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PV330: Advanced Solar Course and Workshop - PV Project Experience

Assess | Plan | Design | Install | Hands-On Labs | Austin, TX |

PV330: Advanced Solar Course and Workshop

Assess | Plan | Design | Install | Hands-On Labs | Austin, TX |

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About Our Advanced Solar Course and Workshop

Are you an existing contractor (electrical, roofing, HVAC, construction, etc.) that wants to add PV system installations to the services you offer your customers?
Are you an entrepreneur who wants to start a solar industry company?
Are you an individual who wants to train to pursue a career in the solar industry?
Are you an existing solar company who wants to provide training for your existing or potential employees?

Our PV330 combined course and hands-on workshop is an essential addition to your training roadmap as you seek to become a full-up solar professional. It is an excellent complement to our 40-hour online course PV201e: Principles of PV System Design and Installation.

The workshop uses a blended-learning approach that combines onsite hands-on training with online live lectures both before and after the hands-on day in our solar lab in Austin Texas. Our instructors have years of experience as solar industry professionals and have all achieved NABCEP certifications.

  • Technologies: microinverter battery-based multimode systems (Enphase IQ8 Energy System with System Controller 3), string inverters, dc optimizers, multiple mounting systems for residential and commercial installs
  • Site Assessments
  • Inspections per the National Electrical Code
  • Personal protective equipment provided: KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, eye protection, and gloves
  • $995

PV330 Detailed Schedule

Schedule for Next PV330 (All times are Austin times)

Access Online Lecture Videos and Course Documents as soon as you register;

Attend Online Live Interactive Sessions: Saturdays, 1-2pm (Austin time), Starting in February 2024

Attend Hands-On Lab Day: to be scheduled on a Saturday in March or April, 9am-6pm;

Follow-Up Online LIVE Interactive Sessions: TBD

Online Video Lectures and Course Materials

Photovoltaic System Configurations

Safety: procedures & personal protective equipment (PPE)

Prep for the labs: tools, install manuals, BOMs, lab procedures, schematics

Elements of Successful PV Project Implementation

Site assessments: Solmetric SunEye, Solar Pathfinder, Remote via Internet

Drawing Sets

 

Topics and Labs for our Onsite Hands-On Lab Day

Review Safety: procedures & personal protective equipment (PPE)

Tools and Meters

 

Morning Labs:

LAB: Site Assessment

Using the Solar Pathfinder

Using the Solmetric SunEye

LAB: SolarEdge Install & Commissioning Lab for Commercial Flat Rooftops

SolarEdge dc Optimizers

Soltection RF-3 Combiner Box

Ecolibrium EcoFoot Ballasted Mounting System

Mission Solar 72-Cell Modules

 

Afternoon Labs: Enphase Ensemble PV System Installation and Commissioning 

ROOFTOP LAB: Install PV Array on Residential Shingle Rooftop Using Enphase Microinverters

Flashing, Mounting, & Wire Management using Rail-Based Technology

Microinverter Installation Process using the Q-Cable

Decide number of microinverters per branch circuit

Option 1: Soltection RU-1 for Q-Cable to Conduit

Option 2: Soltection Residential Transition Box Model RJ-1 for Attic Runs

TRAINING BOARD LAB: Enphase IQ8 Energy System (Ensemble) Battery-Based Microinverter PV System with IQ8 Combiner Box 4C, IQ8 Load Controller and Rapid Shutdown Switch

Choose an operating scenario: whole house versus backup load panel

Decide overcurrent protection device OCPD sizes

Verify production current transformer (CT)

Install consumption current transformers (CTs)

Understand the function of the IQ System Controller 2 (Formally named the Enpower Smart Switch)

Understand the function of the IQ Batteries (Formally named Encharge)

Commission the Enphase IQ8 Energy System (Ensemble) system using the Installer Toolkit (ITK) application on your smart phone

Review Ensemble ITK Best Practices for Faster Commissioning

Connect to customer Wi-Fi

Verify and troubleshoot system operations

Review Design Tools and Services

 

Online live webinar topics after the onsite lab day

Typical Permitting & Inspection Process Working with Utilities and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction

Field Inspection Guidelines for PV Systems

Inspection Checklists

Real-World Inspection Results (photos of the good, the bad & the ugly)

