Solar Success! Course Descriptions
Click on the links below to find the course you are looking for:
• Photovoltaic Modules
• Mounting Systems
• Inverters
• Business, Finance, Sales, and Marketing
• Battery
• Balance of System
Photovoltaic Modules:
Conergy P Module Introduction and Module Portfolio
An overview of the Conergy module portfolio with concentration on the new Conergy PowerPlus and Conergy P modules. Discussion will include an in-depth look at state-of-the art module design and manufacturing techniques and their effects on module performance, yield and service life. Sales strategies and module performance metrics will also be discussed.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: Conergy P Module
Presented by: Don Massa, Product Portfolio Manager and Phil Undercuffler, Product Portfolio Manager
Category: Modules, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours:2
SANYO HIT Technology
This session will introduce SANYO's HIT Technology and updates for 2010. Topics will include discussions of higher conversion efficiency, less vulnerability to high temperatures and enhanced construction, which make the SANYO HIT solar panels among the most efficient and highest quality solar panels in the solar market today.
Company: SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation
Products Covered: HIT Power N Series & HIT Double Series Modules
Presented by: Robert Zerner, Business Development Executive
Category: Modules, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Mounting Systems:
Conergy SolarGiant - Commercial-Scale Mounting System Solutions
An introduction and detailed overview of Conergy’s revolutionary new SolarGiant III PV ground mount system. To demonstrate the SolarGiant’s unique features and the ease and speed of assembly, a 5KW SolarGiant III will actually be assembled and erected in the session. OldCastle Portion: Ground-mounted solar power systems are being installed in commercial and residential applications throughout North America in increasing numbers. Whether solar power systems utilize photovoltaic (PV) technologies such as fixed tilt, single axis, or dual axis trackers, or a concentrated solar power (CSP) system, such as the parabolic trough, there is one thing that each of these systems has in common: a system can last only as long as its foundation. Larry Miller will be discussing engineering considerations and other structural aspects of solar power systems utilizing ballasted foundation systems. Topics will include design considerations, field applications, and manufacturing.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: SolarGiant III
Presented by: Don Massa, Product Portfolio Manager and Larry Miller, Oldcastle Precast Concrete, Inc.
Category: Mounting, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours:4
Conergy SunTop Pitched-Room Mounting System
+ Quick Mount Code-Compliant Mounting & Waterproof Flashing
An introduction and overview of Conergy’s SunTop pitched roof mounting system in conjunction with Quick Mount PV's code compliant flashings for roof penetrations. Emphasis will be placed on code compliance and best practices for roof installed systems, demonstrating SunTop's ease and speed of assembly together with Quick Mount's simple installation process. A live demonstration of Quick Mounts and the SunTop code-compliant sizing tool will also be provided.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: SunTop Presented by: Don Massa, Product Portfolio Manager and Johan Alfsen, International Training Manager
Category: Mounting, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
Perfect Marriage: Solar and Metal Roofs
Topics: • Advantages of metal roofs • Why metal roofs and solar power are the “perfect marriage” • Cost benefits of installing solar on metal roofs • Installation training using S-5! Basics of standing seam metal roofs: • What is SSMR and the profile differences • Coatings of metal roofs • Galvanic chart and metallurgy • Installation of metal roofs
S-5! technology: • Clamping versus piercing • Technology behind clamp systems • Testing – normal, parallel, and what it means to you
The perfect marriage (SSMR and PV): • Sustainability and recyclability • Zero penetration system • Mounting cost for conventional roofs versus ssmr • The ultimate cool roof • Service life compatibility • Economic impact of conventional roof replacement
Company: Metal Roof Innovations (S-5!)
Products Covered: S-5-PV Kit, S-5 Clamps, VersaBracket and CorruBracket
Presented by: Robb Haddock, CEO and Dustin Haddock, Product Development Manager
Category: Mounting, Grid-Tie & Battery Back-up Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
Code Compliant Roof Top Mounting and Flashing Systems
Water intrusion from roof penetrations has become a big concern in the solar industry. In this presentation Johan Alfsen, of Quick Mount PV, will discuss how to follow important roofing codes in order to maintain roof warranties, protect the the roof, and installer liability. Various Quick Mount PV products will be demonstrated in conjunction with the Conergy SunTop racking system.
