Bright Solar Futures Curriculum
Bright Solar Futures (BSF) is a 3-year, 1080-hour solar energy Career and Technical Education (CTE) vocational program. The first of its kind in the nation, the program trains students in solar and battery storage installation, design, sales, weatherization, construction basics, and job site safety.
BSF, funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and PECO, ensures access to solar careers for young Philadelphians, growing a diverse and more equitable workforce that will help make national climate priorities a reality.
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/