What does a career in solar actually look like?

That question moved from abstract to tangible during a recent visit from students in the clean energy training program at Holyoke Community College to PV Squared Solar’s headquarters and warehouse in Greenfield.

For one evening, the classroom extended into a working environment. Tools, trucks, electrical systems, and team dynamics all became part of the learning experience.

Bringing Clean Energy Training to Life

Programs like HCC’s clean energy training initiative are essential to building the future workforce. But classroom learning alone can only go so far.

This visit was designed to bridge that gap.

Students explored:

• Electrical training setups and system components
• Roof mock-ups used to simulate real installations
• The tools and equipment used daily by solar crews
• The layout and function of installation trucks and warehouse operations

They also heard directly from PV Squared team members, including Master Electrician Pablo Revelo, Board President Alex Peterkin, and Team Manager Kate Carter.

As Kate shared during the visit:

“This kind of experience is where everything starts to click. Students can see the tools, the systems, and the teamwork involved, and begin to picture themselves in those roles.”

What the Work Really Looks Like

One of the most valuable aspects of the visit was transparency.

Solar installation is often simplified from the outside. In reality, it requires a blend of physical skill, technical knowledge, and collaboration.

As Pablo Revelo explained:

“There’s a lot that goes into a solar installation that people don’t always see. It’s physical work, it’s technical work, and it’s collaborative. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to build something that lasts and contributes to clean energy.”

Students were able to see that firsthand, from ladder safety demonstrations to equipment handling and system walkthroughs.

Workforce Development as a Shared Responsibility

This visit is part of a growing relationship between PV Squared and Holyoke Community College, focused on creating clear, accessible pathways into the clean energy workforce.

As demand for solar continues to grow across Western Massachusetts, workforce development is becoming just as important as project development.

And that work does not happen in isolation.

It happens when:

• Educational programs connect with real employers
• Students gain exposure to real job environments
• Skills training is paired with practical application

As Kate Carter noted:

“Workforce development doesn’t happen in a classroom alone. It happens when students can step into a real environment, ask questions, and see what the work actually looks like day to day.”

More Than Installation: Careers Across the Industry

During the visit, students also learned that careers in clean energy extend beyond installation alone.

The solar industry includes a wide range of roles, including:

• Electrical and installation trades
• System design and engineering
• Project management and operations
• Sales, customer experience, and administrative support

This broader view helps students understand not just how to enter the field, but how to grow within it.

The Cooperative Difference

For many students, this was also their first exposure to a worker-owned cooperative structure.

At PV Squared, ownership is shared among employees. That means the people designing, installing, and maintaining systems are also invested in the long-term success of the company.

As Alex Peterkin shared with the group:

“Worker-owned cooperatives are a powerful force for good in our communities. They create meaningful jobs, build local accountability, and keep the benefits of clean energy rooted right here in the places we live.”

For students considering long-term careers, that structure offers something different. Stability, shared responsibility, and a direct connection between work and impact.

A Regional Investment in the Future

Partnerships like this reflect something broader happening across Franklin County and Western Massachusetts.

The clean energy transition is not just about installing more systems. It is about building a workforce capable of supporting those systems for decades.

That means:

• Strengthening training programs
• Expanding hands-on learning opportunities
• Creating clear pathways into stable, long-term careers

Events like this one are a small but important part of that larger effort.

Looking Ahead

As the evening wrapped up with an open Q&A, students had the opportunity to ask questions, explore career options, and connect directly with people working in the field.

Moments like these matter.

They turn curiosity into possibility.
They turn training into direction.
They turn interest into action.

We’re grateful to partner with Holyoke Community College in this work, and we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of clean energy professionals.

Photo Highlights

• Students exploring electrical training setups
• Hands-on demonstrations in the warehouse
• Team conversations and Q&A moments
• A look inside the tools and trucks used in daily operations

Learn More

To learn more about clean energy training opportunities at Holyoke Community College, visit their program page.

To explore careers at PV Squared Solar, visit our website or reach out to our team.