This workshop prepares you to assess, plan, and implement solar photovoltaic projects. The hands-on labs and demos feature leading solar technologies such as:

  • Battery-Based Microinverter PV Systems; technology: Enphase Energy System with System Controller 3 for grid-forming applications;
  • Grid-Tied Commercial Flat-Roof PV Installation & Commissioning Lab with DC Optimizers; technologies from SolarEdge, Soltection, Mission Solar Energy, and Ecolibrium Solar)
  • Rail-Based Shingle Rooftop Microinverter Installation Lab (Flashing, Mounting, Wire Management); Technologies from Enphase Energy, Soltection, SnapNrack, and Canadian Solar.
  • Site Assessment Lab (Solar Pathfinder, Solmetric SunEye)

Recommended Prerequisite:

We recommend that you have begun studying our solar technologies course PV201e: Principles of Solar PV System Design and Installation. You can take the online course and the workshop concurrently.

Our Solar Field Lab:

We have updated our equipment since we shot this video. However, the video still captures the ImagineSolar experience!

Below are recent photos from our solar lab:

Project Planning & Assessment

  • Review of PV System Technologies, Components & Configurations
  • The Solar Resource and Site Assessment
  • Site Assessment Tools: Online Tools, Solar Pathfinder, Solmetric SunEye
  • HANDS-ON TRAINING LAB: Conduct a Site Assessment

Mounting Labs, Grid-Tied PV Installation & Commissioning Lab with DC Optimizers

  • Safety Practices and Equipment
  • HANDS-ON TRAINING LABS: Rail-Based Flashing & Mounting Installation Lab with Microinverters; wire management;
  • HANDS-ON TRAINING LAB: Grid-Tied PV Installation & Commissioning Lab with DC Optimizers; wire management;

New Mounting Technologies

  • Rail-Based versus Rail-Less Mounting Systems
  • ONLINE DESIGN TOOL DEMO: Ecolibrium Solar EcoX Estimator

PV System Inspections per the National Electrical Code

  • PV System Drawing Sets w/ 3-Line Electrical DWGs
  • Inspection Checklist
  • Field Inspection Guidelines for PV Systems
  • Inspection Photos: Best and Worst Practices

Microinverters & Battery-Based PV Systems

  • LAB DEMO: Enphase Energy Ensemble, Microinverters & Batteries
  • Smart phone/tablet commissioning, data connection, & dashboard monitoring

The Qualified Solar Pro: NABCEP Certifications

  • Implement solar PV projects from assessment to planning to installation to commissioning to inspection;
  • Understand the differences among string inverter PV systems, DC-optimizer based PV systems and microinverter PV systems;
  • Understand the advantages of the new battery-based PV systems;
  • Install PV mounting system technology;
  • Implement PV installation best practices including wire management;
  • Understand certification requirements for PV industry professionals;
  • Entrepreneurs, Contractors, Builders, Roofers, and Remodelers
  • PV System Designers and Installers
  • Solar Industry Employees
  • Electricians and others skilled in the Construction Trades
  • Business Owners and Facility Managers
  • Engineers and Architects
  • Project Managers, Sales & Marketing Professionals
  • DIY Homeowners
  • Everyone else who wants to become a Solar Industry Professional

Included Materials

  • Online: Solar Industry Catalog and Design Guide
  • Online: ImagineSolar’s Video Lectures
  • Online: Installation Manuals
  • Online: Guide to NEC PV system labeling requirements
  • Online LIVE Sessions
  • Pocket Folder of Handouts for the Hands-on Lab Day

What to Bring

We recommend that you bring a water bottle, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. You must wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Work boots are best. Causal dress is recommended. Shorts and T-shirts are fine. Computers are not required but we do have free Wi-Fi and you may bring a computer if you like.

Restaurants

For lunch, there are several restaurants and fast food options in the neighborhood. You are also welcome to bring your own lunches.

What we Provide

  • We will provide gloves and eye protection.
  • We will provide meters and tools.
  • We will provide afternoon break drinks and snacks.

ImagineSolar has trained thousands of individuals who have gone on to be an integral part of the solar industry. Our course teaches best practices using the most current technologies and methods for the solar industry. Our course instruction is continuously updated with the latest developments as the solar industry evolves. ImagineSolar’s instructors have obtained one or more NABCEP board certifications and have decades of experience as solar industry practitioners working as engineers, electricians, field project managers, and installers.

