Building Equity
in Solar Training®
Reactivate's Workforce Training Program
the Building Equity in Solar Training ® (B.E.S.T.) program is a 16-week, hands-on solar workforce training program providing job ready certifications for open to all individuals. The program’s primary goal is to improve local economies associated with our project sites by providing access to good-paying career opportunities in the solar industry.
Reactivate is currently expanding the B.E.S.T. program to other states in partnership with sister organizations.
Growing Demand
Solar energy has expanded rapidly over the last decade, with an average annual growth rate of 28% driven by the rising demand for affordable, clean power. In 2024, the industry generated over $70 billion of private investment in the American economy.
As solar deployment grows, workforce training programs are needed to equip individuals with the skills to support the nation’s growing energy demand while strengthening America's grid reliability and resiliency.
B.E.S.T. is deliberately crafted to address this need, making training programs more accessible to working-class communities.
Program Design
The curriculum was created in conjunction with experienced solar curriculum facilitators GRID Alternatives (GRID), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Jobs for the Future (JFF), a nationally recognized workforce training and curriculum facilitator.
Through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, the program is designed to meet local employment demands and equip graduates with the skills required to begin a career in the solar industry. B.E.S.T. incorporates courses from North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP), OSHA 30, and trade instruction.
Ensuring Student Success
The program is built around a suite of wrap-around support to ensure student success.
These include:
- Enrollment options for individuals without a high school degree
- Weekly stipends
- Transportation and childcare support
- Professional development skills
- Assistance with job placement & transition to apprenticeships
- A train-the-trainer model for upskilling non-specialist instructors
- Access to free computers and Wi-Fi hot spots
- Skills-based training and certifications that will ensure graduates are hirable for other trades in the event the demand for solar installers is low
Program Overview
- 16-week hands-on training program
- Paid training with materials provided
- Transportation and childcare assistance
- Dedicated tutoring and counseling
- Bilingual support (English/Spanish)
Eligibility
- 18 years or older
- Valid ID
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- Interested in working in the solar industry
Training Generally Includes:
- Solar photovoltaic system installation
- OSHA 30 certification
- Powered industrial vehicle training
- NABCEP PV Associate
- Career readiness training
- CRP/First Aid
Awards
National Partners
