New Solar Training for Architects and Engineers in the Northeast: Act Soon on this Opportunity

Architects and engineers are the brains and force behind every design project—the experts that put to paper a client’s conceptual wishes.  As a key professional on the design team, architects and engineers are well poised to tap into the northeast’s $67.5 billion solar investment potential and influence a client’s wish list to include solar energy on both new and remodeled buildings. Solar systems add value to almost any project because solar panels capture and allow building owners to produce their own power from the sun that falls onto their buildings or grounds. And with nearly 275,000 good commercial buildings rooftops in the northeast, the addition of solar on buildings a lucrative opportunity for designers who want to stay ahead of their competition and lead the market with cutting edge designs. 

So are architects and engineers wielding their power to include solar energy into those plans?  Are they introducing the idea of adding solar photovoltaics (PV) to their clients? In the Northeast and all across mid-America - no, they are not. Most designers don’t have experience with solar, don’t propose including solar, and don’t know where to begin.

A new training funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative could change that in 22 U.S. cities -including four in the Northeast. The training is coming soon to Washington DC (June 27), Pittsburgh (July 20), New Haven (September 27) and Boston (TBD) along with a webinar later this summer.

The training is specially-designed for architects and engineers and explains how to incorporate solar photovoltaics (PV) into designs, how designers can differentiate themselves in the marketplace by offering solar PV to the clients, how to speak with clients about its benefits, and where to find information on financial incentives. This one-time only training is endorsed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and by ASHRAE. This training was developed by the Building Codes Assistance Project, the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), and 15 national solar energy experts and provides 6.5 HSW continuing education credits to participants.

As AIA’s code of ethics convey that members should “…maintain and advance their knowledge of the art and science of architecture, respect the body of architectural accomplishment, contribute to its growth, thoughtfully consider the social and environmental impact of their professional activities...” This training provides an ideal opportunity for designers to become Solar Superheroes in the northeast. Learn more or register here. http://bcapcodes.org/beyond-code-portal/sunshot/intro/