

Required Prep:

Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent

Recommended Prep:

6th grade math and reading levels recommended

- Section 1 - May 27 - Jun 15; MWF; 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 16 mtgs
Leeward Community College; Thomas; $650
course code: leeb6040

Course also meets on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm.

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Design and Installation

Participants will learn about the main components of a photovoltaic system and the basics of the principles by which they are able to transform energy from sunlight to electricity. This will include systems that are tied to the utility grid as well as systems that stand alone or include storage back-up with batteries.

Upon completion of this course, you will qualify to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level certification exam. Course and exam topics are the same and they include:

  • PV Applications
  • Basics of Electricity
  • Safety Basics
  • PV System Components
  • Efficient Appliances
  • Solar Site Analysis
  • PV System Wiring and Over Current Protection
  • Stand-Alone PV System Sizing
  • Grid-Tie System Sizing
  • Component Specification
  • System Costs and Economics

Though the NABCEP exam is called "Entry Level", it should not be underestimated. The average passing rate is around 50%. For every hour of class time, you should devote one or two hours to home study. A minimum of 12 hours (home and class) study should be dedicated to the successful completion of this course and the NABCEP exam.

**According to Hawai`i law, all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician.

Required Prep:

Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent

- Section 1 - Jul 23 - Aug 27; TThSat; 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 14 mtgs
Honolulu Community College; Pham, Tateishi; $875
course code: 133F1TGSP201A

Saturday schedule: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Solar Maintenance

This course introduces you to the reasons why and the need for solar panel cleaning and maintenance. You will learn the basic concepts of how solar works [Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Hot Water (SHW)]. Safety maintenance and its proper procedures will be briefly touched on. System inspections, what to look for, what to be aware of, and proper techniques to clean solar panels are topics you can look forward to learning in this course.

- Section 1 - Jun 1; Sat; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm; 1 mtg
Honolulu Community College; Brooks; $125
course code: 132F1TGSP005A
Solar Photovoltaic Entry Level

In this course, designed for individuals working as trade electricians and in PV sales, you will attain a basic knowledge and application of solar photovoltaic system operations. The course of study is based on the ten objectives contained in the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ (NABCEP) Entry Level program and will provide the trainees with the knowledge necessary to pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. Tuition assistance available for qualified candidates.

- Section 1 - Apr 13 - May 25; Sat; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm; 7 mtgs
Kaua‘i Community College; Conti; $750
course code: 13S-PVE101