Solar training at Solar Energy International

Date Occurred: 13 0815   Trained and received two training certificates; "Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate" and "Solar Business and Technical Sales Certificate"; to be able to design and install solar electric panel systems. For our architectural practice, these skills allow us to understand the needs and benefits of renewable solar energy systems and incorporate these into building designs in a seamless, cost effective manner. One of the first things you learn in solar training is that the first thing you want to do is cut your building electrical loads to allow a smaller photovoltaic (PV) system to cover a greater percentage of your buildings needs more cost effectively. For example, buying a new high efficiency refrigerator will offset the number of solar panels you need and provide a one year payback on your new refrigerator investment. PV systems are typically sized to only cover building lighting and convenience loads (plug loads), like refrigerators, TV's, stereos, computers, vacuums, etc... Solar can't make a significant dent in covering a buildings very large heating and cooling loads without being prohibitively expensive. This makes sense since even a more efficient refrigerator makes a significant investment difference. If a buildings heating and cooling loads were crushed to 70 - 90% of their usual size, solar electric can cost effectively cover the remaining building energy needs. Buildings designed to Passive House quality do just that; with added benefit of superior indoor air quality, improved occupant health and comfort, building durability and resilence. Vist the Solar Energy International website to learn more about their solar education at  http://www.solarenergy.org

Solar training - Installing steep-pitch roof solar panels.

Solar training - Installing ground mount panels and inverter.

Solar training - Installing low-slope roof ballasted solar panels.

Solar training - Installing solar panel wiring and meter.