Bright Solar Futures Curriculum
Bright Solar Futures (BSF) prepares young adults and high school students to launch careers in the growing field of solar energy. Participants gain foundational knowledge in solar installation techniques, system design principles, and job site safety best practices. PEA offers two programs: Bright Solar Futures (OppY Program) for adult residents of Philadelphia and Bright Solar Futures High School Program for students attending a Philadelphia School District high school that offers the BSF Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
Bright Solar Futures (OppY Program)
Bright Solar Futures (OppY) is a paid, eight-week immersive solar training program for un- and under-employed 18-to-30-year-olds. The program offers two industry-recognized certifications: OSHA 10 and OSHA 30. Participants are paid $15 per hour during the program. Upon completion, participants receive support accessing employment opportunities and additional training pathways.
Interested in applying? Email workforce@philaenergy.org for more information.
Bright Solar Futures (High School CTE Program)
The Bright Solar Futures High School Program is a three-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that introduces students to solar energy, electrical safety, and energy efficiency principles. It is the first training program of its kind in the United States.
Students receive hands-on training in solar panel installation, system design, and emerging energy technologies, while also developing essential workplace and communication skills. The program includes a paid, four-week summer enrichment component that reinforces classroom learning through real-world applications. Students gain exposure to technical tools and industry practices that can support their future training or certification opportunities.
Through partnerships with CTE programs across the School District of Philadelphia, the program continues to expand access to solar career pathways for high school students. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue clean energy careers or further technical education upon completion.
BSF is funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and PECO.
About the Curriculum
The three-year curriculum, completed in November 2021, includes lesson plans, syllabi, and a scope and sequence for the existing program at Frankford High School. Topics include:
- Hands-on training for roof-top solar installation
- Introduction to electrical basics including National Electric Code Standards
- Solar Design best practices
- Solar technology troubleshooting
- OSHA Standards
- Solar sales and permitting
- Online learning resources from leading solar equipment manufacturers
- Preparation for the NABCEP Associate Certificate
- Weatherization/energy efficiency lesson plans
- Hands-on training for building science
- Energy auditing and efficiency
- Energy conservation and lower energy use
Curriculum Resources
The following resources are currently available for download to start a Bright Solar Futures program at your school or training center.
BSF Curriculum Toolkit
The toolkit is a roadmap for the BSF curriculum and contains information about the curriculum’s development, scope and sequence, syllabi, lesson plans and other resources for educators.
Scope & Sequence
The scope and sequence shows the recommended sequencing of topics through the curriculum by year and quarter.
Syllabi
Three years of sample syllabi include major concepts to be covered during each week of a 40-week school year program.
Learn More
The full curriculum site is now live. It currently includes detailed lessons plans for Year 1. Year 2 & 3 will be added soon. Visit https://brightsolarfutures.org/