Description:   

This course includes a combination of lectures, hands on solar training as well as on-the-job solar training and nightly homework. Learn basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and working with solar conversion equipment. Upon the completion of the 40 hour solar training course all students will be able to apply for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge EXAM that will be given at a future date.

Class Details:            

Program Outline

The Solar PV Bootcamp combines three courses for an intensive week long program that will enable the student to take the NABCEP Entry Level Exam.

• Day 1: Business of Solar
• Day 2: Basics of Solar
• Days 3-5: Installer PV Training

Business of Solar
Skilled solar energy contractors are in high demand. This course explores the theory behind solar energy and application to today's sustainable environment. Learn the practical business aspects of renewable energy. The Everblue Solar series are designed to help meet the tremendous demand for all levels of solar training. Start by learning the basics of solar and progress through our upcoming NABCEP™ Solar PV Installer Certification series. These courses are for anyone looking to learn about this exciting field and for those who wise to become certified renewable energy professionals.

  Skills You Will Acquire - Program Outline

Learn the practical business aspects of renewable energy:

• Identify the role of primary and secondary energy sources in modern society
• Classify useful energy conservation methods and ways of being energy efficient
• Identify the PV industry and how much energy a PV system will produce
• Recall the costs of organizing and staffing a solar business
• Recognize effective sales strategies for a solar business
• Distinguish between the benefits of using solar PV systems in the real estate market
• Identify job opportunities in the photovoltaic industry and additional PV industry resources
• Demonstrate an understanding of Solar PV market suppliers

Basics of Solar
Skilled solar energy contractors are in high demand. This course explores the theory behind solar energy and application to today's sustainable environment. Learn the theory behind solar photovoltaics and solar thermal energy. Join today's hottest industry! The Everblue Solar series are designed to help meet the tremendous demand for all levels of solar training. Start by learning the basics of solar and progress through our upcoming NABCEP™ Solar PV Installer Certification series. These courses are for anyone looking to learn about this exciting field and for those who wise to become certified renewable energy professionals.

 
 Skills You Will Acquire - Program Outline

Learn the theory behind solar photovoltaics and solar thermal energy:

• History of PV Technology
• Markets for PV & PV System Types
• PV Safety Hazards, Installation Safety & Equipment
• Electrical & Solar Terminology
• PV Performance Characteristics & Responses to Environmental Conditions
• How to Conduct a Site Assessment
• Basic Subsystem Installations
• PV System Inspection
• Troubleshooting PV Systems

Additional Information

Everblue is teaming up with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) to offer certificate programs to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. The NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades.  NABCEP’s mission is to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders–is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners. NABCEP's Entry Level Certificate of KnowledgeNABCEP offers an entry level Certificate of Knowledge aimed at students wanting to get into the solar photovoltaic field. After taking a course from an approved provider and passing a national exam, this Certificate shows that the recipient has achieved basic knowledge, comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) systems operations. The Certificate by itself does not qualify an individual to install PV systems but it does prepare them for employment in the field. As the market grows for photovoltaics, the person holding this industry-sponsored Entry Level Certificate is likely to find that their employment opportunities are enhanced by starting the job with an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system and that their NABCEP Entry Level Certificate is noticed by potential employers.

 
Solar credentials: What are They?

Certified, certificate holder, accredited, and licensed—do you know what they mean?  What’s the difference between them? In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy credentials for installers and training organizations, knowledge is power. In the February/March 2010 edition of Home Power Magazine, NABCEP’s Ezra Auerbach explains and demystifies the terms to help the consumer know what to look for when selecting a solar installer.  Typically, certification status is awarded to an individual, and NABCEP is the organization that certifies solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installers. Accreditation, on the other hand, is a credential awarded to a program or an organization that has met rigorous standards.  The non-profit, Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ), develops and maintains international standards for renewable energy training providers.

Tuition:

$1,995 (Regular Registration
$1,795 (SVSU Alumni)

Who Should Attend:

Ideal for building contractors, electrical contractors, and anyone interested in entering the solar energy field.

Schedule:

Dates Coming Soon!

Location:

Saginaw Valley State University Main Campus