Can Solar Thermal Training Be Sexy? Solar Energy International (SEI) Expands Solar Heating Training

Visit http://www.solarenergy.org for further information

SEI Launches New Online Solar Heating Course - SHOL101: Solar Heating Fundamentals

05/09/13, 12:38 PM | Solar Power

Can Solar Thermal training really be sexy?
Solar Photovoltaic technolgoies may be the sexiest thing going in renewables, but solar thermal is still HOT!  Solar professionals considering expanding their technical skill set beyond Photovoltaic technologies should check Solar Energy International's (SEI) ST101: Solar Hot Water Design and Installation starting May 20th or SEI's NEW Solar Thermal Online Course: SHOL101: Solar Heating Fundamentals - starting Nov. 4th. Register today - these session are going to fill fast!

More info: http://www.solarenergy.org/solar-training-thermal


SHOL101: Solar Heating Fundamentals
This online training course addresses the fundamentals of solar water heating and solar pool heating. The course goal is to firmly establish the concepts of solar heating (aka "solar thermal") technologies. The course will familiarize students with industry history, the distribution chain, jobs in the industry, safe practices, and national codes and standards.

Students will explore the different types of collectors, systems, components, and materials used in solar heating systems and determine their appropriate applications. The course will also examine the techniques and tools used for installing solar heating equipment. Finally, students will learn how to conduct site assessments, analyze hot water loads, develop accurate system sizing and project cost estimates, and identify the economic and non-economic benefits of a solar heating system. This course prepares students to be eligible to sit for the NABCEP Solar Heating Entry Level exam.

This course was developed by and is taught by two of the solar heating industry's most respected leaders: Chuck Marken and Vaughan Woodruff.

 

Chuck Marken is an instructor for Solar Energy International and a licensed Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC-R contractor in NM. He started installing solar water heating systems in 1979 and PV systems in 1983. Chuck is also a technical editor for Home Power and SolarPro magazines and has authored more than 50 articles on solar topics. He has hands on experience selling, installing and servicing hundreds of solar energy systems of all types - including off grid and grid connected PV systems, hot water and swimming pool solar systems. After founding and owning AAA Solar for more than 25 years, he sold the company in 2010. He has, through contracts with Sandia National Laboratories supporting the US Department of Energy, served as a subject matter expert for the Solar Instructor Training Network and Solar America Cities program. He has also taught classes and workshops for numerous other educational and not for profit organizations in the US and is the co-author of the current NABCEP Solar Heating Resource Guide.

 

Vaughan Woodruff: Vaughan Woodruff is owner of Insource Renewables, a solar design/build and consulting firm in Pittsfield, ME. A trained engineer and educator, Vaughan serves diverse roles in the solar heating industry. He is a NABCEP-Certified Solar Heating Installer, serves on committees for NABCEP, IAPMO, and IREC, and was the former lead solar thermal instructor for the Northeast and Northern Mid Atlantic regions of the Department of Energy's Solar Instructor Training Network. Vaughan is the co-author of the NABCEP Solar Heating Installer Resource Guide, author of NYSERDA's Field Inspection Guidelines for Solar Heating Systems, and has been published in Home Power and SolarPro magazines. In addition to his work with SEI, Vaughan provides training for a variety of schools and organizations.

 

ST101: Solar Hot Water Design and Installation 
Participants in this workshop will learn the theory, design considerations and installation strategies necessary to install and maintain a solar domestic hot water system. Passive solar water heaters, drainback systems, antifreeze systems, and photovoltaic powered systems are discussed in depth, as well as an introduction to pool and space heating systems. The workshop will include some hands-on labs and tours of solar hot water systems.

 

This course is based on standards set by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).  The standards, referred to as the Objectives and Task Analysis for Solar Water and Pool Heating Systems Installation Contractor, can be accessed online at: http://www.nabcep.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/solarthermaltaskanalysisapr05.pdf. The 3 day training counts for 24 educational hours and the 5 day training counts for 40 educational hours towards the NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification and is ISPQ (Institute for Sustainable Power Quality) accredited.

 

Topics Include:


• Collectors
• Different Types of Solar Hot Water Systems, including:
  - Passive Batch Water Heaters
  - Thermosyphon Systems
  - Drainback Systems
  - Closed-loop Anti-Freeze Systems
  - PV Powered Pumped Systems
• Components
• OG 100 and OG 300
• Solar Site Analysis
• Design and Sizing
• Installation How-tos
• Mounting Strategies
• Codes and Safety
• Space Heating
• Radiant Floor Heating
• Pool Heating
• Commercial Systems
• Maintenance
• Lessons Learned
• Tours of Working Systems



About Solar Energy International 


Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to help others to use renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies through education and technical assistance.


Our vision is focused on helping create a more sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. Through our work, we see clear opportunities to influence people's thinking and behaviors towards energy efficiency and the use of natural, sustainable methods of energy production and utilization.


Solar Energy International is a 501(c)(3) Equal Opportunity Institution and Employer, and is not affiliated with any dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or any other renewable energy commercial enterprise.


Media contact for SEI is Christopher Turek, Director of Online and Student Services - chris(at)solarenergy(dot)org - 970-963-8855 x115 - http://www.solarenergy.org


05/09/13, 12:38 PM | Solar Power
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