A Guide to Ontarios Renewable Energy

Sector

Renewable Energy Common Skills

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Sample Job Titles: Building Energy Specialist,, P.Eng Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Junior/Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, Field Construction Civil Engineer, Utility Automation Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Engineering Manager/director-solar PV,

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Technical expertise and design review on mechanical, electrical, and building systems Client proposals, reports and engineering specifications Carry out site inspections and energy surveys Develop detailed schedule of work and cost estimates Practical experience in HVAC and building automation systems design combined with in-depth knowledge of green building design principles and technologies Provide technical support during planning, design and construction process Perform building simulations and analysis to recommend design options Research and evaluate green building design practices, technology and tools Solar Photovoltaic Rooftop Evaluation Experience Able to provide Structural evaluation, design to OBC compliance and preparation of specifications for solar photovoltaic racking equipment Cost estimating of structural upgrades to a building Ability to complete on-site measurements and evaluations of building structures Prepare scope documents for construction contracts Produce/review electrical design calculations and construction documents Develop cost basis for design and construction cost estimates Perform field assessments and prepare facility condition assessments Knowledge of PV system components and sizing methods: specifications, cost, efficiency, code compliance, performance, and reliability Responsible for design liaison with construction and quality control of the civil foundation construction work and subsequent solar rack installation Excellent practical knowledge of drilling and grouting Interpret project scope and requirements, identifies design conflicts or discrepancies, establishes basic design criterion, and coordinate with other engineering disciplines Produce engineering design documentation and drawings

SOFT SKILLS

Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team based environment flexible and adaptable to changing priorities Contribute to the integration, coaching and development of employees Excellent communicator - verbal, written and presentation skills Strong at multi-tasking, organized Liaising with clients, building departments, and contractors Self-motivated, creative, problem-solver

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Ontario Driver's License, with access to vehicle Able to travel and work at outdoor project/construction sites domestically and internationally Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with one or more utility industry protocols: IEC618850, IEC60870, DNP3

EDUCATION

Building Energy Specialist: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Systems Engineering, Master's degree would be an asset Project Associate-Green Building: Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering P.Eng. Structural Engineer: Bachelors degree in Engineering Electrical Engineer (Solar PV installations): Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Junior/Intermediate Mechanical Engineer: Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Field Construction Civil Engineer: Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Utility Automation Engineer: Bachelor or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Software Engineering Electrical Engineer: University Degree in Electrical Engineering Engineering Manager/director-solar PV: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

EXPERIENCE/ MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATION

Building Energy Specialist: 5 years of experience in building control systems, mechanical design, electrical design or the renewal of existing buildings systems, P.Eng (Asset) Project Associate-Green Building: 2 years of applied engineering work experience, within the green building industry and/or with mechanical systems, LEED AP and/or GA is an asset Electrical Engineer (Solar PV installations): Experience in a related position from 5+ years is a requirement, P.Eng. eligibility Junior/Intermediate Mechanical Engineer: Experience in a related position for 3 years (can include relevant co-op experience) Field Construction Civil Engineer: 2-5 years civil construction experience, familiar with site grading and foundation construction, PEO registration or an experienced CET Electrical Engineer: Minimum 5 years of experience/schooling in the Electrical Engineering field, PEO registration Engineering Manager/director-solar PV: P. Eng. License

Renewable Energy Employer List

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Aecon AECOM Altech Ameresco Consulting Inc. Associated Engineering Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. City of Brampton City of Toronto Chorley & Bisset Ltd. CIMA Canada Inc. Construction Control Inc. Cronos Consulting Group Crossey Engineering Ltd. DCS/ SENES Consultants Dillon Consulting Eramosa Engineering Inc. FVB Energy Inc. Genviar GHD Hatch Mott MacDonald HDR Corporation HH Angus & Associates Ltd. Ingenium Group Integral Group Kleinfeldt Consultants Klohn Crippen Berger McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd. McKee Engineering MMM Group Morrison Hershfield Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc. Skelton Brumwell SLR Consultant Smith and Anderson Consulting SNC Lavalin Stantec Tetra Tech Tulloch Engineering URS Canada Virtual Engineers WalterFedy

Renewable Energy Profession Overview

Renewable Energy Engineering

What is energy engineering? Energy engineering is a broad field of engineering dealing with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, environmental compliance and alternative energy technologies. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_engineering What is a Renewable Energy Engineer? An energy engineer is involved with the production of energy through natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power. Energy engineers are focused on finding efficient, clean and innovative ways to supply energy. They work in a variety of roles including designing and testing machinery, developing ways of improving existing processes, and converting, transmitting and supplying useful energy to meet our needs for electricity. They research and develop ways to: generate new energy; improve the efficient use of energy through reducing emissions from fossil fuels; and minimize environmental damage.

Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/energy_engineer_job_description.htm

Renewable Energy Engineer Responsibilities Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction.

Identify energy savings opportunities and make recommendations to achieve more energy efficient operation.

Conduct jobsite observations, field inspections, or sub-metering to collect data for energy conservation analyses.

Monitor and analyze energy consumption. Prepare project reports and other program or technical documentation. Provide consultation to clients or other engineers on topics such as climate control systems, energy

modeling, data logging, energy management control systems, lighting or daylighting design, sustainable design, and energy auditing.

Source: http://www.mymajors.com/careers-and-jobs/renewable-energy-engineer Typical Work Duties Include:

ensuring resource extraction meets environmental standards

developing technical expertise in all matters to do with energy and environmental control

being involved in the design, development and building of renewable energy technologies

managing the integration of renewable energy generation into existing power systems

keeping abreast of legislation and ensuring compliance

negotiating service agreements and managing associated costs and revenues

liaising and negotiating with fuel providers, specialist contractors, geologists and other relevant

organizations

developing and implementing strategies relating to renewable energy and corporate sustainable

development

carrying out site inspections and energy surveys

using mathematical and computer models to carry out design and specification calculations

carrying out lab experiments and adapting them to large-scale industrial processes

contributing to sustainable energy initiatives

checking site and ground conditions for the installation of renewable technologies, such as wind

turbines Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/energy_engineer_job_description.htm

Job Opportunities Energy engineers can work in engineering companies, consulting engineering companies, government and in educational and research institutions.

Renewable Energy Terminology

Renewable Energy Terminology

Alternating Current ("AC"): Electric current that reverses direction 50 or 60 times per second (depending on the country). Amp : Electrical current. A measure of the quantity of electricity flowing in a circuit. (Think of "Amps" as if they were gallons of water, and "Amps" are the gallons flowing per minute through a pipe.) Amp-hour : Measure of the amount of electrical current flowing for a period of time. Biodiesel : Biodiesel is an alternative fuel produced from renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil, and new sources such as algae. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but can be combined in any quantity with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel blends can be used in most "compression-ignition" (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics (the "diesel" odor). (Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil.) Biomass: Biomass means "natural material", and refers to biological materials that were alive or created during our lifetimes. When burned, biomass materials release heat just like wood logs in a campfire. Biomass energy uses natural materials like trees and plants. It can also mean waste products like trash. Examples of biomass include grass clippings, wood chips, animal manure, and non-toxic trash. Biomass exists in landfills, where bacteria break down the waste material, creating methane gas in the process, which can be captured and burned. Energy from biomass is most often captured to generate electricity. Biomass specifically excludes coal and petroleum. Compact Fluorescent Light ("CFL"): Fluorescent light manufactured to occupy a very small area and able to be installed in an ordinary light fixture. CFL bulbs use a fraction of the electricity used by incandescent light bulbs. Conservation : The reduction of energy usage through increased efficiency and/or reduced waste. Direct Current Electricity ("DC") : Electricity that flows only in one direction. Direct Current is the type of electricity supplied by batteries. "EEM": EEM is an abbreviation for Energy Efficient Mortgage. When you are buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling your home, you can increase your comfort and actually save money by using the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages. EEMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements. To learn more about Energy Efficient Mortgages, click here. EV : Abbreviation for "Electric Vehicle", a vehicle that derives all of its ability to move from energy stored in batteries, and does not have an internal combustion engine of any type.

