The utility is building a 1.1-megawatt array on 7 acres on Yankee Street — the first in southwestern Ohio. In all, the site will have 9,000 panels, expected to be operational by April.
Course instructor Robert Gilbert, technical director for the college’s Center for Energy Education, said only a few dozen installers in Ohio are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, a shortage as the state transitions to renewable energy.
To date, Sinclair has completed one offering of the solar design and installation course for 16 students. The second class has 20 students. Class size is limited. Some who wanted in were turned away. The starting wage for an entry-level installer is $15 per hour, Gilbert said.
Ohio’s alternative energy portfolio standard requires utilities to produce electricity with renewable or advanced methods. Besides that, federal tax rebates and state incentives are driving solar installations, Gilbert said. Ohio’s installation work force and its manufacturing industry have catching up to do.
The Yankee substation panels were made by the Japanese company Sharp, said Senior Project Manager Jim Owens of Ameridian Specialty Services Inc., despite efforts to secure Ohio-made panels. Ohio solar companies couldn’t produce the panels in time, he said.
“Out-of-state companies are servicing the under-manned work force for the jobs in Ohio,” said Gilbert, adding “we are expecting our students to work for new or existing Ohio companies.”
In December, Sinclair was approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners as a provider of the entry-level exam for solar design and installation.
“This makes you feel better because it’s green,” Lightfoot said.
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