The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) partners with organizations within the clean energy industry to further the advancement of a sustainable energy economy through education and outreach activities. Industry partners can include solar installation companies like Yes Solar Solutions, research institutions like the Research Triangle Institute, and advocacy organizations such as the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network.

The Training program at NCCETC conencts with industry partners, in the realm of solar installation and maintenance, to place training course graduates in internships within these organizations and to understand the current industry needs. One company in particular that the Training team has collaborated with is Greentech Renewables Raleigh, a solar equipment provider that serves the Greater Triangle Area here in North Carolina.

Shasten Jolley, manager of Greentech Renewables Raleigh, says “first and foremost we’re a solar equipment distribution company, our motto is going beyond supply”. In addition to distributing solar equipment including solar panels and solar inverters, they focus on workforce development and hold product training on installation and market development in the solar industry. Engineering services and special financing partnerships are also available through the company.

Jolley says they are very passionate about advocacy and market development and are involved with groups like NCCETC and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) to “push for a stronger solar agenda in North Carolina to make sure the market continues to thrive, and to do our part in building out the renewable energy industry.”

Jolley was introduced to NCCETC through events held by NCSEA, of which he is a member. Greentech Renewables has since been able to partner with NCCETC and has provided racking equipment, solar modules, and a new inverter for the Solar Training Yard on NC State University’s campus, which is frequently used by training participants in hands-on installation exercises.

Pictured: NCCETC Training participants at the Solar Training Yard

Through the five-year Department of Labor (DOL) funded project, Building Sustainable Pathways to Improve Under-served and Underrepresented Worker Access for Renewable Energy Infrastructure in Rural, Southeastern North Carolina, NCCETC aims to match training program graduates with internships at partner organizations within the industry. This May 2024 article highlights the project goals and initiatives.

Although the project is just starting to kick off, Jolley says he would be interested in doing interviews with graduates to start them in Greentech Renewables’ 12-week internship program. The structured internship program they offer introduces candidates to all aspects of the electrical distribution field through mentorship and on-the-job training.

Greentech Renewables also hosts an annual Carolina Solar Storage and Summit, a two-day event that brings partners in manufacturing, solar finance, and trade organizations together. This year, the Summit will take place on October 10 and 11, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Jolley explains that the first day of the Summit will be intended for technical training and hands-on training that offers North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) credit opportunities. The second day of the event will be more conversational and showcase presentations and panels on high level industry topics including solar financing, best practices, federal and state incentives, and future program rollouts. Both days will showcase a vendor hall where all manufacturing and finance partners will be present for attendees to network with. Anyone involved in the solar industry can attend, and Jolley says the Summit is primarily geared toward installation companies or sales organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina. To register and see more information, visit this link.

Executive Director, Steve Kalland, will be speaking on the second day of the Carolina Solar Storage and Summit. The Center will also have a space in the vendor hall during both days of the conference.

NCCETC looks forward to the opportunities that will continue to come from partnering with Greentech Renewables Raleigh. Collaboration within the clean energy industry is a key component to advancing a sustainable energy economy throughout North Carolina.