Survey data from the US-based Solar and Fire Education training program show that 98% of participating firefighters would recommend microinverter-based rooftop solar systems, citing safety advantages linked to all-AC system design.
From pv magazine USA
The Solar and Fire Education (SAFE) program, an initiative led by retired Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Captain Richard Birt, has released new survey data regarding first responder preferences for rooftop solar inverter architecture.
The program, which provides hands-on training to help fire departments navigate the complexities of modern energy systems, found that after receiving specialized education, more than 98% of participating firefighters said they recommend microinverter-based solar energy systems.
The survey results reflect feedback from hundreds of firefighters across multiple US states. Birt, a 30-year veteran of the fire service, founded SAFE to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving renewable technology and traditional fireground tactics.
Enphase Energy, a California-based global energy technology company that consults with SAFE on its training modules, shared the findings to highlight how system design impacts emergency response.
Survey details provided by the SAFE program disclose that Birt is a paid consultant of Enphase Energy, that the survey was not designed as a scientific study, and that responses were voluntary and came from a self-selected group of individuals.
A primary concern for first responders during a residential fire is the presence of high-voltage direct current (DC) on the roof. Traditional string inverter systems typically involve long runs of DC wiring that remain energized as long as the sun is shining, creating a potential hazard for firefighters who may need to vent a roof or navigate around equipment, said the report.
Enphase’s microinverter architecture converts DC to alternating current (AC) at the individual panel level. This “all-AC” design ensures that high-voltage DC is restricted to the back of the solar module itself, rather than traveling through long conduits across the structure.
The training also highlights the role of rapid shutdown, a safety requirement mandated by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Rapid shutdown is designed to reduce voltage to safe levels within seconds of a system being disconnected, protecting emergency personnel.
Because Enphase microinverters integrate rapid shutdown at the panel level, the systems do not require the additional external components, such as DC optimizers or rapid shutdown transmitters, said the report. Enphase said this simplified architecture helps ensure NEC compliance “out of the box” while reducing the number of potential failure points in the safety chain.
The SAFE program features instructional content from active fire service members, including Captain Andrew Martinez of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. Martinez noted that his department is working to incorporate these findings into its official Safety Policy and Guidelines manual, specifically considering the benefits of systems that avoid high-voltage DC runs.
To date, Enphase has shipped approximately 84.8 million microinverters globally, with more than 5 million systems deployed in over 160 countries.
Abbas Nikroo, deputy director for physics integration at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF), has received the 2025 Distinguished Career Award by Fusion Power Associates.
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Duos Technologies Group Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, Inc, has deployed a new Edge Data Center (EDC) in Abilene, Texas, in collaboration with Region 14 Education Service Center (ESC). This deployment expands Duos Edge AI’s presence in Texas while bringing advanced digital infrastructure to support K-12 education, healthcare, workforce development, and local businesses across West Texas.
This installation builds on Duos Edge AI’s recent Texas deployments in Amarillo (Region 16), Waco (Region 12), and Victoria (Region 3), supporting a broader strategy to deploy edge computing solutions tailored to education, healthcare, and enterprise needs.
“We are excited to partner with Region 14 ESC to bring cutting-edge technology to Abilene and West Texas, bringing a carrier neutral colocation facility to the market while empowering educators and communities with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world,” said Doug Recker, President of Duos and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “This EDC represents our commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in regions that have historically faced connectivity challenges.”
The Abilene EDC will serve as a local carrier-neutral colocation facility and computing hub, delivering enhanced bandwidth, secure data processing, and low-latency AI capabilities to more than 40 school districts and charter schools across an 11-county region spanning over 13,000 square miles.
Chris Wigington, Executive Director for Region 14 ESC, added, “Collaborating with Duos Edge AI allows us to elevate the technological capabilities of our schools and partners, ensuring equitable access to high-speed computing and AI resources. This data center will be a game-changer for student learning, teacher development, and regional collaboration.”
By locating the data center at Region 14 ESC, the partnership aims to help bridge digital divides in rural and underserved communities by enabling faster access to educational tools, cloud services, and AI-driven applications, while reducing reliance on distant centralized data centers.
The EDC is expected to be fully operational in early 2026, with plans for a launch event at Region 14 ESC’s headquarters in Abilene.
To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit www.duosedge.ai.
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For Iowa’s technology community, workforce development doesn’t begin in an office or data center, it starts much earlier, in classrooms across the state. As employers continue to face a growing skills gap in technical and STEM-related fields, companies like Aureon are stepping up to invest in Iowa’s future innovators.
This month, the West Des Moines–based technology solutions provider opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programs, continuing a legacy that spans decades of supporting education and opportunity. With $15,000 in combined awards, Aureon’s two programs aim to make higher education more accessible for Iowa high school juniors and seniors committed to studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and related technology disciplines.
Unlike many corporate giving programs that focus solely on urban centers, Aureon’s approach reaches across both rural and metropolitan Iowa. Through a long-standing partnership with the state’s Independent Telecommunications Companies (ITC), the Aureon ITC Scholarship supports students living in small communities served by ITC providers. This year’s program offers $10,000 total, distributed among six students whose academic excellence and community ties reflect the promise of rural talent. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.33 and plan to attend an accredited Iowa institution.
