Increasing the workforce in the solar sector

Photo: Jack Kiyonaga

Molokai has a new crop of graduates pursuing solar sales in the country.

“There’s still a lot ahead of us, a lot more to build, but the goal is for everyone to take advantage of this vision and get involved in renewable energy,” said Liliana Napoleon, project coordinator for Ho’ahu Energy Cooperative Molokai (HECM).

After completing the course during the spring semester in partnership with HECM, ten graduates of the Clean Solar Energy Sales training course were recognized for the skills and knowledge they acquired during their June 10 graduation. The course focused on understanding the market attractiveness and economics of photovoltaic systems as well as the technical characteristics of a photovoltaic installation. Throughout the program, students learned effective solar and sales strategies, plot tips, and functional approaches to installing systems on islands. This nicely complements HECM’s previous training programs, which focused primarily on the engineering aspects of creating solar systems. With major solar projects planned in Molokai in the coming years, these graduates will strengthen Molokai’s skilled solar workforce.

“The industry isn’t going anywhere. It will stay here,” Napoleon explained.

The course participants cooperated with Makaha Learning Center based in Oahu. Makaha President Duckie Irwin mentioned the promising renewable energy potential on Molokai.

“Out of this space will come innovation, and out of this space will emerge a model that many other communities like Molokai can adopt,” Irwin said.

Integrating solar energy on Molokai has the potential to increase energy efficiency and increase employment opportunities, Irwin explained.

“Clean renewable energy is not only a better way to do things, it creates opportunities,” she said.

With the State of Hawaii expected to be 100% renewable energy dependent by 2045, this course is a commitment to a promising future of solar energy for the people of Molokai.

“For me, solar energy is, at its core, an empowerment,” said Todd Yamashita, former president and instructor of HECM. “In this space there is a place where you can learn, but there is also a place where you can lead,” he explained.

Solar energy is an increasingly popular career opportunity, both nationally and here on Molokai. The availability of home solar projects is crucial to the continued development of local residents, Napoleon explained.

“In this industry, you can build a career without leaving home. You can still balance raising a family, extracurricular activities and lifestyle, but also excel in speaking up for a small community like Molokai,” Napoleon said.

Molokai residents can learn more about future HECM workforce training opportunities at hoahuenergy.coop/workforce.