Conduct your own energy distance learning with online publications

You don't have to limit your thinking to alternative energy online courses. One of the quickest and least expensive forms of distance education is self-education. A number of sites can keep you up-to-date with the most current articles in the field.

I recommend: Renewable Energy World covers international developments in alternative energy and renewable resources. They email a weekly newsletter and offer subscriptions to their digital journal (which you can also receive in hard copy). Bnet’s distance learning Business Library maintains an online database of articles, white papers and webcasts to keep you up-to-date with alternative energy developments.

Access alternative energy education sponsored by public agencies

Universities and government agencies frequently post alternative energy courses or entire websites devoted to keeping you current on renewable resources. The classes are more likely to be up-to-date and less likely driven by a sales-force agenda than promotional sites.

I recommend: The University of Oregon offers several alternative energy web classes with a variety of links and resources. The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) maintains regular resource updates as well as updated links to a number of educational resources.

Enroll staff in alternative energy online courses for professional development

If your business needs to stay on top of what's happening in alternative energy and you have a professional development budget, you might want to spring for online classes for key staff members. You can enroll staff in individual courses or encourage them to pursue an alternative energy degree online. While online course and degree offerings aren't abundant, they are out there.

I recommend: The EERE lists Oakland Community College’s Environmental Systems Technology program and the University of Montana’s Energy Technology program among the available online college courses in energy technology. The San Francisco Institute of Architecture also offers a number of courses including courses on solar and wind energy and alternative lighting systems. If you are already running an alternative model or holistically oriented business, Project Nature Connect offers an alternative energy degree online in Ecopsychology and in Integrated Ecology. Both take a holistic approach to energy and the environment.