Renewable energy training is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after training programs because of the growing importance of eco-friendly enterprises. You can receive renewable energy education and training for beginners in a variety of formats, from attending renewable energy school to taking an introductory alternative energy course as part of a different major.

You can also focus your renewable energy education and training on a number of areas of concentration. You can focus on solar energy education, wind energy education or renewable energy education. Each has a slightly different emphasis but the end result is the same: a healthier environment for everyone.

As you look at your renewable energy education options, you should consider what you could do with alternative energy degrees or training. Depending on the coursework you complete, you may take:

1. Renewable energy training that prepares you to install eco-friendly products, such as solar or wind power generators.

2. Renewable energy courses that prepare you to design green installation systems.

3. Renewable energy classes that prepare you to oversee entire green projects from inception to completion.

Action Steps
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Study basic information about renewable energy education and training

There are many possible jobs you can do with a career in renewable energy. Take your time to find a career path that suits your personality. Many of the jobs in renewable energy are new because this is such a growing field.

I recommend: Find basic information about solar energy education at TreeHugger.com. You can also find information about a career in solar energy, as well as other renewable energy education options at Mother Earth News.

Prepare for an alternative energy degree

Earn a bachelor's degree from a variety of four-year institutions. Some colleges and universities offer renewable energy courses as part of an environmental science major, while others offer renewable energy as a stand-alone degree. It is possible to find some classes online, but you may need to take the majority of your classes in the classroom.

I recommend: The New School in New York City offers a renewable energy education and training that culminates in a bachelor's degree. Its renewable energy classes use the urban ecosystem of New York City as a laboratory. The Oregon Institute of Technology in Portland offers one of the nation’s premier undergraduate alternative energy education programs.

Receive renewable energy training to complement your existing job

You can take advanced classes or continuing education credits from alternative energy schools to add value to your existing job or, to move into a new field. More and more classes are becoming available at all levels of education, from tech schools to graduate schools.

I recommend: The Archer Institute of Environmental Training offers advanced courses for renewable energy training. The courses allow continuing education credits in alternative energy training for working professionals, as well as classes you can apply toward an alternative energy degree. You can also take a variety of renewable energy courses from the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. You can apply its coursework toward an alternative energy certificate.

Renewable energy education and training is an appropriate topic for young and old alike. Renewable energy classes are an education option for a variety of people, from those going to obtain a degree down to a young child learning about it in school. Renewable energy education is a pressing topic in this day an age with fuel prices skyrocketing driving up our economic expenses.

An alternative energy degree will be a prized asset as the demand for different fuel sources outweighs our ability to afford fossil fuels.

To find a renewable energy education and training program for you:

1. Determine who the audience is. Is it you? Is it small children at an elementary school? Is it teenagers or young adults? Knowing the age group will determine the course of study.

2. What is the intention of the alternative energy training? Is it to obtain a degree? Is it to educate someone else?

3. Factor in your budget. Small projects equal small budgets, while a degree can cost you in the tens of thousands or more.

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Promote renewable energy training as a teacher or parent

Teachers and parents have the social responsibility to include renewable energy education in their curriculum and at home practices.

I recommend: Find K-12 lesson plans, teacher and parent information, student and administrator resources from the US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site. The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) offers K-12 teaching materials. Look at the grant programs offered through SRP Classroom Connections. The State Energy Conservation Office has a long list of renewable energy training links that you can access for even more information.

Pursue renewable energy education at any age

Adult renewable energy education is an interesting topic that has a number of resources.

I recommend: Solar Energy International offers Hands-on Workshops and Online Courses. Austin Community College offers continuing education in Renewable Energy whether you want to put in your own solar panels, design your own new technology or just want to learn more about the subject. Find Renewable Energy Workshops offered through Appalachian State University to go towards your continuing education credits.

Find degree programs at a renewable energy school

Look for alternative energy education degree programs at the college or university of your choice.

I recommend: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers internships and graduate programs. The Maharishi University of Management offers the first sustainable living degree program in America covering topics such as Self Sustainability, Eco-Architectural Design, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture. Arizona State University offers you their School of Sustainability. Obtain a Society & Environment Major form the UC Berkeley College of Natural Resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your school does not offer an alternative energy degree, still try and take renewable energy courses towards your overall degree. They will usually fill one of your core education requirements for the school.

America is working toward a clean and energy efficient future by investing in renewable energy education and training. There is a push to increase energy efficiency, recondition wasteful buildings and create alternative power. This move will create green-collar jobs in the industrial sector and in new technology fields. Renewable energy education is putting Americans back to work and moving our economy forward. We are rekindling an economy that is based on production instead of consumption only.

