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MAGE SOLAR launches solar training academy in Georgia

The MAGE Solar Academy will include a combination of classroom and outdoor training

Solar manufacturer MAGE SOLAR is launching its training academy this month at its campus in Dublin, Georgia.

Starting January 24, a wide range of classes will prepare students with technical knowledge and job skills as well as solar specific sales and marketing knowhow for the growing PV-market.

Demand for skilled and well trained solar specialists in this booming industry is high. Consequently enrollment applications have been steady with the inaugural training class having sold out weeks ago.

MAGE SOLAR said its Academy is spread out over 10,000 square feet and features state-of-the-art classroom technology and an outdoor training area. Intense 5-day training courses will be offered on a regular basis throughout the year.

Courses available at the Academy will include Solar PV 101: Entry Level, PV Sales and Marketing, PV Mounting Systems and Advanced PV: NEC Compliance. The company said it is likely to offer more courses in the near future.

Classes with technical focus will be able to train hands-on using a variety of the latest technology the solar industry has to offer in terms of inverters, panels, mounting systems and solar trackers.

Students will be able to practice outside on simulated real-life installations all year round “even when in the midst of winter most of the US solar installations are in ‘hibernation’,” said MAGE SOLAR Academy Manager Lee Radney.

The company said its new Academy would provide “first rate” education and hands-on training for professionals interested in breaking into the booming solar market – from architects, engineers and licensed electricians to roofers, general and home-improvement contractors.

Sales managers and marketing professionals are also likely to be among the professionals signing up for training to expand their knowhow and skill basis to jumpstart a new career in solar PV, the company said.

MAGE SOLAR GROUP CEO Norbert Philipp said: “Students will be able to acquire the knowledge necessary to successfully enter the rapidly growing PV market. In addition, they will benefit from the sound experience MAGE SOLAR has as a highly successful technology leader in the photovoltaic arena. We are confident this combination will be a very positive and much needed contribution to serve the PV-industry in the United States.”

MAGE SOLAR, part of Germany’s MAGE Group, said there was a need for up to 24,000 new solar workers in 2011 but a “critical” shortage of qualified professional installers familiar with forefront technologies and the latest developments in the industry.