To determine the need for the development of a vocational education program in solar energy, an advisory committee considered opportunities for solar energy technicians and the need for the development of training programs and curricula and formulated recommendations for a program and curriculum. They concluded that the immediate need for persons skilled in installing, adjusting, maintaining, servicing, and repairing solar heating and cooling systems exists. A multi-level approach was recommended for designing, planning, and implementing a pilot curriculum. This should include short-term intensive training for current employees to upgrade skills in solar energy systems and pre-employment, post-high school one- or two-year programs to prepare two categories of technicians: (1) installers and maintenance technicians, and (2) diagnosticians. Detailed task analyses determined basic (category 1) and advanced (category 2) skills. In addition to conventional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning courses, the first-year curriculum would consist of courses involving certain materials and fabrications skills, solar radiation fundamentals, and solar heating and cooling systems. Second-year coursework for advanced training for category 2 technicians would include conventional applied science courses leading to an associate degree in that area. (YLB)