Alternative energy groups provide networking and educational opportunities for professionals who work in the alternative energy industries, including solar, wind and alternative fuels. Alternative energy interest groups not only help educate those in the industry, but also help raise awareness about alternative energy technologies on the market and in development.

An alternative energy association can provide alternative energy companies with solutions for their businesses, from trade events to education courses. This information is essential for getting new technologies to consumers. You can find out more about opportunities offered by alternative energy organizations education and training programs, including:

1. Classroom training.

2. Online training provided by alternative fuel organizations.

3. Continuing education and other educational resources.

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

Join alternative energy industry associations that offer online training

Many alternative energy industry associations offering some type of training for industry professionals, the most convenient of which is online courses. This allows professionals to continue their education at any time, and for relatively little cost. Online workshops and courses range from basic information to more advanced topics.

I recommend: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council provides guidelines and training accreditation for sustainable power training online and in the classroom. The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association offers workshops and webinars on the topic of sustainability.

Attend annual events organized by an alternative energy industry organization

To learn more about the alternative energy industry, join an organization that provides annual events for members. These events are often educational and can even provide continuing education credits for some. Conferences and meetings are also a great way to network with other industry professionals.

I recommend: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy holds many meetings each year to discuss energy issues and the economy, and educate alternative energy leaders on how to promote energy efficient products and programs. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association offers many educational opportunities for members, including the Small Wind and Solar Thermal conferences.

Take classes provided by alternative energy associations

Continuing education is essential for staying on top of the latest technology and policy advances in alternative technology. Many organizations offer online and on-site classes that provide education on alternative energy topics. Some classes cover general information while, others are more specific and can earn a professional continuing education credits.

I recommend: The Association of Energy Engineers offers an online university plus several on-site and online seminar options for continuing education in alternative energy. The Center for Energy and the Global Environment is a group out of Virginia Tech that offers current students and working professionals a chance to take courses on alternative energy systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Membership in associations for alternative energy is a great way for your business to promote its green initiatives to customers, as alternative energy trade groups give the industry legitimacy.

Alternative fuel organizations are comprised of like-minded people who are passionate about the environment. They act as a source of ideas, support, networking and solutions. When you join alternative energy associations, you join others committed to finding solutions to some of the most challenging global and environmental and security issues. Together, you work to improve the environment and strengthen the economy.

Alternative energy groups link you to workshops, conferences and seminars, which conduct in-depth policy and technical assessments. You advise policymakers, educate consumers and work in collaboration with public interest groups, businesses and other organizations. Consider:

1. Using alternative fuel organizations to network and grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Reviewing various alternative energy groups and membership levels.

3. Making the most of educational tools and resources available.

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

Join alternative energy interest groups to meet and network with others

Associations for alternative energy can be small groups in your community or large, international organizations. They bring together passionate professionals with a goal of advancing alternative energy practices and ideas.

I recommend: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is an alternative energy association dedicated to protecting and enhancing government budgets devoted to clean energy technologies. This group supports smart energy choices that solve global warming problems. Become a volunteer to meet others and work toward a common cause. The Center for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies (CEERT) is made up of a combination of innovative technology comapanies, public interest and top environmental groups. Their goal is to create the US's clean and renewable energy resources. Participate in CEERT's blog.

Fork over annual dues to alternative energy organizations

Alternative energy interest groups charge annual membership dues and they will range, depending on what type of member and how involved you want to be. Dues help the environmental groups continue their missions and produce quality materials and services.

I recommend: Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is a non-profit group, which promotes renewable and sustainable energy use and the responsible use of non-renewable forms of energy. Member benefits include publications, discounts and the listing on the Sustainable Green Pages. Choose a membership level and chapter on the NESEA website. Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is a network of individuals who come together to share ideas, resources and valuable information to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. MREA has more than 3,200 members from around the globe. Choose from various memberships to accomodate any budget. Member benefits include a decal, newsletter, workshops, voting privileges and admission to the Energy Fair. Union of Concerned Scientists' goal is to ensure that all people have clean air and energy and to improve the environment. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions. The group also aims to secure responsible changes in corporate practices, government policy and consumer choices.

Benefit individually and professionals from alternative energy organizations

When you join an alternative energy nonprofit group, you immediately gain access to many tools such as conferences, workshops, books, environmental reports, courses and seminars. These industry tools allow you to advance your skills and boost your career.

I recommend: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is an alternative energy association dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. Sign up to receive ACEEE newsletters and to participate in career building events. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is an alternative fuel association that promotes the use of renewable energy resources and technologies in all activities. IREC stresses stakeholder coordination, workforce development, education and outreach, building networks to share experiences and more. Use the job bank to further your career.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Participate in as many events and advocacy efforts your alternative energy industry organization offers in order to meet people and network.

A number of organizations, from private enterprises to public-private partnerships and government entities, are engaged in discussion over the future of our nation's energy system, from producing alternative energy, to transmitting power through a smarter grid. As you peruse these sites, be aware of these key terms to better understand the general topic and the particular positions these agencies take.

Action Steps
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Global warming

While this term alone merits its own article, it can be summarized as the slow but steady intensification of the Earth's average surface temperature. The argument has been over the extent to which man-made greenhouse gases have instigated this effect, but the effect itself has been measured and proven to the science community's satisfaction.

I recommend: The Pew Center on Global Climate Change offers an introduction to the topic of global warming.

Renewable or sustainable energy

While you can define both renewable and sustainable energy as energy arising from sources such as solar, wind or geothermal, there are certain connotations that give the two terms slight differences. Sustainable energy is energy developed and used with little or no impact on its future availability, unlike fossil or nuclear fuels, which have finite availability and can be detrimental to the environment. Renewable fuel is fuel that renews itself, like solar or wind power.

I recommend: The Sustainable Energy Coalition, comprised of over 60 public and private entities, advances the cause of sustainable/renewable energy.

Green

Green has become a key word in the current discussion, referring to alternative energy, general lifestyle and environmentalism.

I recommend: CleanPower.org discusses concepts on how to "green the grid" to make power transmission and consumption more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is an often overlooked component of alternative energy production. Most major organizations devote at least a portion of their sites to promoting products and services that enable businesses and consumers to lower their current use of energy, using fossil fuels or alternative energy, to save money and the planet.

I recommend: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy promotes efficiency.

Solar energy

Sites discussing solar energy focus on two areas: photovoltaic, which involves converting sunlight directly into electricity; and solar thermal, which focuses the sun's heat onto pipes carrying a transfer liquid similar to your car's coolant to drive generators.

I recommend: Energy Quest gives a brief history lesson on solar energy, explaining solar thermal and photovoltaic alternative energy generators.

Wind energy

Wind energy is similar to solar thermal energy. Wind power is derived from the sun heating the air.

I recommend: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council talks about the installation and use of small wind-energy systems.