Feed-in-Tariff ("FIT"): Money paid to a customer by a power company for excess electricity generated by a renewable energy source. The renewable energy source is most often either solar or wind generated electricity. This excess is connected to the power lines at the customer's residence, and most commonly on the customer's side of the electric meter. For example, if you had a solar electric system installed on your home, and had signed a feed-in-tariff agreement ("FIT") with your power company, you could find the power company selling electricity to you at one price per kilowatt-hour, but BUYING the excess from you for more than they sell it to you at retail. Feed-in-tariffs are implemented to encourage end users to install renewable energy equipment and sell excess renewable energy back to the utility company. Filament: The part of an incandescent lamp through which electricity passes and gets extremely hot, producing light. Fluorescent light: A lighting device that uses an electrified gas rather than filament to produce light. Geothermal: Heat from the earth. Often thought of as energy from geysers and hot springs. More recently, this term is applied to any heat stored in earth and available as a renewable energy resource. Gigawatt: From "giga", meaning billion, and "watt", a unit of energy (see "watt"). A gigawatt is one billion watts of electrical energy. To give you an idea how large one gigawatt is, it's the energy consumed by 10 million 100 watt light bulbs illuminated at the same time. Global Warming: The Earth's gradual warming due to the "greenhouse effect". Greenhouse Effect: The rise in temperature the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earths average temperature would be about 60F colder. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases. Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that produce the greenhouse effect. Changes in the concentration of certain greenhouse gases, due to human activity such as fossil fuel burning, increase the risk of global climate change. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and various forms of fluorocarbon gas (used in air conditioners and refrigerators). Grid : The network of wires and cables that transport electricity from a power plant to your home. Incandescent Bulb: A light source that produces light by heating a wire filament to a very high temperature. Insulation: Materials that keep energy from crossing from one place to another: on electrical wire, it is the plastic or rubber that covers the conductor; in a building, insulation makes the walls, floor, and roof more resistant to the outside (ambient) temperature. Inverter : An electrical device that changes direct current ("DC") into alternating current ("AC"). Kilowatt ("kW"): One thousand watts of electricity.

Kilowatt-hour ("kW-h"): One thousand watt-hours. Calculated by multiplying the number of watts being used times the length of time in hours that amount of electricity is used. A refrigerator that uses 250 watts will consume one kilowatt-hour of energy in four hours (250 watts x 4 hours = 1,000 watt-hours or one kilowatt-hour). Utility bills are based on the number of kilowatt-hours consumed each month. LEED: Abbreviation for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design". LEED Rating Systems: LEED Green Building Rating System is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED provides building owners and operators with the tools they need to have an immediate and measureable impact on their buildings' performance. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. The LEED Green Building Rating System encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. The LEED rating system offers four certification levels for new construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- that correspond to the number of "credits" (think of them as "points") accrued in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. LEED standards cover new commercial construction and major renovation projects, interiors projects and existing building operations. Light Emitting Diode ("LED"): An extremely efficient source of light, "LED" lamps convert from 65% to 95% of the electric energy to light energy (depending on the color of the light). LEDs also typically last 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Light emitting diodes are made from the same material as transistors and give off light when electricity is passed through them. Megawatt : From "mega", meaning million, and "watt", a unit of energy (see "watt"). A megawatt is one million watts of electrical energy. To give you an idea how large one megawatt is, it's the energy consumed by 10 thousand 100 watt light bulbs illuminated at the same time. Off-the-grid ("Off-grid"): Not connected to the commercial power lines. Photovoltaic :"Light-generated voltage". ("Photo" means "light". "Voltaic" (vol-TAY-ick) means "voltage". Photovoltaic ("PV") Cell : An electronic device consisting of layers of special materials capable of converting light directly into electricity. Photovoltaic ("PV") Module: An assembly of interconnected photovoltaic cells enclosed in a protective assembly (usually glass and plastic). R-value: "Resistance value". Used specifically for insulating materials to indicated its effectiveness against the movement of heat toward cold. The higher the number, the greater the slowing of the flow of energy. Three inches of fiberglass insulation has an R value of 7.5. Renewable Electricity: Renewable electricity is electricity generated without use of fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy ("RE"): An energy source that renews itself without effort. Fossil fuels, once consumed, are gone forever, while solar energy is renewable in that the sun energy we harvest today has no effect on the sun energy we can harvest tomorrow. Silicon: Semiconductor material made from silica (beach sand), which is then purified for photovoltaic applications. Solar Cell: A device made of silicon and other materials. Solar cells generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Solar Energy: The radiant energy of the sun, which can be converted into other forms of energy such as heat or electricity. Solar Modules: Also called "solar panels". These are the large collections of solar cells that can produce electricity in a worthwhile quantity. Sustainable: "Sustainability" relates to the quality of life in a community, and is frequently used as meaning not taking more from a resource than is replenished naturally. In a broader sense, sustainability pertains to the economic, social and environmental systems that make up a community as a whole, and whether all three are working in concert to provide a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. Thermal Solar: The process of deriving or concentrating heat from sunlight. Examples of "derived heat" are: home heating, solar cooking, clothes drying, solar heated water, and so forth. Concentrated solar thermal heat is often used to create steam, from which electric power is generated. Thin Film: Refers one of the solar electricity technologies. For many years, solar cells were manufactured by cutting extremely thin slices of silicon and mounting those slices into solar modules. Roughly half of the very expensive silicon was lost for each slice. Envision a saw cutting a piece of wood. The sawdust represents lost material in the same way. "Thin film" technology allows solar module manufacturers to literally "paint" the material onto various surfaces such as glass, plastics, or metals. This requires 98-99% LESS material, and less time to manufacture, resulting in cost savings. Tracker: Mechanical device used in solar electric and solar thermal systems. Follows the movement of the sun (daily and sometimes seasonally) and keeps the energy collection device pointed directly at the sun. Allows for the harvest of the maximum available solar energy. Uninterruptible Power Supply ("UPS"): A device (usually containing batteries) that stores power for use when conventional power is unavailable, such as during a power failure. Volt: Unit of electrical pressure. Think of "volts" as if it were water pressure. Watt: Unit of electrical power. "Watts" are calculated by multiplying the electrical pressure in a circuit ("volts") by the amount of electricity moving in the circuit ("amps"). For example, 120 volts times 2 amps equals 240 watts.

