SOLAR 2010 Industry Training Sessions

Industry training sessions are presented by leading renewable energy companies, and are designed to help business owners, dealers, installers, and others working in the solar industry learn about specific products and services offered by the presenting companies. Industry training sessions are held on Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 21. Industry trainings fegistration requirements vary - please see the specific session description for more information. If no registration is required, sessions are open to ALL registrants.

FRIDAY, MAY 21

High Quality Solar Mirrors
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 9:30am
Presented by: Kenneth Cheah, FLABEG Solar US Corporation
Session Description: FLABEG is the only company that offers more than 30 years of field experience and sets the industry standard for the production of solar mirrors using a proprietary bending process, which results in the highest possible degree of precision.
Registration: Please call Lisa Metcalfe at 724-899-4622 to register.

Simplified Installation of Solar Water Heating
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 9:30am
Presented by: Dan Gretsch, SOLARHOT
Session Description: This training will cover the fastest and easiest way to install a solar water heating system.  The training will cover both glycol and drainback systems using a solvelox solar appliance.  This appliance can be integrated with a standard water heater and makes the installation of any collectors both easier and more efficient.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Thermal Applications and Innovations
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 10:00am
Presented by: John Alger, Alternate Energy Technologies
Session Description: An overview of solar thermal applications, system types, sizing, design and innovations.
Announcing our GSA Contract.  Working with AET to win jobs with the Federal Government.
Registration: Simply send an email to karen@aetsolar.com to let me know that you are planning on attending.


BP Solar Certified Installer
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm
Presented by: Carmen Smith
Session Description: This session will feature a portion of the training required to become a BP Solar Certified Installer.  Includes an overview of the benefits and requirements of the program, as well as marketing and product training.
Registration: Register by sending an email to bpsolarmarketingNORT@bp.com with Subject: ASES Training or stop by our booth to fill out registration form


Fronius Inverter and DATCOM Training
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Moe Mahone, Fronius USA, LLC
Session Description: Fronius is offering a half day (4 hour) course that will cover various topics including Fronius inverter technology, data communications, installation procedures, trouble shooting, system design and programs and a certificate of completion.  In addition, this class has been certified for continuing education credit from the National Association of Board-Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).   NO CHARGE FOR THIS SESSION!
Registration: Click here to register >


Solar as it Shoud be Done: Guessing is not an Option!
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Rod Hyatt, Heat Transfer Products
Session Description: Discuss tax incentives, flat plate vs vaccum technology, pressure vs drainback, solar workbook-includes data collection, determining load, sizing solar storage and number of panels, pumps, expansion tanks and more, establishing a parts list, finalizing system cost. Establish return on investments.
Registration: Registration is not required.


OutBack Power Systems Product Overview and Training
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Lones Tuss, OutBack Power Systems
Session Description: OutBack Power Systems training on Off-Grid and Grid-Tie with Battery Back-up systems.
Registration: Registration is not required.

Solar Installation Using Pre-Engineered, Packaged Systems
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Luc Collins, Sunwize Technologies
Session Description: Traditionally, solar electric systems involve design, documentation, sourcing of individual components, off-site receiving and staging, and one-of-a-kind on-site installation. This approach is relatively complex, prone to error, and time consuming, particularly for the neophyte. Also, the overhead and scale requirements make it difficult for experienced, lower volume businesses to adopt. A simpler and more efficient approach can be installing pre-engineered, packaged systems. These proven, standardized systems are kitted and shipped to shop or job-site. How do they differ from custom systems in design and installation? What are their advantages and disadvantages? These and other key questions are addressed in this classroom training.
Registration: Registration is not required.


SMA’s Sunny Boy 1 Training Course
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Presented by: SMA America
Session Description: This course offers a basic understanding of Sunny Boy inverters and their interaction with the utility grid. Topics include Sunny Boy product knowledge, U.S. utility transformer integration, SMA DC disconnect, components of grid-tied PV systems, residential grid-tied battery backup basics using Sunny Boy inverters, inverter safeguards per UL1741. Also covered are installation requirements based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safe installation practices for working with high voltages. Hands-on training provides reinforcement of training concepts.
Registration: To register, visit www.SMA-America.com/SolarAcademy to download a registration form.