Company: Quick Mount PV
Products Covered: QMSC A 12, QMLC A 12, QMFTM A 12, QMCTM A 12 g Manager and N/A, N/A
Category: Mounting, Residential Grid-Tie
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
Unirac's Flush-to-Roof Installation Solutions
Interested in mounting PV arrays to a pitched roof? Come learn how Unirac enables you to do this with complete comfort. You will be able to choose the right materials, in the right quantities, have the right engineering support, and have the right roof interface to apply — all with peace-of-mind quality and availability. The focus will be on residential-size installations, but can be applied to larger commercial arrays as well.
Company: UniRac, Inc
Products Covered: SolarMount, SunFramen, CLICKSYS
Presented by: Andy Davidson, Technical Support & Training Manager, Unirac
Category: Mounting
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
Unirac's Commercial Installation Solutions
On the big jobs, you need not worry! Small things become glaring obstacles on a commercial scale. Learn how to choose your commercial installation solution with the satisfaction and comfort of knowing you have the best quality racking designs, parts and preliminary engineering calculations to support your work. Unirac's commercial-size ground and roof mounting options will set you free from hassle and consternation.
Company: UniRac, Inc
Products Covered: U-LA, RapidRac
Presented by: Jean Arya, Lead Technical Support, Unirac
Category: Mounting
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
Inverters
Fronius Inverter and DATCOM Training
Fronius is offering a half-day course (4 hours) that will cover various topics including Fronius inverter technology, data communications, installation procedures, trouble shooting, system design and more. Attendees will also receive a workbook and a certificate of completion. In addition, the class has been certified for continuing education credit from the National Association of Board-Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Company: Fronius USA, LLC
Products Covered: Fronius IG Plus, Fronius IG, Fronius DATCOM
Presented by: Bryan Lydic, Applications Engineer, Fronius
Category: Inverters
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours:4
Introduction to SMA Products (Wednesday, May 19)
This short seminar focuses on a technical overview of Sunny Boy inverters and their interaction with the utility grid. Topics include grid-tied photovoltaic components, inverter MPP tracking characteristics, single phase and three phase utility applications, SMA DC disconnect and inverter installation and troubleshooting. This seminar also provides an introduction to the Sunny Central series of inverters. For information visit the SMA web site.
Company: SMA
Products Covered: Complete SMA Product line
Presenter: Greg Smith, Technical Trainer
Category: Inverters — Residential, Commercial, Off-Grid/Battery Back-up
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
Introduction to Sunny Central 1 (Thursday, May 20)
This course provides an introduction to the Sunny Central family of inverters with and without internal transformers. Applications include large-scale PV plants ranging from hundreds of kilowatts to utility-scale megawatt installations. This training session provides an overview of the National Electrical Code requirements and safety in dealing with high voltages. It also provides a broad perspective of data logging, monitoring, command and control options for interaction with plant operators and utilities. For information visit the SMA web site.
Company: SMA
Products Covered: Sunny Central 250/500U
Presenter: Greg Smith, Technical Trainer
Category: Inverters — Commercial/Utility, Large 3 Phase
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
Introduction to Enphase, Installation of the Enphase Microinverter System
Introduction to Enphase presentation - Dominick Morone will present the Enphase System as an integrated solar energy solution that provides significant benefits over traditional solar energy installations including increased energy harvest, improved reliability, and dramatically simplified design, installation and management. Installation of the Enphase Microinverter System - Jeff Laughy will give an overview of the steps involved in installing Enphase Microinverters, as well as best practices for ensuring a successful installation.
Company: Enphase
Products Covered: M190, M210, D380
Presented by: Dominick Morone, Sales Manager and Jeff Laughy, Applications Engineer
Category: Inverters, Micro-inverters, Grid-Tie Residential, Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
Xantrex XW Grid-Tie and Off-Grid Battery Based Inverter
Designed for easy installation, long-term performance and reliability, the battery based Xanterx XW Grid-Tie and Off-Grid products are an efficient, cost effective choice of power inverter for homes and buildings. Learn and understand the XW System from the features and benefits to the technical hands-on of how to install and configure the system.
Company: Schneider Electric (formerly Xantrex)
Products Covered: Xantrex XW Inverter
Presented by: Jarmo Venalainen, Technical Training Manager
Category: Inverters, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
Xantrex GT Grid-Tie Residential and Small Commercial Applications
This session is an introduction to the Xantrex GT-Series grid-tie Inverter. By attending, installers and dealers can gain an understanding of the GT-Series product and how to install it. The session reviews the product features of the GT system, performance, and performance monitoring, planning the install and installation, voltage and sizing requirements, array sizing, grounding and disconnects.