Renewable energy education and training news and trends are making headlines daily. Become a participant in the rebuilding process by attending classes and seminars or supporting a program in your company, industry or community. Learn more about the difference you can make by staying current and involved using the following resources:

1. Search for alternative energy education courses and seminars and green energy schools that offer degrees.

2. Stay current with green energy trends and news releases.

3. Utilize programs and alliances that bring renewable energy education and training to our communities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research alternative energy training and renewable energy courses held at a renewable energy school

Adult continuing education courses are held in renewable energy training or you can pursue an alternative energy degree. Keep up with the latest news and trends.

I recommend: Go to Green Energy Jobs to learn more about alternative energy training news, trends and careers. Continuing adult education workshops, seminars and online courses are available through the U.S. Department of Energy. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership offers a registry of available courses and training at the educational, vocational or university level. Discover the companies in your state that provide Renewable Energy Education and Consulting Services.

Read renewable energy education news and trends

Stay current with the latest news releases and articles.

I recommend: Keep up with Alternative Energy News and information resources about renewable energy technologies. "Best Practices & Recommended Guidelines" for renewable energy training along with a job trends index are posted by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. Go to Environmental Expert for survey results on the need for qualified energy professionals to service the green energy marketplace.

Identify programs that promote renewable energy education and training in our communities

One trend that has developed is the growth of programs and organizations offering education and training help.

I recommend: Apollo Alliance, named after the Apollo Space Program, promotes economic recovery through investment in clean energy for America. This program began after September 11, 2001. The United State Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration provides competency models and resources for building green jobs. Check the listing of U.S Government programs in support of sustainable business at the International Trade Administration. This listing includes a database of state and federal incentives that promote renewable energy. The database can be accessed by industry sector, state or incentive type. Go to Repower America to find out what is happening in your state.

As the renewable energy industry continues to grow, so does the demand for renewable energy education and training programs, courses and other opportunities. These programs appeal to consumers, businesses and those directly involved with the development and use of renewable energy sources.

Get familiar with the key terminology involved with renewable energy training and education before you sign up for any courses. This guide covers the definitions of six key terms related to renewable energy: biomass energy, wind energy training and education, water-related education and training, cogeneration system, DC to AC power inverter and solar charge controller.

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Biomass energy

Biomass energy education and training programs consist of courses and seminars dealing with the use of any type of organic materials for burning and then using as a fuel source. Examples of biomass energy organic materials include wood, cow manure, switch-grass, corn, sugarcane and domestic rubbish.

I recommend: Read more about the Biomass Energy Research Association, an organization committed to education and research dealing with renewable biomass energy systems and waste-to-energy systems. Click on the "Biomass Resources" link for general educational resources or the "Biomass Events Calendar" link for a list of conferences and other educational events.

Wind energy classes and training

Wind energy classes and training cover many topics, including utility-scale wind farms and wind power plants, residential wind generators, commercial wind turbines and their components and structures and much more.

I recommend: Get more information on higher education and continuing education courses and programs dealing with wind energy at the U.S. Department of Energy/Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website.

Water-related education and training

With regard to renewable energy, water-related education and training topics include water pumping windmills, water purification and filtration systems, water pumps, water storage tanks and tankless water heating systems.

I recommend: Learn more about upcoming water or hydropower educational events at the National Hydropower Association website. The U.S. Department of the Interior 's Bureau of Reclamation has training classes. Learn about upcoming hydropower education and training opportunities from the PennWell Hydro Group website.

Cogeneration system

A cogeneration system is an electricity generator that captures and then makes use of its own waste heat to produce even more power. Cogeneration systems are also referred to as total energy systems or combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

I recommend: If you're developing a course on cogeneration systems or looking for one to attend, start your research with the article at the Integrated Power Systems International (IPSI) website. It focuses on evaluation criteria for incorporating cogeneration at a facility.

DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) power inverter

Batteries for alternative energy systems store DC power rather than the AC power typically used in most modern appliances. DC to AC power inverters simultaneously give the user the convenience of AC power and the benefit of using a renewable energy power source. DC to AC power inverters are also referred to as DC/AC power inverters.

I recommend: Get familiar with the mechanics of DC/AC power inverters at the HowStuffWorks website.

Solar charge controller

A solar charge controller serves as the regulator for voltage and current that moves from solar panels to batteries. Also called charge controllers or solar controllers, solar charge controllers prevent damage to batteries from overcharging.

I recommend: Click on training and education presentation links dealing with solar charge controllers from the AEE Solar Dealers Conference. Read more about solar charge controllers at altE store.