Courses Available in the Midwest
NABCEP Certified PV Installer Exam Preparation
February 9-10, 2012, Muskeegan, Michigan
This course provides preparation for the NABCEP PV Installer Certification Exam. Course content will focus on the NABCEP Task Analysis and in-depth review of NABCEP suggested resource list. Special emphasis will be given to design calculations using the 2008 National Electric Code. The class format emphasizes problem solving using the NEC book and test taking.
For more information, or to register, click here.
NABCEP Test Prep
February 24-25, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
This two-day intensive course will present participants with knowledge and tools to prepare them to take the NABCEP PV Installer Certification exam. Participants will work through content related to the NABCEP Task Analysis to give a clear understanding of the knowledge and competencies required in the exam. Preference will be given first to applicants who are registered for the next NABCEP PV Installer Certification exam and then to those who have fulfilled the complete list of requirements to site for the exam.
For more information, or to register, click here.
PV Math
February 26, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
This course will focus on code compliant calculations required for PV system design. Using a combination of lecture and classroom activities, the course will review all pertinent mathematics, although much of the focus will be directed by participants in order to address their areas of concern. Recommended for understanding the math portions of the NABCEP PV Installer Certification exam.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar PV Installer Boot Camp and NABCEP Entry Level Exam
March 6-8, 2012, Chicago, Illinois
This intensive solar training teaches you to design, install, and sell solar PV (electric) systems, plus helps you pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. The training combines 16 hours of online lessons, including reading assignments, worksheets, and other prep with a 3-day classroom based boot camp including hands-on exercises and face to face time with an ISPQ Certified Master Trainer. The blended format of this course is designed to keep time off-the-job to a minimum, and present the material in a variety of formats to allow for a variety of student learning styles.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 202 - Advanced PV System Design and the NEC (Grid-Direct)
March 12-April 22, 2012, Online
With this solar training course for professionals, you will apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to residential and commercial grid-direct solar electric systems to ensure safe, code-compliant design and installation. This workshop will build upon the core concepts from PV 101 and continue to emphasize grid-direct systems. The course will focus significantly on the National Electrical Code (NEC), including grid interface calculations, grounding considerations, and advanced component specification. Students will learn to evaluate system performance under various operating conditions.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 206 - Solar Business and Technical Sales
March 12-April 22, 2012, Online
This course has been developed from the ground up with a strong focus on business principals and non-technical financial and economics topics directly aligned with the NABCEP PV Technical Sales task analysis. This workshop is for those currently working in the solar industry or hoping to work in solar sales. Through insightful presentations and instruction from working experts in the field, this workshop covers marketing and sales techniques you will need to be successful. Concepts discussed in detail include: customer qualifications, solar site analysis, creating conceptual design proposals, system costing, incentives and rebates, cost-benefit analysis, financing options, and the non-financial benefits of photovoltaic systems.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 203 - Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based)
March 12-April 22, 2012, Online
Apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to battery-based systems in this solar training course to ensure safe, code-compliant design and installation. This course will build upon the core concepts from PV 101, with a specific emphasis on battery-based system design. Students will work through step-by-step design process for battery-based applications, including stand-alone (off-grid), grid-tied with battery back-up, and hybrid systems. Topics such as load analysis, component selection, battery safety, voltage drop, and commissioning procedures will be presented. In addition to sizing exercises and calculations, students will explore addtional design considerations unique to battery-based systems.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 101 - Solar Elecric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)
March 12-April 22, 2012, Online
This online solar training course established fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV modules criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Advanced PV Systems Design
March 12, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Duluth, Minnesota
This one-day course provides an advanced level of lecture that prepares the participants for designing photovoltaic (PV) systems. In-depth discussion topics include product specification, product integration, system design capabilities and limitations, major system design issues, common mistakes, and solutions.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Battery-Based PV Systems
March 13, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Duluth, Minnesota
PV systems that employ batteries require significant design considerations. Whether using batteries with a bimodal or stand-alone system, battery selectiion and sizing is challenging. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding the use of batteries for PV applications.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Advancements in PV
March 14, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Duluth, Minnesota
This course is designed to bring participants up-to-date on the newest equipment and techniques used in PV installation. This includes the latest gear (modules, inverters, charge controllers, mounting structures, disconnection means, etc.) and the newest, most efficient, and safest methods for installing PV systems that meet NEC code.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Code Primer for Officials and Installers
March 15, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Duluth, Minnesota
This course presents an in-depth analysis of issues for photovoltaic (PV) systems relating to National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 690. Code issues in PV system design and specification will be covered as well as issues concerning product listing requirements, wiring, grounding, and labeling.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Water Systems Commissioning and Testing
March 24, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
In this one-day course, participants will learn about solar water system commissioning and testing, including verfiication, pressure testing, monitoring, documentation, maintenance, performance assessment, and troubleshooting. This course will help to define and build the skills required to ensure a professional installation that meets the needs of the customer and installation standards enforced by local authorities. Toward the end of the course, participants will take part in the commissioning and testing of a solar domestic hot water system.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Thermal System Conceptual Design
April 14-15, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
This two-day course explores system design considerations, including collector sizing and configuration, pipe sizing, component sizing, solar fluid volume estimatiion, heat storage, heat delivery, code considerations, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Participants will apply design elements while working through five case study systems, including space heating, commercial, and process heat applications.
