Seminars

Full list of seminars and descriptions will be published soon.

Seminars marked with an * count as one hour of NABCEP Continuing Education Credits.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

9:00 - 10:00

9:00 - 10:00 - Canadian Solar: Why Canadian Solar Modules?
We understand that in the world of solar energy there are many choices and many companies claiming to offer the "best" products. At Canadian Solar, we believe that "uncompromised quality, durability, performance and value" are not just words, but part of our identity.

9:00 - 10:00 - Schneider Electric: Latest Advancements in Off-Grid Technology Part I*
The Schneider Electric and Square D names have always been known for their innovative product features that not only save you time and money, but provide the most efficient, reliable solar system for your customers. Join us to learn how to size an off-grid system based on common customer variables (need to run a well pump? family of 5? etc). Then learn about incorporating system monitoring, the most advanced off-grid technology available in the market, and the types of reliability testing (like salt-fog testing) every product should pass.

9:00 - 10:00 - MK Battery: Selling Your Customer The Correct Battery*
This class is designed to provide you with an understanding of each battery technology and each product line. With the information provided, you will be able to selll your customer on the best battery for their application based on budget, performance, and customer expectations.

10:15- 11:15

10:15- 11:15 - Stiebel Eltron: Renewable Energy Hot Water Solutions
Presentation will include information on solar thermal systems and on air-to-water heat pump water heaters for domestic hot water or DHW plus heating. Heat pump water heater discussion will present information on offsetting the heat pump water electrical demand with grid-tie photovoltaic and also on running a heat pump water heater with off-grid PV.

10:15- 11:15 - Schneider Electric: Latest Advancements in Off-Grid Technology Part II*
The Schneider Electric and Square D names have always been known for their innovative product features that not only save you time and money, but provide the most efficient, reliable solar system for your customers. Join us to learn how to size an off-grid system based on common customer variables (need to run a well pump? family of 5? etc). Then learn about incorporating system monitoring, the most advanced off-grid technology available in the market, and the types of reliability testing (like salt-fog testing) every product should pass.

10:15- 11:15 - Ironridge: Solar Mounting Made Simple
Join IronRidge for an informative and complete look at mounting solar projects. This session will cover roof and ground applications as well as how to use IronRidge's state of the art online tools to design your arrays, and create your own bill of materials in minutes! In addition, learn about the new Integrated Grounding Mid Clamp - a first in the industry - plus their new FlashFoot flashing. These are a must for your jobs!

11:30 - 12:30

11:30 - 12:30 - MidNite Solar: The Kid and Classic MPPT charge controllers*
MidNite Solar will discuss our Classic MPPT charge controller with Web Access and Free Online monitoring. We will also discuss our new 30 amp MPPT controller we call the KID. The Kid is a very feature rich but affordable medium sized charge controller. FREE Kid Charge Controller Give-away!

11:30 - 12:30 - Schneider Electric: Latest Advancements in Off-Grid Technology Condensed*
Condensed version of previous Part I and Part II classes combined: The Schneider Electric and Square D names have always been known for their innovative product features that not only save you time and money, but provide the most efficient, reliable solar system for your customers. Join us to learn how to size an off-grid system based on common customer variables (need to run a well pump? family of 5? etc). Then learn about incorporating system monitoring, the most advanced off-grid technology available in the market, and the types of reliability testing (like salt-fog testing) every product should pass.

11:30 - 12:30 - Isofoton: An American Module Manufacturer
A review of who is Isofoton, our products and what we do in Ohio.

1:30- 2:30

1:30- 2:30 - Primus Windpower: The Hybrid Advantage - Combine Wind and Solar for an off-grid solution
Primus Wind Power present the AIR wind turbine line and explains why it is important to combine Wind and Solar in an off-grid, battery charging system. We will also cover the basics of Wind to include; turbine sitting, determining a wind resource, tower height considerations, wind turbine components and basic trouble shooting. To end the presentation, we will present a “plethora of pictures” of installations of the AIR wind turbine in the field over the past 20 years.

1:30- 2:30 - Solectria: Commercial Inverter Training*
This customized training includes installation details and various design considerations for commercial applications ranging from 50kW to multi-MW PV systems. Topics include: DC breakers/fuses/no inputs, DC/AC oversizing, string sizing, AC/DC connections, wiring needs, three-phase string vs. central inverters and temperature/voltage considerations. 1 NABCEP credit available.

