Banking on Solar: Wells Fargo’s $100 Million Solar Fund Supports Clean Energy
Posted by Paola Blanco on Thu, Feb 02, 2012 @ 01:00 PM
The solar industry has been gaining momentum for some time. In fact, the industry has grown 10 times faster than the national average. As the potential for solar technology to provide the nation with a clean solution to fossil fuel dependency and create sustainable employment opportunities becomes clear to the larger public, businesses have rallied in support.
Wells Fargo has agreed to contribute $100 million dollars to solar project developer Enfinity America to finance PV plants across the US and Canada. This solar partnership will infuse both agriculture and manufacturing projects in Ohio, California, and Ontario with capital. It will also combat the solar industry’s dependency on treasury grants to finance projects. “Our continued commitment to the U.S. solar market is a reflection of the opportunity Wells Fargo sees in this growing sector,” says Barry Neal, head of Wells Fargo's Environmental Finance Group.
As solar technology is introduced to larger markets, the question becomes: how can we make sure the technology is used efficiently and effectively across the board? US Solar Institute understands that the key behind widespread adoption lies in supporting a comprehensive education of solar technology and in creating a capable workforce with the skills that meet real world demands.
Unlike other solar training schools, US Solar Institute is licensed by the Department of Education as a Vocational School, which offers a Diploma in Photovoltaics. Strong credentials, expert instructors in the classroom, and a structured curriculum that transitions students from understanding basic concepts to hands on experience in class and on the job, guarantee graduates will leave with the skills they need to succeed.
With savvy solar energy professional s poised to take on immerging opportunities in this field, it’s no wonder that big businesses are taking notice and getting involved. What it boils down to is investing. First, we must invest in education that will give those interested in working within the industry practical experience and a proven skill set and secondly, in projects like those sponsored by Wells Fargo and Enfinity, for even better returns on energy.
