Solar VETS Act

To require the Secretary of Energy to develop a solar workforce training course for certain members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Solar Vocational Education and Training for our Servicemembers Act Solar VETS Act 2. Solar workforce training course for members of the Armed Forces (a) Training course (1) In general The Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a training course for careers in solar-related occupations to be— (A) made available— (i) at military installations; and (ii) to eligible members of the Armed Forces; and (B) administered by institutions of higher education pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary. (2) Course components The training course shall include— (A) hands-on, in-person instruction with respect to solar-related occupations; (B) assistance with resume preparation; (C) assistance with job interview preparation; and (D) an examination that results in the receipt of an entry-level certification in solar installation (such as a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). (3) Fees or charges prohibited; reimbursement for examination costs (A) Fees or charges No fee or charge may be assessed to an eligible member of the Armed Forces in connection with the participation of the member in the training course. (B) Reimbursement The Secretary shall reimburse an eligible member of the Armed Forces for the costs of an examination described in paragraph (2)(D) incurred by the member. (b) Selection of participating military installations (1) In general The Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall select military installations at which the training course will be offered to eligible members of the Armed Forces. (2) Considerations In selecting a military installation, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the average number of eligible members of the Armed Forces stationed at the military installation; (B) the solar market in the local community near the military installation, including the number of relevant employers and job opportunities; and (C) the capability of institutions of higher education located near the military installation to administer the training course. (c) Agreement with institution of higher education For each military installation at which the training course is to be offered, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with an institution of higher education located near the military installation under which the institution shall administer the training course. (d) Outreach The Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall ensure that— (1) commanders at military installations are aware of the availability of the training course; and (2) installation transition offices inform eligible members of the Armed Forces about the training course. (e) Definitions In this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Eligible member of the Armed Forces The term eligible member of the Armed Forces (A) has completed at least 180 days on active duty in the Armed Forces; and (B) is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces within 180 days of the date of commencement of participation in the training course. (2) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001 (3) Military installation The term military installation (4) Secretary The term Secretary (5) Training course The term training course

Summary: Solar Vocational Education and Training for our Servicemembers Act or the Solar VETS Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Defense, to develop a training course for careers in solar-related occupations to be (1) made available at military installations and to eligible members of the Armed Forces, and (2) administered by institutions of higher education pursuant to an agreement with DOE.