Sunday, October 16, 2011
Exploding the promise of 'green jobs'
Can we finally put to rest the idea that government creates jobs? Can everyone finally agree that "green jobs" will never be part of an economic recovery -- in Nevada or anywhere else?
There is simply no spinning or distorting the failure of one of President Obama's biggest initiatives and campaign promises. "Hope" and "Change" hinged on creating 5 million green jobs in 10 years. As a down payment, the stimulus abomination set aside billions of dollars, including a $500 million grant to train 125,000 people for the noble work of the future.
Cont
http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/exploding-the-promise-of-green-jobs-131940528.html
There is simply no spinning or distorting the failure of one of President Obama's biggest initiatives and campaign promises. "Hope" and "Change" hinged on creating 5 million green jobs in 10 years. As a down payment, the stimulus abomination set aside billions of dollars, including a $500 million grant to train 125,000 people for the noble work of the future.
Cont
http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/exploding-the-promise-of-green-jobs-131940528.html
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
What is the Job Outlook?
What is the Job Outlook?
As this is an emerging occupation, the number of Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians in California is unknown at this time. Employment opportunities should increase in the future considering society’s growing interest in environmental protection and the development of alternative energy sources. Additionally, consumers benefit from local utility rebates, tax credits, and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) incentives by going “tankless,” thus encouraging a growing demand for Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians. However, like many other construction occupations, employment is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy. Workers in these trades may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls.
As this is an emerging occupation, the number of Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians in California is unknown at this time. Employment opportunities should increase in the future considering society’s growing interest in environmental protection and the development of alternative energy sources. Additionally, consumers benefit from local utility rebates, tax credits, and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) incentives by going “tankless,” thus encouraging a growing demand for Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians. However, like many other construction occupations, employment is sensitive to the fluctuations of the economy. Workers in these trades may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Green Industry Examples
Public and Private Utilities
Power Generation plants (electric, hydroelectric, other fuels)
Power Transmission
Power Distribution
Construction—residential, commercial, industrial, remodeling
Power and communication line construction
Glazing contractors
Roofing contractors
Various manufacturing sectors—lighting, appliance, motor and generator, storage batteries, motor vehicle, semiconductors
Automatic environmental controls
Public and Private Utilities
Power Generation plants (electric, hydroelectric, other fuels)
Power Transmission
Power Distribution
Construction—residential, commercial, industrial, remodeling
Power and communication line construction
Glazing contractors
Roofing contractors
Various manufacturing sectors—lighting, appliance, motor and generator, storage batteries, motor vehicle, semiconductors
Automatic environmental controls
Are you a good fit for a "Green" Job ?
Working Conditions
Solar Thermal Installers work outdoors in most types of weather. The work requires lifting heavy tools and equipment as well as the confidence to work on rooftops and in cramped quarters. Additionally, Installers may risk injury by cuts from hand and power tools; however, risks are minimized by following proper safety procedures. Most Installers work 40 hours per week, but they may work much longer hours during the spring and summer. Harsh weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, may delay work schedules.
This occupation is not heavily unionized at this time. However, some Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians may belong to the plumbers and pipefitters or sheet metal workers unions.
Will This Job Fit Me?
The job of Solar Thermal Installer may appeal to those who enjoy working outdoors at work activities requiring practical, hands-on problems and solutions; accordingly, this occupation does not involve a lot of paperwork. This occupation also generally interests those who are attentive to detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?
Wages
A formal salary survey is not available. However, according to telephone inquiries conducted with employers of Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians, annual wages range from the lower boundary of $20,000 to the upper boundary of $75,000; hourly wages range from $10/hour to $35/hour. All salaries depend on the pay structure established by each employer for work performed, the nature of the project, and the skills of the specialists. Generally, workers in large cities earn higher wages than those who work in small towns and rural areas.
Solar Thermal Installers work outdoors in most types of weather. The work requires lifting heavy tools and equipment as well as the confidence to work on rooftops and in cramped quarters. Additionally, Installers may risk injury by cuts from hand and power tools; however, risks are minimized by following proper safety procedures. Most Installers work 40 hours per week, but they may work much longer hours during the spring and summer. Harsh weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, may delay work schedules.
This occupation is not heavily unionized at this time. However, some Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians may belong to the plumbers and pipefitters or sheet metal workers unions.
Will This Job Fit Me?
The job of Solar Thermal Installer may appeal to those who enjoy working outdoors at work activities requiring practical, hands-on problems and solutions; accordingly, this occupation does not involve a lot of paperwork. This occupation also generally interests those who are attentive to detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?