Data Acquisition & Performance Monitoring of PV Systems
Friday, May 21, 10:30am to 12:00pm
Presented by: AJ Rossman, Draker Laboratories, Inc.
Session Description: Draker is offering a data acquisition training session for PV installers and electricians involved with the development, operation and maintenance of commercial renewable energy projects. The training will focus on proper deployment of field instrumentation, power measurement equipment, sensor theory, datalogger features, data management and industry best practices. Attendees will leave with an improved understanding of recommended DAS installation and data management procedures for capturing critical performance data that can be used to better understand future design guidelines, more effectively manage PV system operations and improve maintenance for maximizing yield.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Thermal Combi Systems
Friday, May 21, 10:30am to 12:00pm
Presented by: Bob "hot rod" Rohr, Caleffi
Session Description: Concepts for combining SDHW and hydronic heating systems.  Design, piping, and control options.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Innovative Online Marketing Techniques for Solar Companies
Friday, May 21, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Matt Walker, Best Rank, Inc.
Session Description: Matt Walker, CEO of Internet Marketing firm, Best Rank, Inc., shows attendees how to take advantage of innovative and cost-effective online marketing techniques, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click (PPC),effective website development, social media marketing, video marketing and more.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Launch and Grow Your Solar Business
Friday, May 21, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Jeff Spies, AEE Solar
Session Description: Learn the basic steps to launching a successful solar business. This popular two-hour seminar covers the following topics:

• Qualifications for becoming a solar dealer
• Commonly used renewable energy systems
• Solar industry players & markets
• Review of four PV configurations
• Review of solar product groups
• Key factors to succeeding in solar
• Training and certification
• Site analysis and system design
• Incentives and system financing
• Dealer cost and profitability
• The four key partners for a successful solar installation business
• Sales strategies
• Marketing hints and tips
• Informational resources

And much more!
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Economics to Close More Sales
Friday, May 21, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Andy Black, OnGrid Solar
Session Description: OnGrid Solar makes the OnGrid Tool for solar financial analysis & sales to assist dealers, installers and their salespeople in making a complete and compelling sales presentation. The OnGrid Tool includes PV system sizing, pricing and quoting. It calculates the financial savings and demonstrates the payback several ways. It produces several proposal options and the contract, rebate and interconnection paperwork auto-filled and customized to each customer, to speed the close and make a very professional presentation. The OnGrid Tool is a must for every dealer, installer, salesperson, contractor, electrician or roofer involved with the sales process for PV systems, and will significantly ease entry into this marketplace. See http://www.ongrid.net/payback
Registration: Registration is not required.


BP Solar Certified Installer
Friday, May 21, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm
Presented by: Carmen Smith
Session Description: This session will feature a portion of the training required to become a BP Solar Certified Installer.  Includes an overview of the benefits and requirements of the program, as well as marketing and product training.
Registration: Register by sending an email to bpsolarmarketingNORT@bp.com with Subject: ASES Training or stop by our booth to fill out registration form


Shade Mitigation with the SunMizer DC to DC Power Optimizer
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by: Kevin Peebles, Xandex Inc
Session Description: Learn how to mitigate the effects of shade on solar panels and increase system energy harvest with the new SunMizer DC Power Optimizer. SunMizer design guidelines, unit operation and installation will be covered in this one hour session.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Air-Conditioning
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by: Van Matsushige, Sopogy
Session Description: MicroCSP technologies training session for channel partners and interested attendees.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Pool Heating Opportunities for Commercial Pools
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by: Jim Ritter, Aquatherm Ind
Session Description: Basics of pool heating. Why Solar makes sense. Benefits. How solar pool heating works. System design and installation.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Tyco Electronics SOLARLOK Product Training
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by: Sean McKenna, tyco Electronics
Session Description: Tyco Electronics will demonstrate the SOLARLOK products used in installations of photovoltaic modules.  Hands on crimp tool training for the termination of photovoltaic wiring will be conducted.  Product features which simplify parallel wiring installations will be reviewed.  Installation procedures for labor saving grounding solutions and the TE combiner box will be provided.
Registration: To register please contact Sean McKenna, PV Industry Manager, smmckenn@tycoelectronics.com


Grounding Solutions for Solar PV Applications
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Presented by: Heather Peterson, Wiley Electronics LLC
Session Description: Wiley Electronics designs and manufactures balance of system products for photovoltaic applications. Our developments in shading analysis, PV grounding, and wire management create high performance systems and fuel innovation throughout the industry
Registration: Registration is not required.


Residential & Commercial Solar Space Heating
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Presented by: Kenneth Pethers, Sunsiaray
Session Description: Residential & Commercial Solar Space Heating
Stop burning your money, use the sun to heat your building and put dollars back in your pocket and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time .
Registration: Registration is not required.


