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Solar

Design and Installation

Business Growth

Solar Onboarding Series for Non-Solar Professionals

Brittany Heller

Course description

This a bundle of 2 courses taught by Brittany Heller:

With the decreased cost and increased financial incentives, solar is becoming a bigger piece of our energy infrastructure. Even if you aren't working in the solar industry specifically, it's advantageous to have a command of the basics, key components, the process of a residential project coming to fruition, net metering policies, and more.

The Solar Onboarding Series content outline was originally designed by Green Power EMC in Georgia and made for the electrical membership cooperatives across the state to help them gain a footing in solar. The curriculum within this online-version of course is applicable to anyone across the United States.

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Course Outline #1 - Solar Onboarding 101 for Non-Solar Professionals

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

Set up email notifications and your student profile
Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
Introduction to the Course (03:16 minutes)
Meet Brit - Instructor for the Course (03:07 minutes)
How This Solar Course Came To Be - An Chat with Nicholas Ham from Green Power EMC (09:31 minutes)
Course Slides for Reference (.pdf)

Module 1 - Industry Snapshot

Understanding the Solar Industry - A Big Picture Look at Scale, Costs, and Jobs (11:32 minutes)
Solar Industry Research Data from SEIA
The Solar Jobs Census from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Module 2 - Electricity Basics

Electricity Basics Part 1 (11:54 minutes)
Electricity Basics Part 2 (11:35 minutes)
Electricity Basics Quiz

Module 3 - Solar PV System Components

The Basics of Solar Systems and Solar Panels (10:28 minutes)
Components: Balance of System and Roof Racking & Attachments (08:28 minutes)
Components: DC Disconnect and Inverter (11:08 minutes)
Components: Batteries, AC Disconnects, and Bi-Directional Meters
Solar PV System Components Mini Quiz

Module 4 - Types of PV Systems and Safety

Types of Solar Construction and Systems - Part 1 (10:07 minutes)
Types of Solar Systems - Part 2 (12:02 minutes)
Solar Safety Hazards and Relevant Standards (12:38 minutes)
Types of PV Systems and Safety Mini Quiz

Module 5 - Solar from the Customer's Point of View

Customer Motivations for Going Solar (10:45 minutes)
EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator
Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics - Solar Energy Technologies Office
Proposals - Part 1: Key Elements (11:12 minutes)
Proposals - Part 2: System Size Design Considerations (10:14 minutes)
Proposals - Part 3: Types of Metering and Systems Financials (11:27 minutes)
Proposals - Part 4: Warranties and Insurance (09:55 minutes)
Proposals - Part 5: How Customers Pay for Solar (08:13 minutes)
Solar Help Desk- A Resource from Solar United Neighbors
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Solar from the Customer's Point of View Mini Quiz

Module 6 - Myth Busting Solar and Frequently Asked Questions

Let's go through some of the most frequently asked questions as well as common misconceptions about solar.

How much does a solar system cost? (04:47 minutes)
Will solar eliminate a customer's electric bill? (02:41 minutes)
What ongoing maintenance is required? (05:15 minutes)
Should a homeowner replace their roof before installing a rooftop system? (02:46 minutes)
Is it beneficial to lower tree lines to reduce shading? (01:14 minutes)
What is the energy production impact of a south facing roof versus other directions? (02:48 minutes)
Will a customer be able to generate during a distribution outage? (02:02 minutes)
What is the utility interconnection policy? (01:27 minutes)
Is there a special utility rate for the installation of solar? (02:38 minutes)
Myth Busting Solar and Frequently Asked Questions Mini Quiz

Conclusion - Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

What's next? Ways to Keep Learning (06:41 minutes)
1 Year of Access to Course Materials
Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Course Outline #2 - Solar Onboarding 102 for Non-Solar Professionals

Welcome - Orientation Materials

Set up email notifications and your student profile
Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
Introduction to the Course (03:03 minutes)
Meet Brit - Your Instructor for the Course (03:14 minutes)
Course Slides for Reference (.pdf)

Module 1 - PV Module Technical Information

PV Module Electrical Specifications and IV Curves (15:24 minutes)
PV Module Technical Information Mini Quiz

Module 2 - Site Assessment

Solar Assessment - Part 1: Intro and Roof Considerations (15:13 minutes)
Solar Assessment - Part 2: Environmental Considerations (16:25 minutes)
Site Assessment Mini Quiz

Module 3 - Sizing the System

Power Triangle and Power Factor (06:58 minutes)
Load Analysis (12:40 minutes)
Sizing the System Mini Quiz

Module 4 - Design and Equipment

Design - Solar Panels and Roof Layout (10:43 minutes)
Design - Roof & Wind Loads, Series & Parallel Circuits, and Other Circuit Considerations (17:17 minutes)
Inverters (13:17 minutes)
Additional Components (09:09 minutes)
Battery Energy Storage Systems (12:21 minutes)
Design and Equipment Mini Quiz

Module 5 - Installation Standards and Best Practices

Codes and Standards for PV Systems (09:02 minutes)
Labeling Requirements Poster
Local Requirements, Licensing, and Inspection Best Practices (11:31 minutes)
SolSmart
Learn about NABCEP Board Certifications
IBTS Solar PV System Inspection Checklist (.pdf)
Installation Standards and Best Practices Mini Quiz

Conclusion - Feedback and Additional Resources

1 Year of Access to Course Materials
Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructor

Brittany Heller

HeatSpring

Brittany Heller has been in the solar industry in a variety of roles since January 2015. She began her solar career in residential sales in New Orleans. She then moved to Denver where she completed a Construction Fellowship with GRID Alternatives Colorado, building a wide portfolio of solar projects all benefiting income-qualified families. In April 2018, she began her... Learn more

Ratings

5.0

2 reviews

Courses with student ratings: 2

by Eric R 08/31/2023

by Paul . 08/24/2023

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$495

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.

How long do I have access to the materials?

Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

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Students who took this course also took

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Solar Design and Installation Batteries and Storage

Solar Onboarding 102 for Non-Solar Professionals

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Brittany Heller

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