Complementing the ITC program, Aureon’s Technology Scholarship focuses on students in the state’s urban and metro areas. Future software developers, engineers, and digital problem-solvers who will shape Iowa’s growing technology sector. With an additional $5,000 in awards available, this initiative targets candidates with a GPA of 3.00 or higher pursuing degrees in technology-focused fields.
For Aureon, the motivation behind these scholarships is both deeply local and forward-looking. “Every year, Aureon’s scholarship programs make a direct impact on young people’s success, helping them take the next step toward their college and career ambitions,” said George O’Neal, Chief Executive Officer of Aureon. “By investing in tomorrow’s STEM and technology leaders, Aureon is helping open doors to opportunity and innovation for Iowa students and their communities.”
As Iowa continues to expand its digital and data-driven economy, the need for skilled professionals in connectivity, IT services, infrastructure, and engineering will only grow. By helping students in all corners of the state pursue higher education in these in-demand fields, Aureon’s scholarship program does more than award financial aid, it reinforces the state’s talent pipeline and strengthens the future of its technical workforce.
Applications for the 2026 Aureon ITC and Technology Scholarship programs are open through March 1, 2026. Eligible students can learn more and apply via the Aureon Scholarship Program page.
To read the full press release, please click here.
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Quantica Infrastructure (Quantica) has strengthened its commitment to digital infrastructure education and workforce development by becoming the newest Inspiration Sponsor of the Nomad Futurist Foundation. This partnership reflects both organizations’ shared goal of supporting future talent and expanding access to opportunities within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.
The Nomad Futurist Foundation, a globally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to make the world of digital infrastructure accessible and inspiring for students and young professionals. Through educational outreach, immersive programs, and mentorship, the Foundation introduces emerging talent to the technologies that power the digital economy.
As part of its Inspiration Sponsorship, Quantica has pledged $25,000 in 2025 to support the Foundation’s education and workforce initiatives. A portion of this commitment will be allocated to a local school identified by Quantica, reinforcing both organizations’ focus on community-driven impact and early exposure to career pathways.
Quantica Infrastructure’s mission is to deliver integrated infrastructure across renewable power, network connectivity, and development-ready land, with a focus on supporting economic opportunity in historically overlooked regions. This sponsorship aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to education, workforce readiness, and local community investment.
“As we continue building programs that don’t just inform, but truly inspire, Quantica’s support is instrumental in enabling us to take the next step: bringing students into the industry itself,” said Nabeel Mahmood, Co-Founder of Nomad Futurist. “Together, we can deliver real-world exposure, mentorship, and the confidence to dream big in a space they might never have known existed.”
Students participating in this partnership will have access to Nomad Futurist Academy’s curated modules, hands-on industry experience at major events, and mentorship from digital infrastructure leaders. These opportunities are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering direct exposure to careers in data centers, energy technologies, and related fields.
John Chesser, CEO of Quantica Infrastructure, emphasized the alignment between this sponsorship and the company’s ongoing projects: “The Nomad Futurist Foundation’s mission aligns squarely with what we are building through our Big Sky Campus in Montana and beyond. The ability to not only raise awareness but educate the next generation about future opportunities in data centers and digital infrastructure demonstrates the long-term investments and growth our project brings along with it.”
This collaboration marks an important milestone in both organizations’ efforts to support education, expand career access, and prepare the next generation to lead in an evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
For more information, view the full press release here.
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Duos Edge AI, Inc., a provider of adaptive, modular, and scalable Edge Data Center solutions, has joined the Nomad Futurist Foundation as an Inspiration Sponsor. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, awareness, and leadership development within the digital infrastructure and edge technology sectors.
“At Duos Edge AI, we believe that education and access to technology are the foundation for innovation,” said Doug Recker, President of Duos and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “Part of our mission has been to expand that access and partnering with the Nomad Futurist Foundation allows us to help inspire the next generation and equip them with the knowledge and tools to shape the future.”
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a global 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals from all backgrounds to explore and thrive in the digital future. As an Inspiration Sponsor, Duos Edge AI will support initiatives that help nurture the next generation of technology leaders through programs centered on digital infrastructure, AI, and edge computing.
Through this collaboration, Duos Edge AI and the Nomad Futurist Foundation will co-develop educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and awareness campaigns designed to broaden access to opportunities across the global technology landscape.
“We are thrilled to welcome Duos Edge AI as an Inspiration Partner,” said Nabeel Mahmood, Co-Founder of the Nomad Futurist Foundation. “Their commitment to innovation and education aligns perfectly with our mission to empower future leaders in the digital infrastructure space. Together, we can help more people discover and thrive in the careers that will define our digital future.”
The partnership reinforces both organizations’ dedication to creating a more inclusive and forward-looking digital ecosystem by connecting innovation, education, and opportunity.
To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit www.duosedge.ai.
To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, visit nomadfuturist.org.
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