Produced by Conergy
Presented by American Solar Energy Society
Testimonials from 2009

Solar Success! For Start-ups

In-depth description and agenda

NEW! Ten hours of self-paced online training through SEI PV101 Prep Course [internal link to bottom of page] included in your Start-ups registration. Come to Solar Success! For Start-ups prepared for an in-depth training experience. Registration for this additional training will be sent with your event registration confirmation.

Dates

Monday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 18, followed by Solar Success! Fast Track sessions on Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20

Training Time

Two days of exclusive content plus 2 days of 6 concurrent business/product training tracks

Target Audience

This program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish new solar photovoltaic (PV) installation businesses, as well as electrical and construction business leaders seeking to expand their businesses to include solar PV system sales and integration. This training is also useful for existing solar business owners who need to train new sales and project management employees. Targeted to the knowledgeable technical professional, this training is appropriate for electrical contractors, journeyman electricians, and recent entrants into the solar industry who want to improve their skills and knowledge. This is not an entry-level electrical course; knowledge of electricity and current NEC electrical code is a prerequisite.

Topics Covered

Equipment overview; system design; string sizing; system installation and commissioning; building and managing a solar business; understanding the solar customer and sales process; financial elements of the sale that apply to PV system economics

Session Descriptions

Day One

THE NUTS & BOLTS OF RESIDENTIAL GRID TIE PV SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION (8 HOUR SESSION) Get up to speed fast with Conergy’s one-day, 8 hour Residential Grid Tie PV System Design and Installation course. You will learn component basics, effective site analysis for accurate system design and job costing, NEC requirements specific to photovoltaic systems, and best practices for system installation, wiring and commissioning. This training is targeted to the knowledgeable technical professional, and is appropriate for electrical contractors, journeyman electricians, and recent entrants into the solar industry who want to improve their skills and knowledge. (NABCEP)
Presenter(s): Dan Rice, Applications Engineer, Key Accounts & Phil Undercuffler, Battery-Based & Off-Grid Applications Director

Day Two

The focus of the second day of training will shift to the business, sales and marketing strategies that you should consider as you start and grow your business. Topics will included: Understanding the solar market and positioning your business; Developing a strategic marketing plan and sales process; Mastering the complexities of the US solar energy rebate and incentive structure. More information to follow.

schedule

Certification

Conergy certificate of completion; NABCEP continuing education units (TBD) This course is designed in accordance with NABCEP training objectives outlined for the entry-level exam.

Additional Benefits

PV 101 PREP Course
All Solar Success! For Start-ups registrants will be given access to Solar Energy International’s PV 101 PREP Course. This online course enhances students’ learning experience and will ensure that all student’s entering Solar Success! For Start-ups are able to:

PV 101 PREP is an optional but recommended course for Solar Success! For Start-ups registrants. The course is an online, on-demand instructorless course, which will require approximately 10-15 hours to complete and will help you succeed at Solar Success! For Start-ups.

10% SEI training discount

Receive a 10% discount off of any non-branded SEI 2010 in-person workshop or online course, from when you register for the conference until June 30, 2010. Only one discount per person. Conergy will provide all registered participant’s with a discount code as part of their confirmation information. Just call:  970-963-8855 to register. Available for Solar Success! Training Event participants only. This is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash or equivalent.

SEI photovoltaic’s design and installation manual

Retailing for $60, this publication has been an industry standard for the past seven years. The text is a comprehensive guide on how to design, install, and maintain a photovoltaic (PV) system. The manual is included in the cost of Solar Success! For Start-ups registration and will be distributed onsite.

Instructor Biographies

Phil Undercuffler enjoys life off the grid near Madrid, New Mexico, in an ever-evolving project of a home. Phil installed that first system in 1995 as an owner-builder, proceeded on to become a licensed Electrical Contractor and Journeyman Electrician specializing in both standalone and grid connected PV, and now serves as Product Manager for Conergy. When not busy keeping up with his wife and twin daughters, Phil is a proud member of the Madrid Volunteer Fire Department.

Dan Rice, Applications Engineer, Key Accounts, provides applications engineering support to our commercial key accounts, and training to new dealers. He began working with renewable energy systems in the early 1980’s, and has been actively employed in the solar industry since 2001. He is a licensed solar energy systems contractor in Utah, and is a registered journeyman electrician in New Mexico. Dan is a NABCEP certified “Solar PV Installer” and serves as a member of the NABCEP Test Committee. He is a Solar Energy International alumnus and a graduate of the Renewable Energy Program at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico.

Joe Boyce is recognized as an innovator and visionary in Solar, Media, and Marketing. Mr. Boyce has dedicated himself to making solar mainstream in the USA. Helping solar companies apply cutting edge marketing and sales strategies used by global industry leaders to accelerate their growth.

While working with the Prometheus Institute, Boyce gained significant knowledge of the solar industry. Then at Greentech Media, where he was instrumental in launching a leader in solar industry information.

Today, Joe is reinventing the way solar companies market and sell themselves. As President of Gaia Worldwide— The first integrated Agency exclusively dedicated to solar, and SolarVisionaries.org— A destination for solar employers to find the brightest talent for their teams. 

Boyce frequently participates at solar, vc, and marketing events and advises industry executives. His work has been featured in publications including the “New York Times” and “The Economist.”