Sunrise to sunset: Learning GIS mapping for solar energy
Written by: Yury Rodriguez, GIS Mapping for Solar Course Coordinator of Green Skills Academy
I joined Relay Education because I believe the change for a more sustainable future starts with education. I’m happy to be a part of a program that provides free access to training programs for underrepresented and underserved groups of people through the Green Skills Academy program.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping for Solar is one of the courses offered through the Greens Skills Academy, where participants can develop new skills in GIS and learn current techniques for new solar energy generation projects based on location and community characteristics. Participants work with real data and challenges through lab assignments using ArcGIS Pro, a top GIS software developed by Esri.
Relay partnered with Co-Mapping Solutions to deliver the GIS course. It’s been a great experience to work with Co-Mapping. The course was engaging and beneficial because of their GIS mapping expertise.
"The GIS Mapping for Solar Course taught me how GIS tools could be applied to solar energy projects and the theory behind it. Very helpful!"
The GIS Mapping for Solar course is a virtual 12-week course. There were 237 participants in 10 cohorts since April 2023. We had a positive response from the public as we received over 700 registrations.
The use of GIS has increased over the years as it can be applied to several industries like banking, urban planning, renewable energy, among others; to develop informative solutions for complex situations related to the impact on a community’s ecology, topography, and density by new development projects. This is one of the reasons why Relay promotes the use of GIS technologies in the renewable energy transition.
At the end of the GIS Mapping for Solar course, our graduates have received hands-on experience in different mapping techniques, participatory mapping approaches, and rooftop solar potential. It’s fulfilling to see the participants build connections with our instructors and feel confident to apply for jobs in GIS. Some participants expressed feeling more prepared to rejoin the workforce after some time off because the course allowed them to catch up with new industry trends and techniques.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Yury Rodriguez, Rebecca Jahns and Kirby Calvert for providing a comprehensive and insightful learning experience. Their commitment to quality education in the renewable energy field is commendable.”
Over 50% of the participants identified as women and 36% are part of racialized communities. The program’s flexibility has supported mothers to receive training, through a combination of instructor-led and self-directed learning. We were also able to support 57 participants with a laptop during the course.
It’s been rewarding to see the joy in participants when they receive their certificates. They have worked very hard for three months to finish the course and receive their certificates.
The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.