How to Design Smart Solar Systems in a Fast-Moving Industry Because technology, regulations and software are evolving rapidly in the solar industry, it’s important for contractors, designers and engineers to stay informed about the latest ways to design solar systems. While it may seem daunting to track industry changes, you… Continue reading “How to Design Smart Solar Systems in a Fast-Moving Industry”
New Course Format – Solar Business Masterclass We are excited to introduce a new course format, developed by veteran HeatSpring instructor Keith Cronin. We are now accepting enrollments in Keith’s Solar Business Masterclass. In 2011 Keith helped us develop what would become our most popular course, the… Continue reading “New Course Format – Solar Business Masterclass”
What You Need to Know to Create a Successful Solar-Plus-Storage Project With a booming market, evolving technology and ever- changing incentive programs, energy storage is the Wild West of the solar business right now, says Wes Kennedy, an application engineering manager and instructor for HeatSpring’s “Comprehensive Solar Plus Storage” course. “People… Continue reading “What You Need to Know to Create a Successful Solar-Plus-Storage Project”
How to Get More Clients, Team Members and Profits for Your Solar Business We are excited to announce a new free lecture: How to Get More Clients, Team Members and Profits for Your Solar Business by veteran instructor and solar business expert Keith Cronin! Keith will be hosting live Q&A sessions and answering… Continue reading “How to Get More Clients, Team Members and Profits for Your Solar Business”
Innovative Financing Solutions that Get Solar Energy Projects Up and Running A recent study by Deloitte demonstrated just how interested business owners are in going solar. The study, “Resources 2017 Study – Energy Management: Sustainability & Progress,” found that half of the businesses surveyed said they’re looking to procure more electricity… Continue reading “Innovative Financing Solutions that Get Solar Energy Projects Up and Running”
How Profitable Companies Offer More than Just Solar Would you rather do $5 million in sales with a 20% profit or $10 million in sales with a 10% profit? And what if I said that the $5 million in sales wasn’t all from solar? The most profitable way… Continue reading “How Profitable Companies Offer More than Just Solar”
What is the Largest Opportunity in Energy by 2020 and How to Get Your Piece of It You’re looking for the hottest trend. Newest product. Ways to wow and amaze your family and friends. You want to be a leader. A source of knowledge. An authority. Little secret. You will be, as it relates to the energy… Continue reading “What is the Largest Opportunity in Energy by 2020 and How to Get Your Piece of It”
Reminder: Aug 4, 2017 Application Deadline for NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam The fall 2017 application deadline for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification is August 4, 2017. Do you have your 58 hours of required training in order to sit for the exam? HeatSpring has several convenient options for getting your… Continue reading “Reminder: Aug 4, 2017 Application Deadline for NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam”
How Time of Use Rates Work THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AURORA SOLAR’S BLOG What do the prices of movie tickets to Hollywood’s latest blockbuster and the cost of energy in California have in common? First, in most theaters, you will find that ticket prices… Continue reading “How Time of Use Rates Work”
How to Profit in Solar in 2017 The following article was written by Keith Cronin, who teaches our Solar Executive MBA Training with co-instructor Chris Lord. The solar industry saw great strides in 2016. It looks like 2017 is going to be a banner year. We saw… Continue reading “How to Profit in Solar in 2017”
How do I Understand Optimal Voltage Drop Percentage? Q+A from NABCEP Advanced PV Installer Training I have question about voltage drop. In my area, some sources say if Voltage drop is less than 3% it is ok, some sources say it must be not more than 2%. How do I understand optimal Voltage Drop %?… Continue reading “How do I Understand Optimal Voltage Drop Percentage? Q+A from NABCEP Advanced PV Installer Training”
Reminder February 3, 2017 is the NABCEP Certification Application Deadline NABCEP Certified Professionals are in demand by state incentive programs, employers, insurers and projects around the country. The opportunity to sit for the certification exam only comes twice a year, so act now to give yourself a brighter future. The… Continue reading “Reminder February 3, 2017 is the NABCEP Certification Application Deadline”
Shading Losses for PV Systems, and Techniques to Mitigate Them This article was originally published on Aurora Solar’s Blog Since PV systems generate electricity based on the amount of sunlight they are receiving, it makes sense that when a shadow is cast on a panel, from either a passing cloud… Continue reading “Shading Losses for PV Systems, and Techniques to Mitigate Them”
Solar O&M: Tips for Contractors, The Future of Solar & Workforce Development The solar industry is booming, and there’s a lot to keep track of. From system configuration to energy storage, O&M (Operations and Maintenance) and beyond, the job of Franklin Beach Energy’s Managing Director Carter Wall is never really done. Sustainable woman Carter… Continue reading “Solar O&M: Tips for Contractors, The Future of Solar & Workforce Development”
Infrared Imaging & The Future of Solar PV: A 30 Year Industry Veteran Reflects Dr. James rand is a 30-year solar veteran, president of Core Energy Works, a HeatSpring expert instructor AND a Sustainable Scholar. He spoke with us about his professional journey, how the industry has changed, his HeatSpring courses and the future of… Continue reading “Infrared Imaging & The Future of Solar PV: A 30 Year Industry Veteran Reflects”
Solar + Storage Battery Considerations: Chemistry, Design & Charge Expert instructor Wes Kennedy answers 3 battery consideration questions in his Advanced Solar + Storage course discussion board… Student 1: One of the biggest hurdles we deal with on the commercial side of storage is the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ.… Continue reading “Solar + Storage Battery Considerations: Chemistry, Design & Charge”
Megawatt Systems: 3 Design Considerations On the Megawatt Design discussion board, Ryan Mayfield answers student questions about designing systems. He discusses surge protection, tilted arrays, and “levelized cost of energy.” Student 1: Do any of you specify surge or lightning-protective devices for your systems? Either on the… Continue reading “Megawatt Systems: 3 Design Considerations”
Access the Tools, Network & Knowledge You Need to Advance Your Solar Career Here are the powerhouse solar courses you don’t want to miss: Megawatt Design – Master large-scale solar project design, learn how to get your projects permitted and installed faster and cheaper. Access valuable tools and resources, while advancing your career and the… Continue reading “Access the Tools, Network & Knowledge You Need to Advance Your Solar Career”
Installers: Put the Solar Breaker on the Opposite Side of the Main Breaker – Here’s Why In this discussion board thread, Sean White explains why installers need to put the solar breaker on the opposite side of the main breaker. Please share your experience in the comments section below. Student: Could you please explain the reasoning… Continue reading “Installers: Put the Solar Breaker on the Opposite Side of the Main Breaker – Here’s Why”
Building & Powering an Award-Winning Net Zero Energy Home Can a home be beautiful, powered entirely by solar energy, use sustainable heating and cooling systems and save it’s owners roughly $3,500 a year? Why, yes it can. Just ask Joanne Coons, who built her award winning, single-family, Net Zero Energy… Continue reading “Building & Powering an Award-Winning Net Zero Energy Home”