Company: Schneider Electric (formerly Xantrex)
Products Covered: Xantrex GT Inverter
Presented by: Jarmo Venalainen, Technical Training Manager
Category: Inverters, Grid-Tie Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 4
OutBack Power 101 — Product Training and System Overview
An introduction to battery based Inverter/Chargers, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controllers, and system components for both grid-tie and off-grid applications, covering system sizing and programming.
Company: OutBack Power Systems
Products Covered: FX Series Inverter/Chargers, FLEXpower ONE, SmartRE, FLEXmax MPPT Charge Controllers
Presented by: Lones Tuss, Applications Engineer, Outback
Category: Inverters
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 2
Business, Finance, Sales, and Marketing:
Big Marketing Impact on a Small Business Budget
This fast-paced, interactive class is an MBA in Marketing boiled down to a 2-hour course focused on positioning your business in the high-growth and increasingly competitive solar energy market. Thought-provoking, strategic, relevant - this course is designed to help you understand how to actively, efficiently and cost-effectively take control of the essentials of a marketing plan including: customer analysis,lead management, brand-building and differentiating yourself from your competitors.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: Marketing Strategy
Presented by: Jyl Safier, Director of Marketing
Category: Business, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Public Relations as a Sales & Marketing Tool
Renewable energy, green jobs, combatting climate change - just a few of the buzzwords journalists are seeking to highlight in their stories these days. As a solar installer, you and your customers have great stories to tell. When done well, earned media can help you establish credibility and brand awareness among your target customer audience, build long-term relationships with key local media and provide high-impact, low-cost alternatives to traditional advertising strategies. Learn whom to target and how to find them, what makes an effective news hook, how to pitch to the media and which PR tools in print, electronic and online media you can exploit to meet your media objectives.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: Communications Strategy
Presented by: Terri Steele, Independent Communications Strategist, and Jyl Safier, Director of Marketing
Category: Business, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Baking Up a Solar Market - Market Research Insights and Industry Outlook
Attend this session to learn about the ingredients that make for an effective solar market. Start with a base layer of a renewable portfolio standard or renewable energy program that includes a healthy solar or distributed generation carve out. Add adequate incentives that create demand for solar among all market segments. Make sure you have plenty of funding. Stir in solar friendly energy rates that recognize the value of solar generation. Mix in streamlined net metering and interconnection regulation that allows large systems to connect to the grid. Bring lots of cooks into the kitchen and bake as fast as you can. We'll also take a whirlwind tour of global and US supply, demand and technologies. Global markets and economics will be discussed to understand where modules will flow, and what will be available for the US. This session will provide a solid overview on the fundamentals of what will drive solar globally and in the US over the next several years.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: Market Research
Presented by: TBD
Category: Business, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Conergy Commercial Financing Program Selling Strategies
This session will provide an overview of the Solar Host Agreement and Commercial Lease program.s features and benefits and provide valuable information about using finance as a selling tool in commercial and government markets. The session will also feature cash flow examples and Q&A
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: Financing
Presented by: TBD
Category: Business
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Sizing Up - Mid-scale Commercial PV Systems
Geared towards existing residential-scale PV installers interested in Commercial-scale PV installation, this 2 hour presentation provides a technical overview of mid-scale (30 . 500 kW) PV systems. Topics include choosing inverter(s), DC and AC wiring configurations, utility interconnection, mounting systems, and general installation strategies.
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: NEC Code & System Sizing
Presented by: TBD
Category: Business, Grid-Tie Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
NABCEP - Everything You Want to Know
This session will cover all aspects of NABCEP and provide a complete overview of organization and its programs. The session will focus on how to meet the requirements to qualify to take the Certification exam as well as the requirements to maintain Certification. Anyone who is interested in learning about the benefits of being a NABCEP Certified Installer and what it takes to earn the Certification(s) should attend this session.
Company: NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)
Products Covered: NABCEP Certification Program
Presented by: Ezra Auerbach, Executive Director
Category: Business
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Solar Marketing & Sales Best Practices
In this intensive workshop for both solar salespeople and sales managers, Andy Black will discuss the sales process, preparing and presenting proposals, and effective sales tools. He will also discuss what salespeople should know to expect to be hired and subsequently become more effective and valuable on the job. The class will reveal practical tips and techniques to connect with your customer and bring them closer to saying "YES!" This is an in-depth segment of Mr. Black's very popular 8-hour class on Solar Sales & Marketing. The strategic insights you'll glean from this course will save you thousands in avoided mistakes and earn you thousands in increased sales.