KACO Technical Training (NABCEP approved)
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Presented by: Ralph Schulze, KACO new energy
Session Description: The KACO training program has been attended by solar installers all over the US to increase their knowledge of code compliance issues, system design, general solar and incentive information and much more. Participants who complete this training will receive three NABCEP continuing education credits as well as an official KACO new energy certificate of completion.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Launch and Grow Your Solar Business
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Presented by: Jeff Spies, AEE Solar
Session Description: Learn the basic steps to launching a successful solar business. This popular two-hour seminar covers the following topics:

• Qualifications for becoming a solar dealer
• Commonly used renewable energy systems
• Solar industry players & markets
• Review of four PV configurations
• Review of solar product groups
• Key factors to succeeding in solar
• Training and certification
• Site analysis and system design
• Incentives and system financing
• Dealer cost and profitability
• The four key partners for a successful solar installation business
• Sales strategies
• Marketing hints and tips
• Informational resources

Solar Economics to Close More Sales
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Presented by: Andy Black, OnGrid Solar
Session Description: OnGrid Solar makes the OnGrid Tool for solar financial analysis & sales to assist dealers, installers and their salespeople in making a complete and compelling sales presentation. The OnGrid Tool includes PV system sizing, pricing and quoting. It calculates the financial savings and demonstrates the payback several ways. It produces several proposal options and the contract, rebate and interconnection paperwork auto-filled and customized to each customer, to speed the close and make a very professional presentation. The OnGrid Tool is a must for every dealer, installer, salesperson, contractor, electrician or roofer involved with the sales process for PV systems, and will significantly ease entry into this marketplace. See http://www.ongrid.net/payback
Registration: Registration is not required.


Trina Solar - Photovoltaics 101
Friday, May 21, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Presented by: Jon Haeme, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Company Ltd. (Trina Solar)
Session Description: This is an introduction to Trina Solar the company and its products. In this class you will get an overview of:
- The manufacturing of crystalline photovoltaic modules
- Quality testing and certifications
- Technical specifications
- Applications
- The terminology used in the PV industry such as IV curves , VOC, ISC, NOCT, Temperature coefficient, etc….
- What the affects of shading and temperature have on PV modules.
This class is for anyone from beginers to experinced installers and sales people.
Registration: Register with jon.haeme@trinasolar.com

Energy Efficient Building Envelope Technology
Friday, May 21, 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Presented by: John Van Den Elzen, ATAS International, Inc.
Session Description: A seminar of how the use of a transpired solar collector can preheat fresh air for buildings, thus saving energy cost. How a Building Integrated Photvoltaic (BIPV)system can be istalled with thin-film amorphous silicon laminate.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Commercial Solar Hot Water Heating Systems
Friday, May 21, 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Presented by: Peter Biondo, Oventrop Corporation
Session Description: Prepare yourself with basic design information for working with commercial solar hot water heating systems. In this training we will investigate designing around the hot water application, the building occupancy and the hot water load. Small, medium and large commercial system designs will be explored and explained.
Registration: To register email Peter Biondo at ovtech1@comcast.net.

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SATURDAY, MAY 22

Quick Mount PV: Code Compliant Mounting and Waterproof Flashing Systems for Pitched Roofs
Saturday, May 22, 8:30am to 10:00am
Presented by: Johan Alfsen, Quick Mount PV
Session Description: Water intrusion from roof penetrations has become a big concern in the solar industry. In this presentation Johan Alfsen, of Quick Mount PV, will discuss how to follow important roofing codes in order to maintain roof warranties, protect the the roof and installer liability. Various Quick Mount PV products will be demonstrated.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Thermal Applications and Innovations
Saturday, May 22, 8:30am to 10:00am
Presented by: John Alger, Alternate Energy Technologies
Session Description: An overview of solar thermal applications, system types, sizing, design and innovations.
Announcing our GSA Contract.  Working with AET to win jobs with the Federal Government
Registration: Simply send an email to karen@aetsolar.com to let me know that you are planning on attending.


Fronius Inverter and DATCOM Training
Saturday, May 22, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Moe Mahone, Fronius USA, LLC
Session Description: Fronius is offering a half day (4 hour) course that will cover various topics including Fronius inverter technology, data communications, installation procedures, trouble shooting, system design and programs and a certificate of completion.  In addition, this class has been certified for continuing education credit from the National Association of Board-Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).   NO CHARGE FOR THIS SESSION!
Registration: Click here to register >


