Skystream Dealer Training receives IREC Accreditation
Southwest Windpower announced in early August that it is the first distributed wind manufacturer to receive training accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC). IREC has implemented the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) framework of standards and metrics to provide a means to compare content, quality, and resources across a broad range…
Southwest Windpower announced in early August that it is the first distributed wind manufacturer to receive training accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC). IREC has implemented the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) framework of standards and metrics to provide a means to compare content, quality, and resources across a broad range of training programs covering renewable energy, energy efficiency and distributed generation technologies. This international framework ensures legitimacy of what’s being taught and by whom. When accrediting training programs, IREC evaluates a variety of criteria including course content, quality of instructors, equipment and safety considerations.
Southwest Windpower is the manufacturer of Skystream, a 2.4 kW distributed wind system that requires trained professional installation. The comprehensive five-day factory training course covers the basics of micro wind-siting and system sizing as well as a hands-on installation session including tower raising and electrical hookup. Students also learn system maintenance and repair as well as business skills to help grow a distributed wind business. Southwest Windpower requires all dealers who are installing the Skystream wind systems to attend training and pass a written test on the course materials.
“We see the accreditation as lending legitimacy to the whole distributed wind industry as well as giving our dealers an added tool to professionalize and stand out in a growing competitive market,” said Dixon Thayer, CEO of Southwest Windpower. The IREC credential is recognized by other governing agencies such as North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and will help dealers to open up more business from grant funded installations in states like New Jersey and Nevada.
Source: Southwest Wind Power