Sales Organization
• Setting up and running sales organizations
• Staffing, asset control, termination and legal issues
• Costs and sales commission rates
Sales Strategies
• Connecting with customers
• Working the sales funnel from lead screening to presenting and closing
Company: OnGrid Solar
Products Covered: OnGrid Tool
Presented by: Andy Black, CEO
Category: Business, Grid-Tie Residential
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Economics of PV Overview for Selling to the Residential Grid-Tied Market
This introductory class is to help dealers, installers, and salespeople get started make the best and most accurate financial case to their customers to help them make more sales and open more eyes to the value of solar systems. Andy will discuss the various methods of performing financial analyses in conjunction with the savings realized and the major factors that affect the results, such as rates, incentives, and tax benefits. Financial analysis methods presented will include Simple Payback, Total Lifecycle Payback, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Cash Flow analysis, and Appraisal Resale Value. Interactive examples of residential sites will be provided, including discussion of the salient differences and advantages of each method. The OnGrid Tool will be presented, which helps users do the above financial analysis, and present the results to customers in clean, easy to use auto-generated proposals. All students will receive a demo of the OnGrid Tool.
Company: OnGrid Solar
Products Covered: OnGrid Tool
Presented by: Andy Black, CEO
Category: Business, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Web-design and online marketing strategy essentials
This session provides an overview of the compelling financial and strategic reasons to pursue an aggressive online strategy and considerations for your solar company's web-design project. Topics covered include using your web-site and social media/web 2.0 strategies such as online video and social networks for lead generation and automating aspects of the sales cycle to reduce cost and extend your business presence. Emphasis will be placed on the business owner's role and responsibility for an outsourced project and the skill set and experience when selecting a web design/strategy firm or consultant. (This session may be taken alone or in conjunction with SEO session immediately following.)
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: SEO, Marketing & Sales Best Practices
Presented by: Tony Mandarich, Mandarich Media Group, LLC
Category: Business
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
What every solar business owner needs to know about SEO
(search engine optimization)
A general overview of SEO (search engine optimization), Pay Per Click Management & other Internet marketing tools available for small businesses on the Internet. A strong focus on how important it is to be optimized for local search results and the tools and techniques that are specific to local search. We will also touch on social Internet marketing can improve search results and optimize your lead generation strategies. Case studies will include Facebook and Twitter. The emphasis will be on what business owners need to know to successfully outsource or manage these initiatives and recommendations about the tools and resources to learn more. (This session may be taken alone or in conjunction with Web-design essentials immediately preceding.)
Company: Conergy
Products Covered: SEO, Marketing & Sales Best Practices
Presented by: Tony Mandarich, Mandarich Media Group, LLC
Category: Business
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Grow and manage your solar business with
Clean Power Finance's CPF Tools
Clean Power Finance is the solar PV industry leading provider of software, services, training and financing solutions. CPF Tools, Clean Power Finance's web-based solution, helps installers grow, manage, and close more business with qualified leads, finance, and solar quoting tools that incorporate the latest utility rates, rebates, and CEC approved equipment.
Running a solar business involves more than technical "know-how". Crafting a successful sales process, understanding calculations on "Return on Investment", and navigating the complexities of various utility rate structures will help differentiate you from your competition and give you a competitive edge in this growing and dynamic industry.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
• Strategic lead generation and tracking
• Creating clear, accurate and compelling sales proposals
• Calculating and explaining ROI in multiple forms
• Educate customers with detailed financial, energy, and environmental analyses
• Navigating and explaining utility rates, tariffs, incentives & rebates
Company: CleanPower Finance
Products Covered: CPF Tools
Presented by: Jeremy Hammond, Strategic Account Manager, and Ted Schwarz, Training and Inside Sales Manager
Category: Business
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2
Battery
Hybrid AGM/GEL and HT High Temperature Battery Technology
Power Battery Company is proud to present a comprehensive two hour training session on the latest developments in VRLA battery technology. These advancements are available in a series of fully pre - engineered systems choosing from modular racks, cabinets and outdoor enclosures, that make this "one stop shop" an ideal solution, eliminating any need to later resolve at the site, typical missing battery system components for completion. A brief introduction about Power Battery Company will be followed by a simple overview of the history of lead acid batteries. Those subjects will be followed by an in depth understanding of the VRLA "Valve Regulated Lead Acid" battery and its development. Pros and Cons of both flooded and sealed technology will be discussed leading to the development of a hybrid AGM/GEL VRLA battery that combines the best attributes of both technologies. The recent development of a high temperature technology and its merits will be introduced. Throughout the session, questions and answers will be encouraged, so every participants "need to know" will be addressed by a world renowned expert.
