Renewable Energy Education and Training Key Terms

Understanding key terms used in renewable energy education and training

By Kim Finn

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.