The demand for skilled solar technicians has never been higher. According to the Solar Futures Studythe least expensive way to achieve an inclusive, equitable transition to a decarbonized electricity system by 2035 is for the solar workforce to grow to between 500,000 and 1,500,000 workers by 2035—a two- to six-fold increase from today. Fortunately, a new solar curriculum for high school students is available for free to help train the next generation of the solar workforce.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funded the Bright Solar Futures program in 2019 to develop a first-of-its-kind experience to educate high school students on solar energy system design and installation while simultaneously creating a curriculum that’s available to all school systems across the country.
The Bright Solar Futures curriculum includes syllabi, lesson plans, worksheets, and a scope and sequence. Topics covered within the comprehensive curriculum include hands-on training for rooftop solar installation, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards, solar design best practices, and preparation for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate certificate among others. The syllabi and other materials make it easy for any school system to customize the curriculum to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. Year 1 of the curriculum is currently available online, along with the syllabi for all three years of the program.
Throughout the ongoing, three-year program at Philadelphia’s Frankford High School, the Bright Solar Futures program has successfully trained more than 120 students, with the majority coming from underserved communities. To ensure top-notch training, industry experts lead hands-on classroom activities and help to regularly update the curriculum to stay apace with the latest research and technology. The program even goes beyond training by offering internships, job placement opportunities with local employers, and ongoing support to enhance job retention prospects. As of now, there is no other high school solar installation program that encompasses all these components.
Bright Solar Futures has enhanced diversity in the solar industry by partnering with organizations like PowerCorpsPHL, which focus on the inclusion of women and people of color. By fostering a more equitable workforce, Bright Solar Futures is driving lasting change in the solar industry.
Not only has Bright Solar Futures played a pivotal role in advancing national clean energy goals, the program has delivered tangible economic benefits to Philadelphia and has the potential to do the same for the entire nation. To start using the curriculum, schools can download the Curriculum Toolkit, which includes lesson plans, syllabi, and a scope and sequence. For additional support and information, schools can contact the Philadelphia Energy Authority directly.
Learn more about SETO’s solar workforce development research and the careers SETO supports through funding opportunities, prizes, and partnerships. Check out the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment Jobs Report to learn more about employment trends across traditional and emerging energy sectors.
