The City of Knoxville's Solar America Cities Program will hold two free workshops this week - one aimed at companies and individuals interested in entering the solar industry and the other at homeowners considering the applications and benefits of solar power in their houses.

Both events will be held at Pellissippi State Technical Community College, located at 10915 Hardin Valley Road, and are part of an ongoing series of solar workshops being offered by the city.

The two events include: 
 "Green Jobs and Education Opportunities" will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., Friday, April 17, at the J.L. Goins Building Cafeteria Annex on the Pellissippi State campus.

This panel discussion will address opportunities for careers in the solar power industry. Speakers will discuss the skill sets and training necessary to start a successful career in areas such as solar manufacturing, solar technology installation and energy efficiency. 
 
"Solar Basics for the Home" is being held in conjunction with EarthFest, Knoxville's 10th annual Earth Day celebration. The free workshop is set for 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the J.L. Goins Building Auditorium.

This workshop, led by Gil Melear-Hough with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, will focus on how homeowners can incorporate solar technology into their homes and will include discussion of the benefits and tax credits available to offset the costs of installation.

Again, both workshops are free. To attend please RSVP to Gil Melear-Hough at 865-789-5482 or at [email protected].

The city has held two previous solar workshops including one in February that drew more than 75 business owners and representatives to a discussion about the many financial incentives available to help companies install solar technology in a practical and affordable manner.

The Solar America Cities Program's goal is to help create a sustainable solar energy infrastructure in Knoxville and the workshops are one method the city is using to reduce barriers to increased installation of solar technologies.

The Solar America Cities Program is a result of the City of Knoxville's selection by the U.S. Department of Energy last year as a Solar America City - one of only three in the Southeast.

That designation has led to Knoxville receiving more than $500,000 so far in funding and technical assistance from the DOE, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA and other organizations to help the city reach its goals.

The city has also been working with organizations like the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and with Pellissippi State as part of this initiative.

More information about Knoxville's Solar America Cities Program is available at www.knoxvilletn.gov/solar.

Solar America Cities is a partnership program of the U.S. Department of Energy that provides financial and technical assistance to 25 U.S. cities committed to accelerating the adoption of solar energy technologies. More information is available at www.solaramericacities.energy.gov