71 Solar Installation courses

This short course is targeted towards beginning users, and will show you in detail how to get started creating accurate production estimates for any size PV system, from residential to large-scale. Learn how to find and import the correct meteorological data, create system variants for any size system, and accurately define the orientation, shading scene, and detailed system losses. By the end of this course you will be confidently simulating production and printing reports to share.

Join SEI for this on-demand online solar training session. Online registration provides 60 days of access to the training. Once you have viewed and completed the online on-demand training session, you can print a Record of Completion that reflects the NABCEP CE Hours. Questions? call 970-527-7657 option 1

This training includes four (4) three-hour lessons, for a total of 12 contact training hours. Each lesson will include presentations, videos, interactive exercises, and a quiz. 1- Ladder and Lift Safety: In this lesson, we learn about different ladder options and how to choose the appropriate ladder(s) for a PV installation, based on the specific job site and task (accessing different roof surfaces, running conduit, etc.). We discuss how to properly inspect, set up and use ladders, and through interactive exercises we evaluate different installation sites to determine the best location to set up an extension ladder to access the PV array. In the second part of this lesson, we identify equipment and methods for safely lifting PV modules (and other materials) to the roof, including ladder lifts, boom lifts, reach forklifts, scaffolding, and cranes. 2- Fall Protection: Here, we review OSHA fall protection requirements and present different equipment options for working safely AND efficiently on a PV job site. We discuss the differences between fall restraint, positioning, and fall arrest systems; look at different anchor options for roof surfaces commonly seen on PV installations; and via interactive exercises determine where to place those anchors on the roof. 3- PV Mounting Safety: In this lesson, we identify job site hazards specific to PV mounting work, from array layout through securing modules to the racking system. We go step-by-step through a roof-mounted PV installation and call out ways to eliminate and/or control hazards through safe work practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Through interactive exercises and videos, we show best practice methods to safely handle PV equipment and manage small parts on a sloped roof. 4- Solar Electric Safety: In the final lesson of this series, we take an in-depth look at electrical hazards specific to PV installation and maintenance work, and discuss the requirements of OSHA, the NEC, and NFPA 70E to assure safe working conditions. We discuss shock and arc flash hazards and identify protective measures (including PPE and lockout / tagout). We dive even further into lockout / tagout and safe electrical testing methods in our interactive exercises and videos.

Modeling is a complicated topic - and performance calculation tools offer nearly endless “knobs” to turn, any of which can impact the projected production. A fundamental understanding of what goes on “behind the scenes” is important to be able to make the right decisions when selecting data, adjusting system assumptions and de-rates, and comparing results so you can be confident when you make a production prediction or design choice. Don't worry, the heavy math is left to the modeling tool! Topics include: Examining and applying the core calculations used to predict production of PV arrays Comparing the various modeling programs on the market, and their different approaches Interpreting simulation results from performance models Relating how system design choices impact the production of the array Join Paul Grana, co-founder of Folsom Labs and the HelioScope modeling and design tool, for an in-depth look at PV system performance modeling in four Parts: Introduction and System Design Environment Assumptions and Irradiance Calculations Module Modeling and System Behavior Simulation Results and Model Comparison

Rapid shutdown for PV systems on buildings Expansion of ground-fault and arc-fault requirements Changes that further enable 1,000 Vdc PV systems Updates to disconnect and fuse servicing requirements New standards for field-applied hazard markings Major changes for interconnecting PV systems to the grid New requirements for battery-based PV systems, both stand-alone and interactive Additional changes in Articles 690 and 705, as well as other relevant Articles Join SEI instructors and Code experts Rebekah Hren and Brian Mehalic for a fast-paced and fun three-hour long look at how PV design and installation requirements changed with the adoption of the 2014 Code.

The step-by-step process walks through all the requirements to design 2011 NEC compliant systems. This process applies to all circuits in grid-direct PV systems, regardless of size. Developed in conjunction with industry experts and extensively peer reviewed, SEI's wire sizing methodology takes the mystery out! Full coverage of all NEC Article 310 and 690 conductor and overcurrent device sizing. Join SEI instructors Brian Mehalic and Rebekah Hren for a three-hour on-demand training training session.

Solar Energy International discusses the following topics: Are you are using the best temperature data to calculate maximum system voltage? Have you reviewed new requirements for labeling, marking and routing conductors? 2011 grounding and bonding requirements have been greatly simplified! Wondering about the DC arc-fault protection devices now required? Don't forget that PV source and output fuses now require disconnects within sight! SEI instructors Brian Mehalic and Rebekah Hren also discuss the following topics: The code-making process, looking to 2014, Articles 90.1(B) and 110.3, 690.4(B) Qualified persons 690.8(B)(1) and (2) Overcurrent devices and conductor ampacity 690.13 Exception 2 - Disconnecting means - all conductors 690.31(E) DC circuits inside a building - Type MC, distance from decking, marking 705.12(A) Size limits of parallel production sources

This training includes two lessons for a total of 8 contact training hours. Each lesson includes presentations, field videos, interactive exercises, and a quiz. Lesson 1: Site and Mechanical Hazards- Identify common site and mechanical hazards that workers are exposed to when installing ground-mounted PV arrays, describe ways to mitigate hazards, determine safe working practices and PPE requirements. Lesson 2: Electrical Hazards- Determine electrical hazards on large-scale PV job sites, identify shock and arc flash hazards and implement protective measures, define lockout/tagout methods and principles, examine installation, maintenance, and PV testing hazards.

Join SEI curriculum developer and instructor Brian Mehalic for an in-depth look at this topic in eight parts: What does a diode do? Modeling PV - the basic equivalent circuit “Building” PV modules I-V curve mismatch Bypass diodes in operation Bypass diode operation in PV modules and circuits Failures and issues Case studies

Join SEI's Will White - who's been living off-grid since 2007 - for an in-depth look at off-grid system considerations in three parts: Components used in an off-grid system. Design parameters of an off-grid system. How to size individual components for an off-grid system and the maintenance required.