Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new #electricvehicle readiness program: Charging Smart! Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to local governments interested in adopting EV-friendly policies. From zoning updates to #EV incentives and beyond, our expert team is on hand to help you shepherd in the carbon-free future in your community. Learn more and get started at https://lnkd.in/eXgmsHJd! 🚘⚡

We are pleased to share that Community Housing Partners Energy Solutions, LLC has been recognized as an IREC Accredited Training Provider for the Job Task Analyses (JTAs) Energy Auditor, Crew Leader, Quality Control Inspector, and Retrofit Installer Technician! The IREC standards and rigorous application process require successful applicants to demonstrate a robust approach to quality and provide evidence of how that translates into all major areas of training program operations. As a leading accrediting body for clean energy training in the U.S., IREC has accredited over 200 clean energy training programs and has certified more than 100 clean energy instructors. Learn more about how your organization can earn accreditation at https://lnkd.in/eniwT_HM.

Tomorrow: Join us for a webinar from the National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance, presented in partnership between Climate United and Opportunity@Work, to delve into how Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds (GGRF) can be utilized to create energy jobs and leverage the skills of STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a bachelor’s degree). The group will discuss their collaborative efforts and the essential role of community-based organizations in driving workforce growth in the clean energy sector. Learn more & register now: https://bit.ly/3RVEwVH!

Join us for the Solar Ready Vets Summer Mentorship Series: an interactive, virtual program with the goal of cultivating veteran talent in the solar workforce. This is a unique opportunity to hear from military veterans in leadership roles across the solar industry as they share their “service to solar” career stories, and lead energizing discussions with service members and veterans interested in embarking on or advancing their own solar careers. Two interactive discussion sessions will explore: ☀ Identifying and communicating transferable skills gained through military service ☀ Navigating solar training options & charting a career pathway ☀ Building your solar network ☀ Adapting and thriving in the solar industry Register now: https://lnkd.in/exYT8b3v! Nexamp McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. GRID Alternatives Advanced Energy United Silicon Ranch Corporation Lonestar Solar Services

Check out our new report, Expanding Solar Access to Underserved Communities Through SolSmart! The report, authored by Great Plains Institute, examines ways in which U.S. cities have made sure that residents benefit from solar energy installations, offering replicable actions for other cities. See it now: https://lnkd.in/eWTdHGPj!

"Bennie Tillman Jr. lives in a two-bedroom, one-bath house that his father built back in 1948. By 2022, “it was worn-out,” Tillman told me—drafty on cold winter nights and expensive to keep cool in the Southern summer. That October, weatherization contractors breathed new life into the home. They sealed cracks and gaps in the building’s shell that let outdoor air sneak inside, added a moisture barrier to the dirt-floored basement, and installed insulation in the attic and basement. The energy-saving home makeover was covered by the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program funding at no cost to Tillman, 68, or his wife. Now, the home is much better at holding on to heat in the winter and staying cool in the summer. During the hottest and coldest times of the year, the couple saves roughly $200 a month on their energy bills, Tillman said.” Canary Media Inc.

IREC's Local Initiatives intern Kolby Braxton visited the village of Castañer in Puerto Rico for the first time this week to support the community activities of the RACER (Renewables Advancing Community Energy Resilience) program! IREC is working with the community of Castañer to develop an innovative resilience plan based on local needs and priorities of community leaders, residents, and businesses. Through an inclusive planning process, our goal is to make the local energy system stronger and more reliable, and help the community prepare for and recover from extreme weather emergencies. Learn more about the project: https://lnkd.in/gE6sGyXa!

Join our team! IREC is seeking an EV Market Development Program Manager to support the Local Initiatives team in achieving aggressive goals to increase the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging. The Program Manager will work with partners to recruit communities and provide technical assistance to local governments pursuing designation under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded Charging Smart program. Learn more & apply by August 7: https://bit.ly/4eTRb5x!

IREC is committed to building a top-notch, inclusive workforce to meet the growing demand for clean energy. From accrediting cutting-edge training programs to creating job-focused micro-credentials, we're paving the way for diverse communities to thrive in the green economy. 1️⃣ Green Workforce Connect: Linking job seekers, students, and contractors with training and employment opportunities in home weatherization and beyond. 🌍 2️⃣ Clean Energy Apprenticeships: Expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector. 🛠️ 3️⃣ Clean Energy Training: Developing dynamic, interactive training experiences online and in person to impact on-the-job performance. 🎓 4️⃣ National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance: A cross-sector effort to improve clean energy education, training, and job placement outcomes, inclusive of diverse candidates and underserved communities. 🤝 5️⃣ Job Market Trends: Providing insights into the jobs and economic impact of clean energy solutions through research and resources. 📊 6️⃣ Veteran Resources: Connecting talented veterans with rewarding careers in the clean energy industry. 🎖️ Learn more about how we're empowering a sustainable future for all: https://lnkd.in/eUqZ75Nb ⚡

We are so happy to welcome Dan Lopez to the SolarAPP+ Foundation as our first CTO! Dan will oversee the development and scaling of products provided by SolarAPP+ to local governments and solar installers. His vast experience with software engineering and local and federal government technology makes him the ideal first CTO of the SolarAPP+ Foundation. Welcome to the team, Dan!