Richland Community College is offering Renewable Energy Training February 28 through March 2, 2013. These classes are being offered to the community to set up their own home renewable energy systems or to become certified as an independent Wind or Solar Site Assessor contractor. There are currently only five wind and solar certified site assessors within the state of Illinois.

The site assessor certificate offered through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking an online Certificate Renewable course and passing the certificate renewal exam. The wind and solar site assessor certificate is accredited under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) – Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC) program demonstrates to customers, students, policymakers, funders, and employers that the MREA Site Assessment Certificate Program for photovoltaics and solar thermal have met all requirements in the Standard and has valid market value.

The wind and solar site assessor courses are being offered at reduced rates (they are typically $100) due to an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant.

All classes are from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the National Sequestration Education Center (NSEC) located on the Richland Community College campus, next to the wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.

Call 217-875-7211, ext. 265 to register. Questions may be directed to Ben Newton, Sustainability Program Coordinator at Richland Community College at 217-875-7211, ext. 220 or bnewton@richland.edu.