The program aims to reduce some of the obstacles to mainstream adoption of solar energy by local governments, particularly those related to the time and costs associated with PV permitting, installation, inspection and approvals by local municipalities. The training is designed to help streamline the approval process for local communities and will enable them to meet their community economic development, job creation and sustainability goals while stimulating wide-scale adoption of cost-effective solar PV installations.
The workshops will begin in August, and will be provided to participants for free or at a minimal cost.
"Providing tools and training for local officials involved in approving solar installations will help overcome market barriers for installers and will streamline the process and reduce costs," said John Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. "Governor Cuomo has made a major commitment to the scale-up of a sustainable, subsidy-free solar energy industry, and the PV Trainers Network will help New York State accelerate those efforts."
The training is a partnership of NYSERDA, Meister Consultants Group, Entech Engineering, the City University of New York (CUNY) and other academic institutions.
"NYS is currently fifth in the country for solar jobs, with a significant amount of PV applications in the queue," said Tria Case, lead implementer of the NYSolar Smart Program and University director of sustainability. "CUNY is proud to have teamed up once again with NYSERDA and our many partners to provide a training network for officials across the state that will open the door to more clean renewable energy and enable jurisdictions to send the message that they are open for solar business."
The NY-Sun PV Trainers Network offers training to a wide variety of audiences involved in solar energy permitting, installation, inspection and approval processes, including local policy makers, code enforcement officials, inspectors, engineers, architects and first responders. The training will be provided over a three-year period across New York State.
The training and workshops offered include:
* Introduction to Solar Policy for planners, administrators and code officials
* Developing a Solar Strategy for planners, administrators and code officials
* Solar PV Permitting and Inspection Methods for electrical and building code officials
* Solar PV Engineering Structural Considerations & Plan Review for architects, engineers and installers (in some instances)
* Safety and Fire Considerations for Solar PV for firefighters and first responders
Training classes will range from one-hour webinars to half-day workshops and two-day advanced training, each tailored to the needs of the audience.
In addition, the Network offers in-depth technical training assistance on solar PV policy-related topics such as:
* Incorporating solar energy into a comprehensive plan
* Drafting solar development regulations
* Streamlining and troubleshooting support of solar permitting and inspection processes
* Identifying local solar financing options
* Procuring solar for municipal facilities
For more information about the NY-Sun PV Trainers Network visit https://training.ny-sun.ny.gov
Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative provides long-term funding certainty that will boost existing businesses and attract new investments to New York from global solar companies for greater economic growth. NY-Sun is part of the governor's commitment to protect the environment and lower energy costs for all New Yorkers by improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid. A portion of the initiative's funding provides for consumer education efforts.
With this initiative, New York's role as a leader and first mover in shaping the future of energy remains firmly in place. By developing innovative market solutions, the state is delivering on governor Cuomo's commitment to transform the energy industry into a more resilient, clean, cost-effective and dynamic system. Working with State, citizen and industry stakeholders, New York's energy policy is moving to a more market-based, decentralized approach. This means preserving the environment, decreasing energy costs, and creating opportunities for economic growth for current and future generations of New Yorkers. In advancing these new energy systems and solutions, New Yorkers will have improved energy affordability and efficiency without sacrificing the ability to live in a cleaner, resilient and more sustainable environment.
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