For more information, or to register, click here.
PV Design and Installation Lab
April 14-17, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
This four-day course offers participants an advanced level of lecture and hands-on learning that will prepare them for field installations and other advanced courses. Participants will learn how to correctly design, size, and select PV system components and identify and interpret National Electric Code (NEC) articles that pertain to the installations. While working on a training roof, participants will learn safety procedures, system design and layout, component selection and specification, electrical and mechanical integration techniques, and troubleshooting.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Advanced Solar Space Heating Installation
April 21-22, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
In this on-site installation course, participants will be involved in various steps in the installation of a solar air heating system, including mounting collectors and balance of system components. Participants will also learn about solar air benefits and limitations, site assessment, installation tools and safety, installation procedures and best practices, system sizing and design, Btu production and outcome verification, and solar air heat system sales.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 203 - Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based)
April 23-June 3, 2012, Online
Apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to battery-based systems in this solar training course to ensure safe, code-compliant design and installation. This course will build upon the core concepts from PV 101, with a specific emphasis on battery-based system design. Students will work through step-by-step design process for battery-based applications, including stand-alone (off-grid), grid-tied with battery back-up, and hybrid systems. Topics such as load analysis, component selection, battery safety, voltage drop, and commissioning procedures will be presented. In addition to sizing exercises and calculations, students will explore addtional design considerations unique to battery-based systems.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 101 - Solar Elecric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)
April 23-June 3, 2012, Online
This online solar training course established fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV modules criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Hot Water Installation Lab
April 28-30, 2012, Custer, Wisconsin
In this three-day course, participants will learn the basics of how to properly install two solar domestic hot water heating systems suitable for northern climates. The hands-on course includes both theory and installation practice. Participants will work as a group to install both a drainback and pressurized closed-loop system on a training roof.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 202 - Advanced PV System Design and the NEC (Grid-Direct)
May 21-July 1, 2012, Online
With this solar training course for professionals, you will apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to residential and commercial grid-direct solar electric systems to ensure safe, code-compliant design and installation. This workshop will build upon the core concepts from PV 101 and continue to emphasize grid-direct systems. The course will focus significantly on the National Electrical Code (NEC), including grid interface calculations, grounding considerations, and advanced component specification. Students will learn to evaluate system performance under various operating conditions.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 101 - Solar Elecric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)
May 21-July 1, 2012, Online
This online solar training course established fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV modules criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Firefighter Safety and Renewable Energy Systems
June 2, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
In the past, only firefighters in remote or rural areas ever expected to see renewable energy systems during emergency responses. Today, the proliferation of utility interactive photovoltaic systems in urban, suburban, and interface areas means that all firefighters and their commanders will encounter these systems eventually.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Water Pumping with Solar and Wind
June 3, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
In this one-day course, participants will learn the various types of solar and wind water-pumping systems. Participants will learn to determine the preferred application for each system. This course will also cover the technical side including: pump types, solar and wind electrical inputs, and energy storage. The course will describe how the variables of water volume and pumping height determine the capacity and energy demands for moving water.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 203 - Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based)
June 18-July 29, 2012, Online
Apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to battery-based systems in this solar training course to ensure safe, code-compliant design and installation. This course will build upon the core concepts from PV 101, with a specific emphasis on battery-based system design. Students will work through step-by-step design process for battery-based applications, including stand-alone (off-grid), grid-tied with battery back-up, and hybrid systems. Topics such as load analysis, component selection, battery safety, voltage drop, and commissioning procedures will be presented. In addition to sizing exercises and calculations, students will explore addtional design considerations unique to battery-based systems.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 101 - Solar Elecric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)
June 18-July 29, 2012, Online
This online solar training course established fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV modules criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.
For more information, or to register, click here.
High-Mass Sand Beds and Other Seasonal Solar Thermal Storage
June 30, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Custer, Wisconsin
In this one-day course, participants will discuss in-depth different solar thermal storage options. Presentation and discussion will teach techniques on how to store summer heat during winter months and topics including storage types, methods, storage system sizing, and installation strategies.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 206 - Solar Business and Technical Sales
July 7-August 19, 2012, Online
This course has been developed from the ground up with a strong focus on business principals and non-technical financial and economics topics directly aligned with the NABCEP PV Technical Sales task analysis. This workshop is for those currently working in the solar industry or hoping to work in solar sales. Through insightful presentations and instruction from working experts in the field, this workshop covers marketing and sales techniques you will need to be successful. Concepts discussed in detail include: customer qualifications, solar site analysis, creating conceptual design proposals, system costing, incentives and rebates, cost-benefit analysis, financing options, and the non-financial benefits of photovoltaic systems.
For more information, or to register, click here.
Solar Training - PV 101 - Solar Elecric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)
July 7-August 19, 2012, Online
This online solar training course established fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV modules criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.
For more information, or to register, click here.