1:30- 2:30 - Firefly Energy: Energy Storage for High Efficiency & Long Life!
Depending on how you manage your energy storage, battery round trip efficiency can vary from below 50% to over 90% while cycle life can plummet from thousands to hundreds. Like all energy storage technologies, Lead Acid Chemistry is fraught with interactions that need consideration to avoid selecting a System Design of excessive energy storage costs. Firefly offers a decade of lead-acid research into keeping your batteries in the "sweet zone" using Carbon Foam for making Plates. We will discuss means to keep system small, efficient, long lasting and customer friendly.

2:45 - 3:45

2:45 - 3:45 - Fronius 2 Hour Technical Training Part I*
Course outlines Fronius, as a company, along with its technologies. Students will learn about the innovative Fronius string inverter line known throughout the world for its quality, in the residential, small and medium commercial space. Fronius innovations will be covered such as its arc fault protection (AFCI) functionality, HF Transformer attributes, theFronius MIX™ Technology, Fronius MPPT, Wi-Fi communications capabilities, and the Fronius Intelligent Ventilation Technology. Students will earn 2 NABCEB approved CEUs upon completion of 2 Part course.

2:45 - 3:45 - Burndy: WEEBs - Bonding and Grounding made easy for Residential, Commercial and Utility Scale Solar*
In this interactive presentation, you will learn how to properly bond and ground your solar PV array on a variety of mounting systems using the BURNDY LLC Wiley WEEB technology. Applications for residential, commercial and utility scale projects will be covered with best practices and where to easily install WEEBs and LUGs. In addition, wire management solutions will be presented for these long term applications.

2:45 - 3:45 - Sales & Marketing: 50 Tips in 50 Minutes
In this fast paced session, we'll share 50 Sales and Marketing tips in less than 50 minutes. This session is designed to share best practices, strategies,and innovative ideas to help grow your business. Learning and implementing just one new tip may easily pay for the entire conference - don't miss out!

4:00 - 5:00

4:00 - 5:00 - SolarWorld: The SolarWorld Standard

4:00 - 5:00 - Magnum Energy Off Grid Product Overview*
This power point session is a Magnum Energy product overview for off grid and battery based back up applications. The discussion will enhance the dealers/installers understanding of Magnum Energy's existing and new inverter/charger offerings, accessories and interconnection system equipment.

4:00 - 5:00 - Sales & Marketing: A Closed Loop Sales & Marketing process - a business model for guaranteed growth
Looking to expand or grow your business in 2014? A Closed Loop Sales & Marketing model isn't just for Fortune 500 companies. This session will cover a proven methodology and best practices that are guaranteed to improve your Sales and Marketing efforts - regardless of your size and sales volume.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

9:00 - 10:00

9:00 - 10:00 - MK Battery: Selling Your Customer The Correct Battery*
This class is designed to provide you with an understanding of each battery technology and each product line. With the information provided, you will be able to selll your customer on the best battery for their application based on budget, performance, and customer expectations.

9:00 - 10:00 - Magnum Energy AC Coupling*
This power point session will detail how to add battery back up in new or existing grid tied applications to enable the use of the renewable energy sources during a utility interruption.

9:00 - 10:00 - altE: Design considerations of grid tied systems
Our altE Direct team will share Grid-tie system designs and when to use String Inverters, Micro Inverters, DC Optimizers, and Grid Tie with Battery Backup including AC Coupling.

10:15- 11:15

10:15- 11:15 - AET: Solar Thermal Feasibility
Commercial & Residential success in the solar thermal industry. Tips, strategies, and opportunities.

10:15- 11:15 - Solectria: Residential Inverter Training*
This customized training will review our newest line of residential products ranging from 3.8-7.6kW. Topics include: string sizing, benefits of using Solectria residential inverters vs. competition, data monitoring and how to use inverters in parallel. 1 NABCEP credit available.

10:15- 11:15 - Primus Windpower: The Hybrid Advantage - Combine Wind and Solar for an off-grid solution
Primus Wind Power present the AIR wind turbine line and explains why it is important to combine Wind and Solar in an off-grid, battery charging system. We will also cover the basics of Wind to include; turbine sitting, determining a wind resource, tower height considerations, wind turbine components and basic trouble shooting. To end the presentation, we will present a “plethora of pictures” of installations of the AIR wind turbine in the field over the past 20 years.