ImagineSolar operates a solar lab facility inside the The Austin Electrical Training Alliance building in Austin Texas. Hands-on training takes place indoors and outdoors of the 4000 sqft training facility. Inverters include grid-tied, off-grid, bi-modal hybrid, microinverter and bi-polar. Mounting system technologies include rail-based shingle and metal rooftop, rail-less shingle rooftop, and ballasted commercial flat-roof.

One of the Best Courses

“This is one of the best courses I have ever taken (30+ years as an engineer and thermographer with lots of continuing educations classes). Lots of practical information and examples – all the instructors are knowledgeable and have tons of experience in the industry.”

Complete Snapshot

“The course provided a complete ‘snapshot’ of how to work and install solar. Great presentation! Mike Kuhn’s love for solar came through his explanations, and allowed for open discussions among the class participants.”

Valuable Real-Life Experiences Conveyed

“Valuable real-life experiences conveyed to the class. Online resource is very helpful. I liked the discussions regarding application to actual installation situations.”

Wonderful Instructors

“Wonderful instructors with great information and insight into the solar industry.”

Multiple Instructors

“I enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and especially the time taken (by each instructor) to provide a thorough response. I also like that multiple people taught the class – this allowed different perspectives to be appreciated.”

Good Mix

“Verbal and written material was very exemplary, well organized! Good mix of reading, video, problems, lab, exercise, lecture, etc.”

Very Knowledgeable Instructors

“All the instructors were very knowledgeable in all aspects of the industry. The hands-on approach was very important!”

Time to Jump In

“All questions answered, logical order, love the handouts; I was curious as to how the industry has changed in twenty years – I think it is time to jump in!”

Very Helpful and Extremely Intellectually Stimulating

“The workshop was very good overall. It was much more intense than I anticipated, but was also very helpful and extremely intellectually stimulating!”

Pathway to NABCEP Certification

“ImagineSolar provided not only a pathway to the NABCEP Certification Exam, but also in-depth installation experience on cutting-edge solar technology including AC-coupled bimodal systems, micro-inverters, dual-axis trackers, and cylindrical CIGS modules as well as traditional solar technology.”

Very Informative Workshop

“I thought the workshop was very informative. I would recommend it to everyone that is interested in learning more about solar power.”

Very Intensive and Instructive

“The workshop is very intensive and instructive. Considering the amount of material, it seemed like it was a two week workshop. The book is very explanatory and I will continue to use it for further learning.”

Very Informative

“I found the workshop very informative. There was a lot of info that was presented and it was in a way that was easy to learn and understand.”

Helped Reinforce Textbook Learning

“I feel much more confident with theory and application after this week. I had already read a good portion of the textbook previous to class, but the classroom instruction and hands-on training really helped to reinforce learning.”

High Stars!

“I’ve had the chance to attend the 40-hour solar training program for Imagine Solar ( http://imaginesolar.com ) They have a great course/training program that prepares you for the NABCEP Exam which certifies you to install solar panels. The course is thorough and I’d recommend it to anyone. High stars!”

A Lot More Than Expected

“The class was certainly a lot more than I expected. I really liked the way we were introduce to the science of solar power in that we covered mathematics, theory, electrical calculation brush up, solar system layout pertaining to the earth and the sun, the advances in solar power especially in other countries (Germany, Japan) and the need to take advantage of such an abundant source. I really appreciated the opportunity to do the hands on portion with the knowledgeable instructors around especially with equipment new to us. The breaking up into groups to perform the difference phases of installations, calculations and equipment introduction was an excellent idea. All three instructors did a great job and seemed really enthused with their work. I really think that the NJATC needs to look closely at inserting some solar power training into the apprenticeship program as I can see the need for qualified and safety orientated personnel being of great demand in the future if not now.”

I learned so much more in one week

“I had studied PV quite a bit before this workshop. However, I learned so much more in one week that I will gain the cost of the workshop back in a very short time as I ramp my business into solar.”

PV330 Advanced Solar Course and Workshop: Start Online Course Material Now; also start participating in our Online Live Interactive Sessions starting in February 2024. Our next Hands-On Lab Day will be scheduled for a Saturday in March or April.

$995.00Add to cart

Please let us know if you are interested in our PV330 Advanced Solar Course and Workshop:

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