‘Green’ workers in demand

• By MARSHA SILLS
• Advocate Acadiana bureau
• Published: Oct 3, 2008 - Page: 1BA - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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LAFAYETTE — Now that tax credits are available to home and business owners who choose solar and wind energy systems, the state is growing a new work force to install the alternative energy sources.

Since June, 36 solar installers have been trained through a partnership between the nonprofit organization —  Louisiana CleanTech Network — and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System at the technical college in Metairie.

Prior to the training offered at the Jefferson Parish campus, there were only five certified installers in the state, according to the system.

Now, the training will be expanded to the Louisiana Technical College Lafayette campus. Later this month, an introductory course for those interested in the alternative energy sources will be offered and installation training courses will begin in November.

Upon completion, students are work-ready and eligible for a certificate of knowledge from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Full certification from the board requires another year and a minimum of two installations.

“This is the future,” said Phyllis Dupuis, regional director of the LTC campuses in Acadiana. “We’re hoping people are interested in trying to learn more about the benefits of that kind of system.”

The installation classes will be taught in two levels and will start Nov. 12.

“There’s no where else that you can get this training in the state,” said Stephen Shelton, executive director of the Louisiana CleanTech Network. The nonprofit is the contractor for a U.S. Department of Energy Solar American Cities grant that tagged New Orleans for solar initiatives and training.

The nonprofit also offers assistance and support to alternative energy companies and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

Louisiana has some catching up to do as a green state. It’s expected that the tax credits will help motivate consumers to use alternative energy.

The tax credit, authored by Acadiana legislator Sen. Nick Gautreaux, gives a 50 percent credit for the first $25,000 for the installation and purchase of wind or solar energy systems.

Because it’s an emerging field, training is in demand across the country with some programs sold out months in advance, Shelton said.

“It would have been six  months before we could have a training program come to Louisiana,” he said.