"As an attendee of several HeatSpring Learning Institute courses, I have found the presenters to be knowledgeable in their fields and very capable in their presentation of the material. I have used this knowledge to expand the services provided by my company and have even suggested new course subjects that I would like to have HeatSpring offer. These have been some of the most useful and practical courses that I have attended over the last twenty years."
Vince Guntlow
New England Solar & Green Solutions, Inc.
Williamstown, MA
www.guntlowassociates.com
"This past year the owner of our company and myself participated in [the Solar Installer Boot Camp Training] seminar regarding solar energy systems and installation. The course was very informative and practical, giving us knowledge in this discipline of the trade that we could use in our future business ventures. The course not only gives information on solar energy theory and how it is generated, it also informs students on the installation of a solar system from a qualified professional in the trade. We would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their business into the solar energy
market."
KC Cranford III, Project Manager
J.M. Mullen Electrical Service, Inc.
Annapolis, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I can't make the course and need to cancel?
One benefit of enrolling in a HeatSpring course is the ability to transfer into another course. The earlier you can let us know the better, but transfers are free up until a week before the course begins. For a more detailed look at our cancellation policy click here.
Do you provide accommodations during the course?
We negotiate and set aside a discounted room block at all of our course locations, typically hotels, and provide details of that arrangement on your personal HeatSpring account page. Accommodations are not included in your tuition fee, so you are free to make all of your own travel arrangements.
How many people are typically enrolled in the Solar Installer Boot Camp Training?
Courses usually have 25-30 students. A group that size is big enough for great networking, but small enough so the instructor can answer all of your specific questions.
What time does the course start and end?
Our courses start at 8am and generally run until 5pm. We encourage students to come a bit earlier (7:45am) on the first day to leave enough time for registration and to get coffee.
What time does the course end on the third day?
The course goes until 5pm on all three days.
Instructor Bio
Bob Ramlow
ISPQ Solar Thermal Master Trainer Artha Sustainable Living Center
Bob is co-owner of Artha Sustainable Living Center LLC and a lead consultant for the state of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program. He is the author of Solar Water Heating, A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems, the first book of it's kind written in over 25 years. Bob is an ISPQ Independent Master Trainer in Solar Thermal and an NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installer. Bob has more than 30 years experience designing and installing solar systems and has been a driving force in the growth of solar thermal use. Bob not only consults and educates on renewable energy, he leads by example living in a home that is powered by the sun and built with sustainable materials.
HeatSpring Learning Institute Entry Level Geothermal Professional Certificate
The HeatSpring Learning Institute Entry Level Geothermal Professional Certificate demonstrates a fundamental level of competence in geothermal heat pump design and installation. Students must pass an exam testing knowledge of industry best practices and standards in order to recieve the entry level geothermal professional certificate.
The exam is reviewed by Heatspring's Board of Technical Advisors to ensure high educational quality.
The entry level certificate is not a professional license issued by a government agency, and does not authorize a certificate holder to practice. Certifcate holders must comply with all legal requirements related to practice, including licensing laws.
Solar Thermal Installer Boot Camp Agenda
A light breakfast and coffee will be served starting at 7:45 and lunch will be served at 12:00 noon each day.
Day 1 8:00am-5:00pm
Solar Water Heating Collector Types
ICS (Integral Collector Storage)
Pool Heating
Flat plate collectors
Evacuated tube collectors
Air Collectors
Solar Water Heating System Types
Closed loop pressurized antifreeze
o Theory of operation
o System components
o Component placement
o Specific installation considerations
Closed loop drainback
o Theory of operation
o System components
o Component placement
o Specific installation considerations
Site Preparation
Locating and ordering solar components
Having your own 'Rolling hardware store'
System visualization
Roof Safety
OSHA regulations
Harness placement
Roof jacks
Tool safety
Collector Handling
Shipping and receiving
Lifting panels onto the roof
Collector Mounting
Mounting locations
Mounting brackets
Roof mounting
Lag bolting
o Utilizing a spanner
o Unistrut mounting
Flat roof mounting
Ground mount rack mounting
o Wooden rack construction
o Metal rack construction
Determining roof pitch
Collector pitch and variations in collector output
Determining riser leg length
Additional considerations
Installation of Solar Thermal Collector - Hands On Activities
Closed loop antifreeze collector
Hardware mounting
Spanner preparation
Riser leg attachment
Collector lifting
Collector mounting
Install unions
Day 2 8:00am - 5:00pm
Site Assessment
Defining the solar window
o Latitude - Solar Path
- daily
- seasonally
o Orientation
- azimuth
