Learn Solar Basics At altE’s 9th Annual Solar Installer Conference

It’s no secret that the altE Solar Installer Conference is a destination event for, well, solar installers, from around the world. Did you know it’s also a great place to learn the basics of solar?

Each year altE hosts  two days of “normal” conference, and one day of training. This year the training day is Monday February 24. The day features two tracks, one Beginner and one Advanced.  The Conference is the following day, beginning at 8am on Tuesday, February 25, and ending at 5:30pm on Wednesday, February 26th. These 2 days are designed for experienced solar installers.

altE will hold this year’s Conference at the Devens Common Center in Devens, MA. Early Bird pricing is available until Friday, January 17. To purchase tickets, visit the Conference’s Eventbrite page. For detailed breakout session information, visit altE’s event page.

Looking to Step Up Your DIY Game?

Intro To Solar Grid Tie And Battery Backup – Monday 2/24, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Just starting your solar business? Need to train new employees on the basics of solar power? This is the workshop for you. Back by popular demand, we will have a Beginners Track for Installers new to Solar, presented by your friends at altE. This course is also perfect for homeowners considering a DIY approach.

This seminar covers principles and components of the three main types of solar power systems: grid tie, off-grid, and grid tied with battery backup (also known as Hybrid or Solar + Storage). It also covers how to calculate the size of a system that will meet your power needs, and what equipment you will need depending on which system type you choose. Lastly, we’ll cover some NEC requirements to ensure a code-compliant installation.

It’s not just theory – there will also be complete pre-wired systems to view! We’ll also have examples of roof mounting options, and much more.

Topics Covered:

  • Solar System Types
  • Electricity Basics
  • Solar Panels
  • Grid Tied Array Sizing
  • Grid Tied Inverters
  • Breaker Sizing (NEC 702.12)
  • Panel Mounts and Flashing
  • Batteries
  • Bank Sizing for Off-grid
  • Off-Grid Solar Array Sizing
  • Charge Controllers
  • Off Grid and Hybrid Inverters
  • Adding Batteries to Grid-tied
  • Overcurrent Protection
  • Breakers and Wire Sizing

Working Towards Becoming A Solar Installer?

PV And The 2017/2020 NEC – Monday 2/24, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

This advanced-track workshop will be jam-packed with 2017/2020 NEC insight and interpretation from Sean White – The 2014 IREC Trainer of the Year and ISPQ Certified Solar PV Master Trainer.

Sean teaches PV courses around the world and has authored 4 books, the most recent being Photovoltaic Systems and the National Electric Code, co-authored with Bill Brooks. Sean will fill you up with as much information as possible in one day, while entertaining you at the same time. He will compare and contrast the 2017 NEC to the 2020 NEC, with special emphasis on the rapid shutdown and interconnection requirements of the Code. There will also be limited insight into the 2020 NEC, which has had the preliminary proposals already presented. This course counts for 6 hours NABCEP Training.

 

About Author

Seth Lockman
Seth Lockman has communications experience in offshore wind, aerospace, and now the world of solar. His favorite punctuation mark is the interrobang. Outside of work he loves playing music, hiking, and sailing. See more of Seth Lockman's blog posts.