11:30 - 12:30

11:30 - 12:30 - Fronius 2 Hour Technical Training Part II*
Course outlines Fronius, as a company, along with its technologies. Students will learn about the innovative Fronius string inverter line known throughout the world for its quality, in the residential, small and medium commercial space. Fronius innovations will be covered such as its arc fault protection (AFCI) functionality, HF Transformer attributes, theFronius MIX™ Technology, Fronius MPPT, Wi-Fi communications capabilities, and the Fronius Intelligent Ventilation Technology. Students will earn 2 NABCEB approved CEUs upon completion of 2 Part course.

11:30 - 12:30 - MidNite Solar: Disconnecting Combiners and 2014 Rapid system Shutdown*
MidNite Solar will discuss our line of Disconnecting Combiners. They all interface with our Rapid system shut down to make a 2014 code compliant installation. We will talk about the Code requirement change for 2014 and how we can help stay compliant with our Rapid System Shutdown system. FREE MNPV4HV Deluxe Disconnect/Combiner Box Give-away!

11:30 - 12:30 - Power-One Micro Inverter Training
Power-One, a member of the ABB group, is a global leader in PV inverter technology for residential, commercial and utility scale applications. The Power-One micro product line was launched in early ’13 and is used in residential and commercial applications for 60, 72 and 96 cell modules. Our micro inverter is available in either 250w or 300w building block sizes. Today’s training session will cover product benefits, product components, monitoring and installation.

1:30- 2:30

1:30- 2:30 - Sales & Marketing: SEO - Search Engine Optimization Marketing and Why It's Important
An overview of SEO and how it can effect your business in a positive way.

1:30- 2:30 - OutBack Power Training 1*
The objective of this training is to discuss how Outback's retrofit to a "Grid-Direct System" will add the benefits of a battery integrated solar solution. Using the OutBack Radian inverter with our new purpose built pre-wired load center, OutBack provides a simple yet powerful way to bring batteries and an optional generator to a site that already has solar installed. You will learn where to land your grid-tie inverter's field connections, and how to add an optional generator to the pre-wired load center.

1:30- 2:30 - SHURflo: Pumping Your Business
An interactive presentation to increase your knowledge and comfort level of Shurflo Pumps to improve your sales and profits in water transfer.

2:45 - 3:45

2:45 - 3:45 - Sales & Marketing: PPC - Pay Per Click Advertising
An overview of Google Adwords and understand the various options and how it can help grow your business.

2:45 - 3:45 - OutBack Power Training 2*
The objective of this training is to discuss the current technologies for batteries and applications for cycling and non-cycling applications. Flooded Lead, AGM, GEL, and Lithium will be covered. When do each of these technologies make sense for your application and customer? Sizing and applications to ensure a long life for batteries; "Batteries aren't typically used, they're murdered!"

2:45 - 3:45 - Samlex America: Small Inverter Applications for Off Grid and Back-Up Applications. From Preppers to Power Outages.
Alternative Energy inverter applications can be complex, high tech, integrated systems powering tens of thousands of watts however many commercial, agricultural and back-country applications rely on smaller inverters and a growing number of people are looking to inverters under 2,000W for back up applications. In this seminar, we review electronics from Samlex America designed specifically for this marketplace.

4:00 - 5:00

4:00 - 5:00 - altE: Sizing an Off-grid Solar System
altE's Amy Beaudet will show how to size an off-grid solar system. This will include:
creating a loads list, sizing the PV array, sizing the charge controller; both PWM and MPPT, selecting an inverter and battery bank sizing.

4:00 - 5:00 - Quick Mount PV: Solar Roofing Best Practices*
Roof penetrations can be a tremendous potential liability for solar installers. Learn how to "respect the roof" by following roofing best practices when installing PV systems on all roof types. This technical training will guide solar professionals on how to follow code, maintain the roof warranty, and reduce installer liability.

4:00 - 5:00 - Kyocera: Beyond price per watt: a Quality strategy
The solar pv industry is facing a crisis in quality, driven by ever-lower price per watt expectations. To succeed, companies must differentiate their business with a commitment to quality, thereby gaining customer loyalty and goodwill. Quality products and services are competitive beyond a price per watt valuation. This presentation will explore the issues of industry commoditization, product quality and downward price pressures.

2014 Conference Sponsors