Wages
A formal salary survey is not available. However, according to telephone inquiries conducted with employers of Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians, annual wages range from the lower boundary of $20,000 to the upper boundary of $75,000; hourly wages range from $10/hour to $35/hour. All salaries depend on the pay structure established by each employer for work performed, the nature of the project, and the skills of the specialists. Generally, workers in large cities earn higher wages than those who work in small towns and rural areas.
Solar Energy Systems Installers
Guide for
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians in California
May also be called: Solar Energy Systems Installers; Solar Hot Water System Installers; Solar Thermal Repair Technicians
What Would I Do?
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians install, maintain, and repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Typically, solar water heating technology is used to heat water to three temperature levels: low for swimming pools, medium for space heating and cooling and domestic water heating, and high for steam production for electric generation.
Solar water heating systems are set up in conjunction with a standard water heater. There are two types of solar water heating technology: active and passive systems. Active systems use fans or pumps to move heat to warm water. Passive systems use sunlight to store energy and rely upon gravity to move hot water into a storage tank. They do not require pumps to move water.
Solar water heating technology uses the sun’s rays to heat liquid in copper or plastic tubes located inside solar
collector panels. The heated liquid coming from the solar panels transfers heat to the water heater through
exchange coils inside the storage tank or a heat exchanger added to the existing water heater tank. The storage
tank provides preheated hot water to a conventional water heater for immediate use. Solar water
heating saves energy by reducing the amount of time a regular water heater must operate.
Installers plan the layout of the system by determining the placement of tanks and pumps; they also perform on-site evaluations to ensure the best placement of solar panels to obtain optimal sun exposure. Solar Thermal Installers mount pre-assembled solar panels or systems. They install storage tanks or heat exchangers into existing tanks. They also install pumps, valves, pipes, and ducts. Solar Thermal Installers set up and adjust electrical or electronic controls and sometimes do routine maintenance. In new construction, they follow blueprints to connect piping, ducting, controls, and wiring. Installers also demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to solar thermal system owners.
Solar Thermal Installers commonly use a variety of power and hand tools including extruders, propane torches, and wrenches. Copper pipes are frequently used in solar hot water heating systems installed in residential and commercial buildings; lead-free solders are used to solder the pipe fittings properly. Some systems use polyethylene tubing, with which Installers use crimpers to connect the pipes. Plastic PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) pipes are generally used in solar water heating systems for pools.
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians in California
May also be called: Solar Energy Systems Installers; Solar Hot Water System Installers; Solar Thermal Repair Technicians
What Would I Do?
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians install, maintain, and repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Typically, solar water heating technology is used to heat water to three temperature levels: low for swimming pools, medium for space heating and cooling and domestic water heating, and high for steam production for electric generation.
Solar water heating systems are set up in conjunction with a standard water heater. There are two types of solar water heating technology: active and passive systems. Active systems use fans or pumps to move heat to warm water. Passive systems use sunlight to store energy and rely upon gravity to move hot water into a storage tank. They do not require pumps to move water.
Solar water heating technology uses the sun’s rays to heat liquid in copper or plastic tubes located inside solar
collector panels. The heated liquid coming from the solar panels transfers heat to the water heater through
exchange coils inside the storage tank or a heat exchanger added to the existing water heater tank. The storage
tank provides preheated hot water to a conventional water heater for immediate use. Solar water
heating saves energy by reducing the amount of time a regular water heater must operate.
Installers plan the layout of the system by determining the placement of tanks and pumps; they also perform on-site evaluations to ensure the best placement of solar panels to obtain optimal sun exposure. Solar Thermal Installers mount pre-assembled solar panels or systems. They install storage tanks or heat exchangers into existing tanks. They also install pumps, valves, pipes, and ducts. Solar Thermal Installers set up and adjust electrical or electronic controls and sometimes do routine maintenance. In new construction, they follow blueprints to connect piping, ducting, controls, and wiring. Installers also demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to solar thermal system owners.
Solar Thermal Installers commonly use a variety of power and hand tools including extruders, propane torches, and wrenches. Copper pipes are frequently used in solar hot water heating systems installed in residential and commercial buildings; lead-free solders are used to solder the pipe fittings properly. Some systems use polyethylene tubing, with which Installers use crimpers to connect the pipes. Plastic PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) pipes are generally used in solar water heating systems for pools.
White House Going Solar -- Again - NYTimes.com
The White House, which only last month rebuffed a proposal by activists to reinstall one of former President Carter’s solar panels atop the executive mansion, plans to announce Tuesday that it will be adopting solar power after all.
White House Going Solar -- Again - NYTimes.com
White House Going Solar -- Again - NYTimes.com
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