Watt-hour ("W-h"): The electrical energy unit of measure equal to one watt of power supplied to, or taken from, an electric circuit steadily for one hour. For instance, a 60 watt incandescent light will consume 600 watt-hours of energy when used for ten hours (60 watts x 10 hours = 600 watt-hours.). Our electric bills are based on the number of watt-hours of energy consumed each month. Wind Turbine : Also called "Wind Generator" or incorrectly "windmill". Devices consisting of blades that turn a shaft that turns a generator to harvest wind energy and produce electrical power. Resource http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/energy-glossary-zl0z1001zken.aspx#axzz2ZzJUBaMy

Renewable Energy Events

Renewable Energy Events

Canadian Events

Advanced Energy http://aertc.org/

All-Energy Canada Exhibition & Conference http://www.all-energy.ca/

Bright Business http://www.efficiencyns.ca/event/bright-business-a-glabal-perspective-on-energy-efficiency/

BIOGAS Forum http://www.biogasassociation.ca/bioExp/index.php/site/infopage_agm/about_the_events

CaGBC Conference & Expo http://www.cagbc.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=National_Events

CanSIA Solar Canada Conference & Exposition http://www.cansia.ca/solar-conferences/solar-canada

CanSIA Solar Ontario 2013 Conference & Trade Show http://www.cansia.ca/node/8898

CanSIA Solar West Conference & Showcase http://www.cansia.ca/solar-conferences/solar-west

CanWEA Annual Conference http://canwea2013.ca/

CanWEA Western Forum http://canweaforum.ca/

Drive Electric Conference http://windfallcentre.ca/festival/conference/

E3 Symposium http://www.centennialcollege.ca/e3symposium

Energy Matters Summit http://www.energymatterssummit.com/

Ontario Power http://www.ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=1209&ContentID=4202&SiteNodeID=217

Power of Water Canada Conference http://conference.owa.ca/

Renewable Energy Conference http://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=52880&

International Events

European Biomass Conference and Exhibition http://www.eubce.com/

GeoPower Global Congress http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com

Grand Renewable Energy International Conference and Exhibition http://www.grand-re2014.org/eng-conf/

International Conference on Renewable Energy and Environment http://www.icree.net/

International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications

http://www.icrera.org/

International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition http://www.irena.org/menu/Index.aspx?mnu=Cat&PriMenuID=30&CatID=142

Intersolar North America http://www.intersolar.us/en/intersolar.html

Offshore Wind Power USA http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/

PV America http://www.pvamericaexpo.com/

Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo http://www.renewableenergyworld-events.com/index.html#showcase_3

Solar Power Generation Europe http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/

Solar Power Generation USA http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/

Solar Power International http://www.solarpowerinternational.com/

Sustainable Development Conference: Green Technology, Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection http://www.sdconference.org

UNFCCC-ADP Technical Expert Meeting on Renewable Energy http://unfccc.int/bodies/awg/items/8112.php

