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This class is essential for people serious about getting into the solar industry. Advanced PV gives a more comprehensive look at the myriad of issues one needs to explore when designing a PV system. This PV workshop is intended to follow our first tier of workshops with the next level of design criteria, wire sizing calculations, maintenance issues, and troubleshooting skills. Additional information on batteries, charge controllers and hybrid systems is included. It combines class lectures with individual problem solving and a more in-depth focus on the National Electric Code (NEC) requirements for PV systems.

This week-long workshop does not include a large hands-on component. It does challenge the student to individually problem solve many of the decisions presented to a PV designer and installer to meet NEC regulations. Advanced PV is also offered as a six-week Online Course.

Participants must have completed SEI's hands-on PV Design & Installation workshop, or Grid-Tied PV workshop (with supplemental stand-alone curriculum), or have permission of the instructor.

This workshop is certified by the Institute of Sustainable Power (ISP) and fulfills the educational requirements for Category 'B' of NABCEP's Solar PV Installer Certification. This course also qualifies you to take the NABCEP PV Entry Level "Certificate of Knowledge" Exam. We will be offering the NABCEP Entry Level 'Certificate of Knowledge'  test after each of our Paonia-based Advanced PV and PV Lab Week workshops. The test, which consists of 60 multiple choice questions, takes 2 hours and takes place after class on Friday from 6-8pm. The cost of the test is $100. Students must register with SEI in advance. For more information on the NABCEP Entry Level Certification, please see their website at www.nabcep.org.

Students leave being able to:

• Estimate and evaluate grid-tied system production based on given system parameters
• Determine the number of modules taking into account roof size, obstructions, and money restraints
• Determine inter-row shading and lag bolt calculations
• Perform advanced wire sizing with NEC & voltage drop calculations
• Size overcurrent protection and appropriately place disconnects
• Design location for combiner, junction, and series fusing boxes
• Perform busbar calculations with given system parameters
• List appropriate safety concerns and OSHA regulations given a job description
• Produce proper labeling required by the NEC

Sessions

Photovoltaics: Design & Installation Manual by SEI

2008 National Electric Code

• PV Design and Installation
• PV Design Online
• Grid-Tied PV
• Advanced PV: Design Criteria and NEC Compliance
• Advanced PV: Design Criteria and NEC Compliance (online)
• PV Lab Week
• Solar Water Pumping
• Solar Industry Seminar
• Successful Solar Businesses

The Advanced PV training in Carbondale was great. For anyone considering taking it in the future, it was well worth the time and expense. Each day featured guest intructors who are pioneers and veterans in the RE business. The knowledge I gained and networking opportunities were extremely valuable to me. Not to mention the fun and interesting experience of visiting a small Colorado Rocky Mountain town for a week!
-- Christopher Little, Advanced Photovoltaics workshop participant, 2003

Workshops begin at 9 am unless otherwise noted. Please show up at 8:30 am the first day.