Short Description

Learn to design & install solar electric systems from A to Z in just three days! This intensive solar training reviews the design and installation of various types of solar electric systems for buildings.

Price: $1695.00

Detailed Description:

Course Summary

This intensive three day solar training reviews the design and installation of various types of solar electric systems for buildings. Learn to design & install solar electric systems from A to Z. The course guides students from system fundamentals to advanced mechanical and electrical concepts. Passing a final exam qualifies students for our Entry Level Solar Professional Certificate.

Course Locations

We offer training throughout the U.S. Call us TOLL FREE for locations and dates. (866)715-7737

Course Content
* Walk through a solar installation from A to Z
* Worksheets to design your own solar array
* A review of electrical basics
* An overview of the latest solar technology and learn how to compare your options
* Discussion of the basics to selling solar systems including government incentives
* Rack & wire a demo array with your instructor's guidance
* Get hands on with a Solar Pathfinder
* Review the types of PV Systems
* Learn how to accurately perform a site survey (and what to watch out for)
* Calculations and comparisons on the economics of a system
* In-class exercises to see how solar systems really work

Who Should Attend

The majority of the class is made up of Electrical Contractors, Green Builders and Alternative Energy Consultants. In each class, there is representation from the following professions: Engineer, Career Changers, Roofers, Building Owners, Solar Thermal Installers and other neighboring trades people. It is important to note that this course is appropriate for both electricians and non-electricians.

Additional Benefits

1. Learn to design & install solar electric systems from A to Z
* Technical design info
* Technical installation information
* Access to course reference materials

2. Learn how to market and sell solar, including details on government incentives

* The sales pitch
* Understanding government incentives
* Economic calculations and comparisons

3. Use in-class exercises to see how solar systems really work
* Hands on installation exercises

4. Meet people in the solar industry and earn a credential that sets you apart
* Certification
* Networking and contacts
* Listing on HeatSpring's website
* Ability to sit for NABCEP exam

5. Get an overview of the latest solar technology and learn how to compare your options
* Introduction and overview

Certificate Benefits:
The Entry Level Solar Professional Certificate demonstrates a fundamental level competence in solar design and installation. Course attendees must pass an exam testing knowledge of industry best practices and standards to receive the entry level solar professional certificate.

Course Outline:
Day 1

7:45am - Registration Coffee and Light Breakfast Served

8:00am - Noon

Electrical Basics: Ohm’s Law, Power Formula, Energy formula, House Load Calculations, Series Circuits, Parallel Circuits

Introduction:
History of PV, Licensing Requirements, Types of Technologies, How a Cell is made, How a Cell Works, How a Module is Made
Characteristics of a Modules, How an array is Made, Types of PV Systems

12:00 - Lunch

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Grid-Tied Only System: Designing a System, Calculating an Array’s Output, Sizing an Array, Cost of a System, Area on Roof, Inverter Sizing,
Array String Length

Permitting the Job: Site Plan, One Line Diagrams, Cut Sheets, Getting Inspection

Site Survey:

Locating Array for High Radiance: Tilt Angle, Daily Radiation, Azimuth, Declination, Combination Chart, Shading

Day 2

8:00am - Noon

Installing the Array:
* Mounting the Array
- Roof Mount
- Ground Mount
- Pole Mount
* Grounding the Array
- Lugs
- WEEBS
* Wiring Array
- Generation – 1
- Generation – 2
* Ampacity Adjustment Factors
- # 10 Wire Chart
* Safety with DC at Array

12:00 - Lunch

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Wiring Balance of System (Grid-Tied Only)

* Wiring from Array to DC Disconnect
* Roof Penetrations
* In Metal (John Wiles)
* DC Disconnect
* Inverter
* Point of Connection
- Back-Fed Breakers
- Between Meter and Main
* Grounding
* Labeling

Day 3

8:00am - Noon

Battery Backed-Up Systems

* Combiner Box
* Charge Controller
* Battery Bank
* DC Breakers
* Inverters
- Mounting
- AC Connections
- Auxiliary Output
- How does it work?
- Programming
- Trouble Shooting
- Board Replacement
- Grounding

12:00 - Lunch

1:00pm - 3:30pm

* Commissioning System
* Getting Inspection (Code Review)
* Maintenance
* Trouble Shooting
* Economic Analysis
* Wrap up, final questions, course evaluation

3:30pm - 4:30pm

* Take the Exam

About the Instructor:

Kenneth Thames
Thames Electric Co., Inc.

Ken Thames is a Master Electrician and founder of Thames Electric Co., Inc in Denver Colorado. He has over 12 years of experience designing and installing solar electric PV systems for buildings and has installed over 400 systems.

Some of the most interesting projects Ken Thames has installed are:

* Reworked and completed PV shingles on A frame on Mount Evans
* Installed experimental PV modules at DU Observatory on Mount Evans
* Installed 12 of the 26 PV projects for Governor Romer’s school initiative, 1999
* Installed a 12 kW system on a residence January 2000, the largest system on record for a residence, at that time, in Washington D.C.
* 2003 Held a NREL intern workshop in Lafayette so that the interns could have real hands-on experience with Photovoltaics
* Designed and installed several Photovoltaic systems for local media channels, Channel 9 and Channel 7
* Designed and installed a battery backed-up PV system for a radio tower east of Kremmling, CO
* Has become the person to contact when Photovoltaic systems don’t work
* Specializes in design, installation, service, and repair of Off-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

Price: $1695.00