A Training Program for Contractors, Utilities, Engineers and Code Officials

Course Description

This week-long course covers the design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and involves actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. This program is intended for contractors, electricians, utilities, engineers and other practitioners, with an overall goal of developing "system-knowledgeable" professionals to help ensure the safety and quality of PV system installations.

The course format includes a balance of classroom instruction and student-interactive exercises. These exercises include laboratories that simulate the process of designing, installing and commissioning grid-connected PV systems, and are intended to develop the participant's working knowledge of PV systems and equipment. An emphasis is placed on code compliance and accepted state-of-the-art industry design and installation practice.

Quizzes and sample problems will be given to the participants throughout the course to assess learning, and these problems will be reviewed during the course. Participants successfully completing this one-week course will be awarded a certificate of completion from the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Objectives

Specific objectives of this course include developing the participant's ability to:

• Determine the available solar resource and conduct site assessments for PV installations.
  
• Characterize the performance and operating characteristics of PV system and components.
  
• Determine appropriate code-compliant configurations for PV systems and equipment.
  
• Plan and prepare for PV system installations, including customer relations, developing performance expectations, responsibilities and schedule.
  
• Implement and modify, as required, mechanical designs for PV systems that meet the performance, architectural and structural requirements for given applications.
  
• Implement and modify, as required, electrical designs for PV systems that meet the safety, code-compliance and functional requirements for given applications.
  
• Conduct acceptance tests and inspections, and commission PV system installations.
  
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and maintain PV systems.

What You Should Bring

This course involves the outdoor installation of grid-connected solar electric power systems, and working with electrical equipment. Participants are encouraged to plan and prepare accordingly, and to bring appropriate clothing and foot wear, work gloves, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen as required. They should also bring a simple calculator, notepad and pen or pencil. All PV systems, test equipment and tools will be provided.

General Information and Prerequisites

In addition to the physical and computational activities, this course provides case studies that represent examples of the process an installer may go through during a grid-tied photovoltaic installation. These case studies rely heavily upon the National Electrical Code and what is considered to be best practice. As with many such endeavors, some of the rules and procedures allow for varying interpretations. Additionally, local or state codes vary from site to site. As a result, the case studies represent a common interpretation of the rules and methods, but may not meet all NEC compliances and other code compliances and standards in all cases. When conducting your own installation and related activities, it is advisable to understand the local interpretation of these rules.

Prerequisites for this course include a fundamental understanding of electrical systems, their properties and terminology. Familiarity with the installation and use of electrical equipment and components is highly beneficial.

In addition to the course manuals provided to all participants, the following two references are required for this course, and are available from most local electrical supply houses and construction/technical bookstores:

1. 2001 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 29 Part 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, D.C. 20013-7535 http://www.osha.gov
   
2. 2005 National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 (2005 National Electrical Code Handbook is acceptable substitute) http://www.nfpa.org

Workshop Location

This workshop is offered at the Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL, located approximately 45 miles east of Orlando International Airport and 3 miles east of I-95. A map, directions and listing of local hotels are available here.

Tentative Agenda

A sample course agenda (pdf, 75kb) is provided for information on schedule and content. Due to the weather-dependence of many of the outdoor activities, adjustments to this agenda may be made during the course.

FSEC Training and How It Relates to Installer Certification

This course offers participants training in PV system installation, related design issues, and valuable hands-on experience. However, any testing or learning assessment associated with this course should not be confused with national testing and certification offered by NABCEP, or with construction trade licensing offered by state and local jurisdictions. Although some states and municipalities may require that installers receive some form of a certification of completion from a training institution (such as FSEC), these certificates do not provide a national certification or license of any kind. They are merely intended to recognize successful completion of this training course. The test we give are used to assess learning and enhance future training courses.

The Institute of Sustainable Power (ISP) has accredited the Florida Solar Energy Center as an energy training institution. Although FSEC is one of a very few organizations to hold this distinction, completion of training from ISP-accredited institutions does not imply NABCEP or any other type of national certification. If your state requires some form of training, we strongly recommend you check with the regulating body to make sure FSEC's training and course completion certificate will be adequate for your needs. Although many states recognize FSEC's course as an acceptable forum for this training, each state's requirements vary.

Click here for our Training Position Statement: Training Position Statement

For the latest on NABCEP's national certification efforts, please visit: http://nabcep.org

Registration

The registration fee for this workshop is $1,000 per person and includes all course materials, lunches and refreshments. Registration for each course is limited to twenty five participants. Payment is required three weeks prior to the scheduled date (The system will remove your name from the registration list if we have not received payment by the specified time.) This course is non refundable. However, if you are unable to attend the course for which you originally signed up, we will honor your credit once. 

 

Date	Location	Price
Aug 11, 2008 - Aug 15, 2008	Cocoa, FL	$1000	Registration not available
Sep 08, 2008 - Sep 12, 2008	Cocoa, FL	$1000	Click here to register
Oct 06, 2008 - Oct 10, 2008	Cocoa, FL	$1000	*Course filled, check back later.*
Nov 03, 2008 - Nov 07, 2008	Cocoa, FL	$1000	*Course filled, check back later.*
Dec 01, 2008 - Dec 05, 2008	Cocoa, FL	$1000	*Course filled, check back later.*
Jan 05, 2009 - Jan 09, 2009	Cocoa, FL	$1000	*Course filled, check back later.*
Feb 02, 2009 - Feb 06, 2009	Cocoa, FL	$1000	Click here to register

*Please check back ONLINE three weeks and one day prior
to the course dates listed to determine additional availability*

No waiting list is available for this course.

DBPR CEU Information

Provider number:PVD859
Course number:0000797
ECLB Credits: 1(B)
11(T)
3(S)

Please check with your particular board on their requirements for renewal of your license.

Accreditation of Photovoltaic Training Programs and Instructors

In July 2001, FSEC received the first ever accreditation of photovoltaic training programs in the United States from the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP). View our accreditation page to learn more or visit our training position statement to learn what course completion means to you.