- isogonic chart
Installation location considerations
o Access
o Tree growth
o Neighbors
o Future construction
o Topography
o BOS placement
o Pipe runs
o Aesthetics
System Sizing
Collector sizing
o Determining load
o Rule of thumb sizing
o RETScreen sizing
Solar storage sizing
o Collector to storage ratio
o Additional considerations/seasonal variations
Solar Storage Configurations
One tank vs. two tanks
Internal heat exchanger
External heat exchangers
o Tube-in-shell
o U-tube
o Plate Type
Drainback tanks
Large solar storage tanks
Soldering Demonstration - Hands on Activity
Plumbing the Solar Storage Tanks - Hands on Activity
Install Pipe runs
Setting solar storage tank
o Mounting the heat exchanger
o Install valves and gauges
Day 3 8:00am-5:00pm
Pipe Insulating & Jacketing
Supply lines
Return lines
Mitering corners
Trenching and burying piping
Insulation types and temperature ratings
Solar Pumps
AC pumps
DC pumps
Pump sizing
System Controls
Differential temperature controllers
PV panels
Utilizing the wire sizing chart
Solar Space Heating Systems
Dump systems (systems w/o storage)
Radiant floor systems
o Installing pex tubing
o Tubing layout patterns
o Primary loop and secondary loop
o Solar boiler integration
o Solar storage heat distribution
Forced-air integration
o Fan coil sizing and installation
o Solar storage heat distribution
o Furnace controls and wiring diagram
High mass systems
o Sand bed construction
o Footing detail
o Tubing layout patterns
o Living with the high mass system
o High mass system controls and adjustments
Independent fan convector units
Advanced solar installations with multiple loads
Sizing space heating systems
o Estimating space heating load
o Coordinating solar output with seasonal load
o Estimating solar production and proportion of load supplied
Troubleshooting
Hands-On Activities - 2 hrs
Install Solar Water Heating Controls
Closed loop antifreeze system
Install DC pump
Install PV panel and wire to pump
IInstall expansion tank and set pressure
Tags and Labels
Pressure Test System for Leaks
Test gauges
Using Schrader valves
Pressure fluctuations with temperature
Charge Closed Loop Antifreeze System
Charging pump location and controls
Glycol percentage and freeze protection
Eliminating air from the system
Install Insulation and Jacketing
System Performing Checkout & Working with Homeowner
This intense, three-day course teaches students to install and design solar thermal (hot water) systems from A to Z and earns credit toward NABCEP certification. Instructor Bob Ramlow has 30 years of industry experience and is one of two master trainers in North America. This course was designed for professional contractors looking to begin installing solar hot water systems immediately. Students get access to pre-course reading assignments and homework to help prepare for the class - this is especially helpful for non-plumbers who take the course.
Course content includes the following:
•
Walk through a solar hot water installation from A to Z
•
Worksheets to design your own solar array
•
Work toward NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification
•
An overview of the latest solar technology and learn how to compare your options
•
Discussion of the basics to selling solar systems including government incentives
•
Rack a demo array with your instructor's guidance
•
Get hands on with a Solar Pathfinder
•
Review the types of solar thermal systems
•
Learn how to accurately perform a site survey (and what to watch out for)
•
Calculations and comparisons on the economics of a system
•
In-class exercises to see how solar systems really work
Who should attend: (click here to view)
The majority of the class is made up of Plumbing Contractors, HVAC Contractors, Green Builders and Alternative Energy Consultants. In each class, there is representation from the following professions: Engineer, Career Changers, Roofers, Building Owners, Solar Installers and other neighboring trades people. It is important to note that this course is appropriate for both plumbers and non-plumbers.
What people like most about the course:
1.
Learn to design & install solar thermal systems from A to Z
•
Technical design info
•
Technical installation information
•
Access to course reference materials
2.
Discussion on how to market and sell solar, including details on government incentives
•
The sales pitch
•
Understanding government incentives
•
Economic calculations and comparisons
3.
Use of in-class exercises to see how solar systems really work
•
Hands on installation exercises
4.
Meeting people in the solar industry and earning a credential that sets you apart
•
Networking and contacts
•
Education Credit towards NABCEP Solar Thermal Certification
5.
Getting an overview of the latest solar technology and learning how to compare your options
•
Introduction and overview
Meet the instructor:
Bob Ramlow
ISPQ Solar Thermal Master Trainer Artha Sustainable Living Center
Bob is co-owner of Artha Sustainable Living Center LLC and a lead consultant for the state of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program. He is the author of Solar Water Heating, A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems, the first book of it's kind written in over 25 years. Bob is an ISPQ Independent Master Trainer in Solar Thermal and an NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installer. Bob has more than 30 years experience designing and installing solar systems and has been a driving force in the growth of solar thermal use. Bob not only consults and educates on renewable energy, he leads by example living in a home that is powered by the sun and built with sustainable materials.
