ICC-SRCC an Industry Partner in DOE Solar Training and Education Program

Grant Funding Will Provide Training and Resources to More Than 100,000 Industry Professionals

The International Code Council’s Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (ICC-SRCC) is an allied industry partner in the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC) two-year project to develop solar resources and training to reach 100,000 industry professionals in the code official, inspection and firefighting sectors, with a goal of delivering direct training to 10,000 individuals.

As the solar industry matures and diversifies, there is an increasing need for industry professionals to know more about solar technologies, both for safety and quality assurance. Recognizing this, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded grant funding under the new Solar Training and Education for Professionals (STEP) program.

“Building and fire officials, along with the other stakeholders the STEP award aims to reach, are key components in the continued growth of the U.S. solar industry,” explained ICC-SRCC Executive Director Eileen Prado. “We hope to address gaps in training and education for code officials and other industry professionals who play a critical role in solar deployment, and give consumers access to highly-trained professionals working to provide a safe, affordable, and more energy-efficient built environment.”

IREC’s partners represent the industries to be reached with solar training: ICC-SRCC and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors representing a wide range of code officials and inspectors; and the International Association of Fire Fighters and National Association of State Fire Marshals representing the fire service. Rounding out the team are private sector partners Interplay Learning and Embedded Assessments, which will support development, delivery and evaluation of training.

“This project represents a natural progression for IREC, based on our long history building a competent and highly-skilled workforce and quality assurances for the clean energy sectors,” said IREC President/CEO Jane Weissman. “Our colleagues in the allied industries are key players in ensuring safe, sustainable market growth, and in reducing solar soft costs, ultimately passed along to the energy consumer.”

About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.

About the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation

The Solar Rating Certification Corporation is a member of the ICC Family of Companies. The primary purpose of ICC-SRCC is to provide authoritative performance ratings, certifications and standards for renewable energy products with the intention of protecting and providing guidance to consumers, incentive providers, government and the industry.