Windaba Exhibition http://www.windaba.co.za/

Wind Developer Congress http://www.winddevelopercongress.com/

World Bio Markets http://www.worldbiomarkets.com/

World Future Energy Summit http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/

Renewable Energy Publications

Journals

Advanced Energy Materials Applied Energy Applied Solar Energy Bioenergy Research Biomass & Bioenergy Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery Biotechnology for Biofuels Current Sustainable/ Renewable Energy Reports Energy Energy Efficiency Energy for Sustainable Development Energy Policy Energy, Sustainability and Society Energy World Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy GCB Bioenergy Geothermal Energy IET Renewable Power Generation IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy International Energy Journal International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy International Journal of Global Energy Issues International Journal of Green Energy International Journal of Hydrogen Energy International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology International Journal of Sustainable Energy International Journal on Hydropower & Dams Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy Journal of Energy Institute Journal of Energy Storage Journal of Power Sources Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Journal of Technology Innovations in Renewable Energy Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics Renewable Energy Renewable Energy: An International Journal Renewable Energy Law and Policy Review Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews Solar Energy Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Sun & Wind Energy Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments Wind Energy Wind Structures, An International Journal

Magazines

Alternative Fuels Biocycle Advancing Composting, Organics Recycling & Renewable Energy Clean Energy CleanTech Energy Focus Hydro Review Hydro Review Worldwide REGenerate Magazine Renewable Energy Focus Magazine Renewable Energy Magazine Renewable Energy World Solar Today Wind Technology

Renewable Energy Social Media Pages

SOCIAL MEDIA

Renewable Energy

LinkedIn Groups Advanced Energy Economy Biodiesel investment / biofuel/bioenergy , new energy. Biofuel Canadian Wind Energy Envirocruit.com - Renewable Energy & Environment jobs Global Energy Professionals Global Energy Profs l Oil & Gas, Wind, Solar, Power, Green Global Renewable Energy Network Hydropower Energy Professionals International Renewable Energy Solutions Offshore and Cold Climate Wind Turbine Ontario Wind Energy Renewable Energy Jobs Renewable Energy Network Renewables Job Market Solar Energy Network Solar Energy Professionals - PV & Thermal Solar Investors Sustainability Professionals The Renewable Energy Network Wind Energy Forum Wind Power Industry Professionals (WPIP) Windpower Engineering & Development Twitter @SolarEnergyNews @EasyGreenEnergy @CANWindEnergy @newenergy_blog @GreenBuildNews @EPAgreengldg @AWEA @EnergySD @RenewableChoice @pembina

Renewable Energy Training Opportunities

Renewable Energy Training

CanSIA Solar Workshops http://www.cansia.ca/training-employment/cansia-other-solar-workshops

CanWEA Wind Energy Workshops http://www.canwea.ca/wind-energy/education_e.php

The Living City Campus at Kortright Solar PV Training https://www.thelivingcitycampus.com/workshops/homeowner-workshops

University of Toronto School of Environment Energy Training http://learn.environment.utoronto.ca/home/in-class-courses.aspx

University of Toronto School of Environmental Solar and Wind Training http://learn.environment.utoronto.ca/home/distance-education/courses.aspx

Renewable Energy Software

SOFTWARE

AutoCAD Building Energy Modeling Software CADD Client/Server. GUI, Web Finite Element Analysis (FEA) MS Visio SolidWorks 3D

Renewable Energy Professional Associations

Renewable Energy Professional Associations

Canadian Association for Renewable Energies www.renewables.ca

Canadian Solar Industries Association www.cansia.ca

Canadian Wind Energy Association www.canwea.ca

Citizens for Renewable Energy www.cfre.ca

Earth Energy Society of Canada www.earthenergy.ca

Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium geothermalheatpumpconsortium.org

International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org

Solar Energy Society of Canada www.sesci.ca

Toronto Windshare Co-op www.windshare.ca

Renewable Energy Job Boards

RENEWABLE ENERGY/ GREEN BUILDING

Canada Green Jobs Job listings in the renewable energy and sustainability sector in Canada. Website: http://canadagreenjobs.org/

CanSIA Employment opportunities in the solar renewable energy sector. Website: http://www.cansia.ca/training-employment/employment-opportunities

Canwea Job postings in the wind energy sector in Canada. http://www.canwea.ca/wind-energy/job_e.php?jobId=163

Good Work Canada Energy Sector Provides a list of job and volunteer opportunities in Canadas energy sector. http://www.goodwork.ca/gw.php?theme=energy