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.
Rooftops represent the most available, sustainable and secure real estate, which is why low-slope and steep-slope roofs are increasingly being used as platforms for photovoltaic systems. Low-slope roofs (commonly used for commercial buildings) and steep-slope roofs (commonly used for single-family residences) have separate challenges when integrating PV systems. Information from the roofing industry and roofing manufacturer requirements will be provided as well as numerous photographs. INSTRUCTOR BIO: James R. Kirby, AIA, is Vice President of Sustainability for the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing, Washington, DC. Kirby has expertise in roof system design and construction, weatherproofing and energy-efficiency of the building envelope, and rooftop PV systems. His responsibilities include serving as liaison for the Center's PV taskforce, representing the roofing industry at sustainability-focused events, and presenting sustainability-based technical information to roofing and other construction trades within the US and internationally. Kirby holds a bachelor's degree in architectural studies and a master's degree in architecture (structures option) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He recently received his Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Design and Construction from Boston Architectural College, and he also is an accredited Green Roofing Professional. Before joining The Center in 2012, he worked for National Roofing Contractors Association, most recently as Associate Executive Director of Technical Communications. Prior to his 16 years at NRCA, he worked for Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc., Northbrook, Ill., an architectural and engineering consulting firm. He is a licensed architect in Illinois and a professional member of several industry organizations, including ASTM International, American Institute of Architects, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, International Code Council and U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter. Kirby is a frequent presenter and contributing author to the roofing, energy-efficiency and solar industries. He has given numerous presentations, educational seminars and webinars to industry-related associations and construction-affiliated groups. Kirby also is an annual guest lecturer at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
This advanced training features troubleshooting and repair of the components in solar thermal systems, including solar space heating systems. The target audience is installers and technicians that understand installation techniques and would like to increase their comprehension of drainback and antifreeze system service procedures. A section of the class includes newer differential controls, thermistors and RTD sensors, aquastats, relays, multiple differentials and space heating components. Troubleshooting and repair related to pumps, collectors, tanks, valves and safety devices are also part of the class. This course is presented by Chuck Marken, Solar Thermal Expert and longtime SEI Instructor.
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 âBuildingâ PV modules I-V curve mismatch Bypass diodes in operation Bypass diode operation in PV modules and circuits Failures and issues Case studies
Students who complete the CE514 course will be able to: Identify codes applicable to PV systems and the requirements they address Describe requirements for protecting a structure List wind and fire resistance requirements Detail firefighter access/egress and setback requirements Define requirements relevant to BIPV and solar shingles Identify labeling requirements
Helpful tools and products used in the solar industry Residential installation tips Commercial solar installation examples Transformerless inverter installations Grid-tie with battery backup design and installation Off-grid design considerations Load side taps Grounding Ballasted roof top system design Ground mount design Custom racking Wiring methods New technologies Battery box construction
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Have you read your warranty? Do you know the difference between a workpersonship and performance warranty? If you don't spend your free time reading warranty legalese, then join us for this short course where we'll look at common warranty terms and exceptions. We'll dive into details specific to PV modules, inverters, installation, and battery warranties. Some warranties have unusual terms or requirements that vary from the manufactures marketing literature. We'll review examples of several of these situations and other common but not well-known warranty clauses that may influence your equipment choices.
You may know that a solar cell loses voltage with heat, but we explain WHY (and it's not resistance). You learn about why some colors of light are absorbed by a cell and others aren't. You learn about why the STC conditions always include 'Air Mass 1.5' and why that's important. You learn that there are actually TWO currents of electrons inside a cell, flowing in opposite directions. And we finish up by explaining why shaded modules get that weird 'dolphin nose' shape and why bypass diodes are your friends. After taking this course, when asked how a solar cell works, you'll be able to go way beyond 'It's magic' - although it is pretty magical.
Basic customer considerations Basic site safety Structural information - rafter size, spacing and span, among other things Roof information - including roofing material and condition Site information - required for all ground- and pole-mounted arrays Shade analysis for proposed array site Electrical information - system voltage and type, service disconnect size, panel ratings and more!