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Owens’ Photovoltaic Installation Training Program Showcases How ‘Going Green’ is the Wave of the Future

Jacob Wainio of Port Clinton (left) and Matt Dombek of Perrysburg work to convert DC “solar” to AC for home use through an inverter during Owens’ Photovoltaic Installation Training program.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Heating a home can be quite expensive during the frigid winters, but imagine lowering your electric bill by “going green” at home. This energy savings is the exciting reality for Craig Budzinski, who has managed to reduce his electric bill more than 30 percent each month using green technology.

The Defiance resident enrolled in the Photovoltaic Installation Training program – the only program of its kind in the region – at Owens Community College, and learned many simple ways to change his regular home into an energy-efficient home.

He invested $2,000 in upgrading his home with green technology, including installing energy-efficient appliances, a solar panel to generate energy for items such as his sump pump, and thermal transference panels in his basement allowing heat to rise into the main living area.

He also increased his refrigerator temperature a few degrees, purchased a programmable thermostat to keep his inner-house temperature a constant 62 degrees, and installed low voltage light bulbs.

“A large home is very expensive to heat and cool, and having two teen-age boys that open the refrigerator 300 times a day doesn’t help either,” laughs Budzinski, who said he is now saving $600 annually on his energy bills. He will regain his initial $2,000 investment in just over three years at his current energy rate of savings.

Green technology is the wave of the future, and more and more people are choosing to use renewable energy and environmentally-friendly products. Owens is responding to this development by providing students with cutting-edge education in “going green” and how to implement their green knowledge to save money at home. Owens is also preparing students in photovoltaic installation, an emerging career field in alternative energy.

“Owens has made a fundamental point to continuously respond to the needs of the surrounding communities through curricular innovations,” said Dr. Michael Bankey, Owens Vice President of Workforce and Community Services. “The College is dedicated to providing students with innovative topics and education related to green living.”

Photovoltaic installation program student Craig Budzinski of Defiance (kneeling) tests a solar panel’s voltage as Owens instructor Joe Peschel looks on.

Budzinski enrolled in the intense five-day photovoltaic installation course because he was interested in installing solar panels on his home. Commonly known as solar cells, photovoltaic materials convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Students with previous mechanical or electrical experience that successfully complete this program qualify to test for the Photovoltaic Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge program, and with additional work experience will qualify to take the national certification test. Graduates are prepared to work as a photovoltaic installer or integrator, both up-and-coming careers with starting wages of $12-$16 an hour.

“I plan to further my training and become certified in the field of photovoltaic installation, and move into the design and engineering of photovoltaics, an entire career change for me,” said Budzinski, who currently manages an automotive distribution warehouse. “I know there are more opportunities for job placement and the field of solar energy opens so many doors.”

Keith Dandridge, an Engineer from Toledo, said taking the course was an excellent choice to further his knowledge and work toward his certification.

“My interest was sparked after college graduation, and I wanted to learn more about the system, design and the implementation of the photovoltaic technology. The course was all hands-on, and we were able to actually install a system, which proved for a great learning experience,” he said.

Another student, Mark Thompson of Clayton, Mich., has worked as a Carpenter for 25 years, and wanted to broaden his skill set. Since solar power is increasing in popularity, he felt photovoltaic installation training would give him an edge in his field, and possibly lead to a new career. He is also interested in installing solar panels on his home.

Additionally, many companies and organizations within Ohio and beyond have chosen to enroll their employees in the College’s Photovoltaic Installation Training program in order to advance their knowledge about the growing alternative energy field.

“Alternative energy is becoming a viable energy source,” stated Shawn Ramey of Ney, a Product Engineer at Alex Products Inc. in Ridgeville Corners. “As the demand for alternative energy grows, our company wants to explore ways in which we can support the industry from a residential and utility/commercial systems standpoint.”

John Robb of Hinckley, a Senior Technician of Maintenance for the Cleveland Metroparks, mentioned that he always had an interest in alternative energy and wants to expand his understanding of the growing field.

“The Cleveland Metroparks currently has three stand-alone photovoltaic systems, which power lighting and ventilation for a remote picnic area,” he said. “We are considering all options when it comes to alternative energy, such as solar, wind, solar thermal and energy conservation. This class has been extremely beneficial in expanding my education related to solar power.”

Solar technology is on the cutting edge in the immediate region, according to Joe Peschel, Owens Part-Time Coordinator of Non-Credit Customized Training in Workforce and Community Services and Photovoltaic Installation Training program Coordinator.

He said many students who enroll in the class are interested in installing solar technology in their home, or are simply interested in learning more about solar energy.

For more information about Owens’ Photovoltaic Installation Training program, call (567) 661 7357 or 1 800 GO OWENS, Ext. 7357.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.