TCC kicks off alternative energy training

Tallahassee Community College is offering courses in alternative energy technology for contractors, electricians, plumbers and engineers – and those looking to learn a construction trade – starting Monday, Aug. 25.

The City of Tallahassee, which has greatly increased its green initiatives, is partnering with the College to offer classes in solar and photovoltaic training to residents of the Big Bend and Panhandle. So are the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida and the Employ Florida Alternative Energy Banner Center.

“Cutting-edge contractors need to come see what's happening here,” said Tom McHaffie, an electrical contractor and TCC instructor. “This technology is fascinating. Imagine, creating electrical current from the sun! It sounds like a fantasy, but it's a reliable, sustainable and renewable alternative energy source whose day has arrived.”

“The number of people doing this work is mushrooming,” said Tom Gillman, Solar Coordinator for the City of Tallahassee and also a TCC instructor.

TCC will offer Thermal Solar Hot Water Heating as a 32-hour, two-week course meeting from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The cost is $109, including materials. Introduction to Photovoltaic is a 48-hour, three-week course, meeting from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; the $159 cost includes materials.

Both courses begin on Monday, Aug. 25. Thermal Solar runs through Sept. 11, while Photovoltaic runs through Sept. 16. A second course in Thermal Solar runs Sept. 16 through Sept. 30.

Since Gov. Charlie Crist announced initiatives to reduce global warming last year, many Floridians have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprints. Also in 2007, TCC invested $2,673,092 to upgrade its control, lighting and water systems, an outlay which it expects to recoup in roughly seven years.

And local residents want to have very high energy efficiency, said David Byrne, Director of Energy Services for the City of Tallahassee.

“They want us to increase the efficiency of how they use their electric and gas,” Byrne said. “And of course, they want lower prices. And the way we've envisioned doing that is by finding ways to incent and encourage people to use less energy.”

Energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, said Byrne, but allows the City's utility system to operate at lower cost – thereby passing the savings on to consumers.

To register for TCC's alternative energy courses, please call (850) 201-8337 or e-mail Trades@tcc.fl.edu.