PG&E leads the way in renewable energy training

Daniel Christopher Jones

One of the major components of America's renewable energy future is education. Making people aware of renewable energy is not enough, its crucial that people are educated on why it is so important and exactly how developing renewable energy resources will improve the planet.

But renewable energy training is also highly important that people are educated on how they, as consumers of energy, can help green industry move forward.

Pacific Gas and Electric have emerged as pioneers in establishing such "Bright Ideas" for renewable energy.

As the nation scrambles to develop clean energy technology and improve energy efficiency, PG&E are leading the way through its Solar Schools program. The company have developed a nationally recognized program for teaching the value of renewable energy.

$8m to support solar installations

Based in California, the Solar Schools program was established 2004 and has so far provided over $8 million to support solar installations in 125 throughout across the Northern and Central regions of the state. It also has trained more than 3,000 teachers, benefiting more than 200,000 students.

"We are proud to inform, inspire and support the education of our future leaders," said Ophelia Basgal, vice president of Civic Partnerships and Community Initiatives at PG&E.

"These students are learning how to make real contributions in the advancement of renewable energy and the fight against climate change. We thank the participating schools who make this possible with their commitment and dedication."

"We hope to educate students on the benefits of renewable energy sources"

In San Francisco alone PG&E has donated more than $550,000 for solar installations at 22 schools in the city and $47,800 in Bright Ideas Grants to 10 schools, and has provided training to 158 teachers in the city. Each teacher received more than $1,000 in kits and curriculum.

PG&E spokeswoman Nicole Liebelt said. "In providing these grants, equipment and curriculum, we hope to help educate students on the benefits of clean, renewable energy sources like solar power and inspire them to become the inventors and scientists of tomorrow."

The sole aim of the project is to enforce people's understanding of renewable energy. But there is also another extremely important aspect to renewable energy training - safety.

As well as making sure the future of America has the knowledge to drive the renewable energy sector forward, efforts must also be made to make sure the industry is made a safe and efficient as possible in the here and now.

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