Solectria Renewables Commercial 3 Phase and Residential PV Inverter, Data Monitoring Installer Training
Saturday, May 22, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Presented by: Scott Bowden, Solectria Renewables
Session Description: COMMERCIAL 3-PHASE PV INVERTER training section:
Gain first hand working knowledge from the experts on the simplicity and ease of installation inherent in Solectria Renewables™ Commercial Inverters ranging in size from 13kW to 95kW.  You will learn about the products key features, string sizing requirements, temperature effects on PV array voltages, disconnect hook up and wiring, line-tap methods, wiring needs, options available in each product and learn how to use the inverters in parallel for PV installations ranging from 10kW thru 1MW or more. 
Session Description: RESIDENTIAL PV INVERTER training section:
Gain first hand working knowledge from the experts on the simplicity and ease of installation inherent in Solectria Renewables™ Residential Inverters ranging in size from 1.8kW to 5.3kW and integrated panel assemblies for 1.8 to 7.5kW.  You will learn about the products key features, string sizing requirements, temperature effects on PV array voltages, AC and DC disconnect hook-up and wiring needs, options available in each product and learn how to use the inverters in parallel for PV installations ranging from 1kW to 25kW.  
Also discussed are data acquisition methods and system connections.
4 NABCEP Continuing Education Credits available.
Registration: Registration is not required.


SMA’s Sunny Boy 2 Training Course
Saturday, May 22, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Presented by:  SMA America
Session Description: This course offers a basic understanding of Sunny Boy inverters and their interaction with the utility grid. Topics include Sunny Boy product knowledge, U.S. utility transformer integration, SMA DC disconnect, components of grid-tied PV systems, residential grid-tied battery backup basics using Sunny Boy inverters, inverter safeguards per UL1741. Also covered are installation requirements based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safe installation practices for working with high voltages. Hands-on training provides reinforcement of training concepts.
Registration: To register, visit www.SMA-America.com/SolarAcademy to download a registration form.


Insulated Flexible Stainless Steel Solar Line Set Installation: Making Your Job Easy
Saturday, May 22, 10:30am to 11:00am
Presented by: Mark Kuykendall, Easyflex
Session Description: The What, How and Why of Solar Line Sets, featuring Easyflex Solar Line System.
An overveiew of Solar Line set specifications and installation methods.
Registration: Registration is not required.


AluTec Clampless Mounting System
Saturday, May 22, 10:30am to 11:30am
Presented by: Jakob Laggner, ThinkSolar
Session Description: Using the AluTec clampless mounting systems can save installers cost on materials as well as speed up labor times. Furthermore modules are mounted without gaps allowing for more efficient and aesthetic design features.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Renewable Energy Batteries - An Inside Look
Saturday, May 22, 10:30am to 11:30am
Presented by: Ronald Paredes, Trojan Battery Company
Session Description: Comprehensive seminar covering available battery technology for use in renewable energy systems, how they work and their benefits.
Registration: Registration is not required.


New or Relatively New To Solar? Hit the Ground Running with Effective Sales Methods and Superior Products
Saturday, May 22, 10:30am to noon
Presented by: Chris Wood, Sales Director South West, CENTROSOLAR America
Businesses new to the PV installation are encouraged to attend this informative session that will cover all aspects of successful sales methods and choosing the best products. End results: Businesses profit and customers will be extremely satisfied, knowing that they purchased the best performing system for their needs.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Energy Industry 101
Saturday, May 22, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Presented by: Kirk Busch - Chairman, Az4Solar.org
Session Description: This 2 hour session will introduce you to the basics of the Solar Industry. Beginning with an overview of Solar Generating Technologies as deployed in Residential, Commercial and Utility Scale applications. We will also cover global market drivers, incentives and career opportunities.
Registration: Via the Az4Solar.org web site at http://www.az4solar.org/


Aesthetics In Renewable Energy
Saturday, May 22, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Presented by: John Hippensteel, Lake Michigan Wind & Sun
Session Description: Incorporating aesthetics into renewable energy projects as a means of providing beauty and function to increase public awareness and acceptance.
Registration: Registration is not required.


How to Harness the Opportunity of Flat Roof Solar to Generate More Profits
Saturday, May 22, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Presented by: Tim Johnson, tenKsolar
Session Description: Conventional serial solar technology limits the total output from PV Solar on flat commercial roofs.  Yet this large and highly profitable segment remains a largely untapped opportunity.  In this seminar, tenKsolar will demonstrate for Solar PV installers the constraints of conventional PV solar on flat commercial roofs and how to use 7 practical strategies to unlock the PV Solar flat roof opportunity for increased revenue and profits.
Registration: Registration is not required.


Solar Pathfinder and Assistant Software Training
Saturday, May 22, 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Presented by: Anthony and Michelle Coulter, The SolarPathfinder Company
Session Description: Solar Pathfinder representatives will provide a complete site analysis training course using the Solar Pathfinder unit and the Assistant software.  Both PV and Thermal installations will be covered using the Assistant software.
Registration: Registration is not required.

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