SolWest Fair, in John Day, Oregon (July 29-31) offers over 50 workshops free with fair entry. In addition to the regular workshops during SolWest weekend, in-depth training will be offered for renewable energy professionals and others who wish to learn a subject in more depth.

SolWest Fair, in John Day, Oregon (July 29-31) offers over 50 workshops free with fair entry. In addition to the regular workshops during SolWest weekend, in-depth training will be offered for renewable energy professionals and others who wish to learn a subject in more depth.

SOLWEST SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM
Friday July 29, 10:15am-2:15pm

SolWest presents a professional-level solar hot water class, open to anyone interested in all aspects of solar hot water. This workshop, in classroom and hands-on sessions, will cover an overview of system types, theory, selection and design of solar hot water systems.

The first half of this course will detail the basic principles involved in solar water heating, and show what all solar water heaters have in common, as well as the differences in basic system designs of the more common system types sold today. Also included will be a discussion of Best Practices for rooftop installation, piping systems, and storage sizing and configuration.

The second half will be a hands-on assembly of the Sol-reliant system, including collector mounting on a pre-fabricated ground-mount structure, setting the tank, and plumbing the two together. Students will be installing the solar hot water system that heats the showers for SolWest Fair. The system consists of a 40 square foot collector, a 80-gallon solar storage tank with built in double-wall heat exchanger, and a 30-watt photovoltaic module which powers the 12 volt DC pump that circulates the fluid when the sun is shining on the panel.

This course carries four hours of continuing education credits for Oregon Tax Credit Certified Technicians (thermal), and fours hours of Continuing Education for licensed plumbers.

Instructor: John Patterson started Mr. Sun in 1980. Since then he has installed over 2,000 solar water heaters, solar pool heaters and photovoltaic systems, and serviced thousands more. He has extensive thermal systems engineering experience, as well as a thorough knowledge of manufacturing and production processes.

OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS TECHNICAL TRAINING SEMINAR
Friday July 29, 10:00am-2:00pm

An introduction to applications for OutBack power conditioning equipment and accessories for off grid and battery-based grid-connected systems. Learn how to design, select components for, and install a comprehensive renewable energy system.

This course carries four hours of continuing education credits for Oregon Tax Credit Certified Technicians (solar electric).

Presenter: Darren Emmons is Senior Software Engineer for OutBack Power Systems in Arlington WA. He became interested in renewable energy in the early 90s, building his first simple system after a stormy winter in a new rural home, and upgrading to an early grid-tied backup system in 1994. Darren has helped instruct Solar Energy International classes in both Colorado and Washington, and has a computer science degree from Western Washington University. In his spare time he's a search & rescue volunteer.

SOLAR ROOFING BEST PRACTICES: Code Compliant Roof Mounting
& Waterproof Flashing
Friday July 29, 8:00am-10:00am

Roof penetrations are a tremendous liability for solar installers. This presentation will cover important roofing codes and methods to meet roofing best practices. The 2 hour workshop will guide solar installers to specific roofing codes that will help protect roof warranties and installer liability when installing mounting and flashing systems on the roof. Various mounting and flashing methods for common roof types such as composition/asphalt, tile, metal, wood shake, etc will be covered.

This course carries two hours of continuing education credits for Oregon Tax Credit Certified Technicians (solar electric and thermal).

Presenter: Johan Alfsen has been in the solar industry since 2004 and is Training Manager for Quick Mount PV. Spearheading the goal to connect the solar industry with the roofing industry, he has been a keynote speaker and trained solar PV and thermal installers all over North America on the importance of following roofing codes with his NABCEP registered presentations. Johan holds a degree in Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice.

Call 541-575-3633, for details and signup forms.