6-Day Solar Training PV Boot Camp
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Our best reviewed and most popular event
Approx. 35% hands-on labs, 25% classroom activities, 40% lecture
Captivating. Inspired. Engaging. Amazing. Enjoyable. These are just some of the words used by our alumni to describe our flagship Boot Camp. This magnificent 6-day event has been designed from scratch to create an unforgettable hands-on learning experience that will stand head and shoulders above any technical seminar that you have ever attended. Read on to understand why hundreds of students think that this is the most unique Solar PV course in the world.
What will you learn?
The Solar PV Boot Camp uses a blended mix of instructor-led training, hands-on labs, and computer-based software tools. You will learn solar-electric system design, installation, and safety procedures, plus business and industry topics important for professionals new to photovoltaics.
Our hands-on solar training labs cover the common steps of a residential solar electric retrofit. You will wire up inverters from a variety of manufacturers and mount solar panels on racking systems with roof penetrations and panel attachments. You will learn how to work with DC disconnects, inverters, AC disconnects, and load center/service panels to tie in with the utility. We will also demonstrate the connection of a live solar array feeding power into the grid. The techniques of PV financial estimation and system sizing & placement are taught using a combination of hands-on tools and software on Internet-connected PCs at each student's desk.
Who is it for?
This event is optimized for architects, engineers, licensed or journeyman electricians, general contractors, and other home-improvement contractors looking to add solar to their existing service offerings. Hundreds of solar enthusiasts have also taken this boot camp and have told us that they enjoyed the event greatly.
What's required?
If you are unsure as to what is required in your state to install PV systems click here to learn more.
What's included?
Your tuition fee includes instruction, materials, text book, examination fee, labs and daily catered lunch on all 6 days. All students receive a course completion certificate on the last day. Students who pass the certification exam on the last day are also awarded the Boots Certified Solar PV Professional certification.
What if you are not local?
If you don't live in Northern California or in the New York / New Jersey area, don't worry. Hundreds of students fly in to our locations for the boot camp. Both of our locations (east coast and west coast) feature an extensive subsidized travel package that includes hotel stay, free shuttle transportation from/to airport and breakfast+lunch on all days of the boot camp. Our students consistently report that they are delighted with the travel package. Check out our facilities by clicking here.
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Absolutely cannot travel? Consider our online course instead. Note that while this class is not a substitute for the PV Boot Camp, it is a great foundation class.
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| Solar-SBC-6 Day Solar PV Boot Camp |
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| $ 3,195 for classes in Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
$ 3,495 for all other locations |
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| Starting Dates |
Ending Dates |
Location |
Enroll |
| Feb 15, 10 |
Feb 20, 10
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Fremont, CA | SOLD OUT |
| Feb 22, 10 |
Feb 27, 10
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Newark, NJ (New York) |  |
| Mar 01, 10 |
Mar 06, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Mar 15, 10 |
Mar 20, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Mar 29, 10 |
Apr 03, 10
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Newark, NJ (New York) | |
| Apr 05, 10 |
Apr 10, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Apr 19, 10 |
Apr 24, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Apr 26, 10 |
May 01, 10
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Newark, NJ (New York) | |
| May 03, 10 |
May 08, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| May 17, 10 |
May 22, 10
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Newark, NJ (New York) | |
| May 24, 10 |
May 29, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Jun 07, 10 |
Jun 12, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Jun 21, 10 |
Jun 26, 10
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Fremont, CA | |
| Jun 28, 10 |
Jul 03, 10
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Newark, NJ (New York) | |
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Absolutely cannot travel? Consider our online course instead. Note that while this class is not a substitute for the PV Boot Camp, it is a great foundation class.
Course Content
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Introduction to Solar Energy and PV Systems
Overview of Solar Industry
PV Systems Grid-Tie and Off-grid
Electricity Basics
Power, Energy and Electricity
Hands-on Lab: Measuring AC power
Electricity Arithmetic
PV System Components and Configurations
Solar panels, inverters, mounting, BOS
Solar Energy Fundamentals
Sun – earth relationship, sun path
Hands-on Lab: Orientation and tilt
Hands-on Lab: The power of the sun, in Watts
SYSTEM DESIGN
Solar Site Survey
The elements of site survey
Hands-on Lab: Site analysis. Roof measurement and Site Worksheet
PV System Sizing
Grid-Tie Systems
Site factors affect performance
Sizing the PV System, using manual and online tools
Economic Analysis
System Cost
Payback/ROI
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Electrical Integration
Safety of DC and AC Power
The main electrical components
Hands-on Lab: Assemble Balance of System (BOS)
Wire sizing, specifications and rating DC and AC
Utility Integration
Breaker sizing and the 120% Rule
Utility and code regulations
Next day objectives, homework
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A PV SYSTEM
PV cells, modules and arrays
All about solar cells and modules
Modules specifications: Watts, Voc, Isc, Vnominal
IV curves, Series and parallel array circuits
Hands-on Lab: Open circuit and IV curves
Inverters
Operation and Efficiency
Model and size, Specifications
Online sizing and performance tools
Mechanical Integration
Mounting Systems Options for Roof and Ground
Roof loading Performance issues
Hands-on Lab: Roof mount
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Commissioning, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Commissioning - Starting it up
Maintenance, service, Trouble shooting common situations
Performance Monitoring
Permitting
Jurisdiction and authority
National Electrical Code NEC
Safety (again)
Live Installation
Lab: Connect PV array to BOS and utility power
OFF-GRID SYSTEMS
Off-grid and remote power applications
Batteries and charge controllers
Back-up, Hybrid and Bimodal systems
THE BUSINESS OF SOLAR
Energy and the Economy
The Solar Industry
Project Financials: Rebates, Tax Credits, Financing
Know the Market for PV
Your Business
Sales
The Sales Process
Closing the Sale
Tracking Leads and Customers
Estimates, Contracts and Proposals
Marketing
Define and reach your customers
Marketing strategies
Next steps
Evaluation
NOTE: course content may change from class to class depending on new industry & equipment information or other curriculum updates
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