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July 21, 2010

KVCC seeks to hire solar instructor

By Scott Monroe smonroe@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

FAIRFIELD -- Kennebec Valley Community College is seeking a full-time solar thermal instructor as it prepares to launch an energy training program funded by a $3.3 million grant through the federal government.

The college's solar heating and cooling training initiative is scheduled to debut in January 2011, offering specialized training in solar installation to people across the Northeast. It's part of a "Solar Instructor Training Network" established by the U.S. Department of Energy.

College officials are aiming to hire an instructor by summer's end, so a curriculum can be created before the end of the year. The instructor will be paid $40,000 to $65,000, depending on experience.

"It's a new position, entirely federally-funded," said Dana Doran, director of energy programs at KVCC. "There isn't a position like this at any community college or four-year baccalaureate in Maine."

The college is one of nine regional training providers in the U.S. selected by the Department of Energy. College officials said KVCC has been incorporating renewable energy education into its electrical technology program since 1995 and is currently consolidating all of its energy and efficiency programs into a new KVCC Energy Services and Technology Center in the Muriel P. Frye Building.

Under the KVCC training program, instructors will be sent to colleges, technical high schools, and other sites to teach the latest solar-installation techniques to people who will then train other students in their communities. A mobile laboratory will be used to demonstrate solar technologies to people in Maine and other states.

The goal, according to the college, is to increase the quality and availability of solar installation in Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

"Utilizing the sun to create heat for hot water, space heating, and air conditioning is essential to reducing our carbon footprint and our reliance on fossil fuels," Doran said. "However, to make sure this vision becomes reality, it is essential that this technology is installed properly and cost-effectively. Thus, it is critical that technicians are trained properly on the most up-to-date technology and installation methods."

Scott Monroe -- 861-9253

smonroe@centralmaine.com

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