Company: Power Battery Company
Products Covered: PSG Series, EZS Series, CZS Series, OCS Series
Presented by: Michael Davidson, Western Regional Manager North America and
Dr. Tom O'Sullivan, Power Systems Specialist Senior Consultant
Category: Battery, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
Lead Acid Battery Technical Training
The intention of this technically focused discussion (NABCEP Certified) is to bring a clear understanding to, the often misunderstood, workings of the lead-acid battery. This presentation will begin with a short video depicting modern battery production processes in an attempt to clarify associated industry jargon. The body of the presentation will focus on diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques involving performance issues, temperature effects, charging parameters, sulfation and maintenance considerations. Our product line overview, sizing recommendations and method of bringing product to the market will conclude this presentation. (NABCEP)
Company: Rolls Battery Engineering (Surrette)
Products Covered: Rolls Battery Technology
Presented by: James Surrette, CEO
Category: Battery, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 2
Balance Of System:
Classic MPPT - The game changer
The Classic MPPT controller is the newest entry into the field of MPPT controllers. In the past the industry has been tied to a maximum of 150VDC. The Classic breaks this barrier and can operate up to 250VDC with an open circuit stand off of up to 300VDC. The Classic can be set up to do solar, wind or hydro. Midnite also has the Clipper available for wind applications. The Clipper is a sophisticated voltage limiter that is required on most wind applications. Each power electronics product has built in Ethernet access. Dealers can now troubleshoot a customers system over the internet and make any necessary adjustments to the Classic and Clipper. Industry first features too numerous to list here are included with the Classic and Clipper.
Company: Midnite Solar
Products Covered: Classic250 MPPT Charge Controller
Presented by: Robin Gudgel, President
Category: Balance of System, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: 2
SolaDeck and Solar Success
• Background, history, development and evolution of the SolaDeck parts • Detailed explanation of the current SolaDeck models • Field use of SolaDeck models • Listings behind the parts • The value/benefit of SolaDeck for the contractor • Installation demo • Tooling for the price point • Distribution channel and where SolaDeck can be purchased • R&D in progress • Discussion
Company: SolaDeck
Products Covered: SolaDeck Products
Presented by: Stephen J. Capozzi, President
Category: Balance of System
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 2 hours
Grounding Application for Commercial and Residential Installations
Join us for an introduction to innovative balance of system products for PV installers. Wiley Electronics- engineers will demonstrate industry-accepted products - the WEEB Grounding Clip and WEEB Lug - designed to make your installations easier, safer, and less expensive. We will also look at improved wiring methods using the Acme Conduit Entry (ACE) and Acme Cable Clips, and a digital PV site evaluation using the ASSET tool and software.
Company: Wiley Electronics LLC
Products Covered: Washer, Equipment Electrical Bond, WEEB Lug, WEEB Bonding Jumper, Acme Cable Clips, Acme Conduit Entry
Presented by: Heather Peterson, Sales Manager and Brian Wiley, Electrical Engineer
Category: Balance of System, Grid-Tie, Battery Back-up & Off-Grid Residential & Commercial
NABCEP CEU: Yes
Hours: 2
Expedited Permit Process
This session will go into detail on how to fill out the forms necessary to submit a package to a local jurisdiction and be considered for an "Expedited Permit." The session will include a case study so that participants can work through the required information and calculations. Participants are encouraged to download the standardized forms and explanatory information from www.solarabcs.org/permitting. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop computer so that they can fill in the forms electronically.
Company: Brooks Engineering
Products Covered: Expedeted Permitting
Presented by: Bill Brooks, Principal
Category: Installation Aids/Balance of System
NABCEP CEU: No
Hours: 4
DECK Monitoring
Company: DECK Monitoring
Products Covered: Combiners (Central)
Presented by: TBD
Category: Balance of System
NABCEP CEU: TBD
Hours: TBD
*Please Note: The course descriptions and training schedule are "under construction," details will be added as they are received. Though we work hard to maintain an accurate, up-to-date schedule; the schedule and participating training organizations are also subject to change. Conergy does not guarantee the participation of any of the above manufacturers and may change or cancel training sessions at anytime.