The Science Behind Battery Fires: Thermal Runaway Explained What happens when a battery cell reaches its ignition temperature and triggers an unstoppable chain reaction? In this segment from the Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems course, instructor Drew Lebowitz explains the phenomenon of thermal runaway in battery systems… Continue reading “The Science Behind Battery Fires: Thermal Runaway Explained”
Working Safely on Energized Equipment – Understanding Restricted Approach, Limited Approach, and Arc Flash Boundaries When it comes to electrical safety, understanding arc flash hazards and how to mitigate their risk is crucial, but all too often misunderstood. Many workers believe that staying outside the arc flash boundary guarantees safety, but this is a dangerous… Continue reading “Working Safely on Energized Equipment – Understanding Restricted Approach, Limited Approach, and Arc Flash Boundaries”
What are the Hierarchy of Risk Controls in Electrical Work? In the field of electrical work, where potential hazards are often not immediately visible, a thorough understanding of risk assessment and mitigation strategies is essential. This knowledge empowers electricians, technicians, and anyone working near electricity to make informed decisions, implement… Continue reading “What are the Hierarchy of Risk Controls in Electrical Work?”
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Technician In today’s increasingly electrified world, ensuring electrical safety is more critical than ever. Whether you’re a solar installer, HVAC technician, or facilities management professional, understanding and implementing proper electrical safety practices is essential. That’s where the National Fire Protection Association… Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Technician “
New Course Announcement: 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training As the electrification of everything continues to proliferate faster everyday, the risk of electrical hazards is also ever increasing. Whether you’re installing solar panels, integrating energy storage systems, upgrading building electrical systems, or installing heat pumps, a solid foundation in… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training”
Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals course is now free for HeatSpring members We need more leadership talent on utility-scale solar PV projects so starting today, for a limited time, Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals is free for HeatSpring members. Membership is super cheap and it’s a great way to develop a learning habit.… Continue reading “Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals course is now free for HeatSpring members”
NEW COURSE BUNDLE ANNOUNCEMENT: NEC 2020 and 2023 Requirements for PV Systems from Mayfield Every year, Ryan Mayfield of Mayfield Renewables teaches his NEC 2020 and 2023 Requirements for PV Systems training as an all-day crash course on the National Electrical Code at the NABCEP Continuing Education Conference. Back in March, over 250 conference… Continue reading “NEW COURSE BUNDLE ANNOUNCEMENT: NEC 2020 and 2023 Requirements for PV Systems from Mayfield”
What is a Culture of Safety and Why Does It Matter? Creating a culture of safety is crucial for any construction team, but what does it really mean to have a “safety culture”? It’s a question that goes beyond PPE and bare minimum safety standards – it strikes at the heart… Continue reading “What is a Culture of Safety and Why Does It Matter?”
2023 Energy Storage Code Course – Now Free for HeatSpring Members We need more professionals designing and installing energy storage systems safely. So starting today, for a limited time, 2023 NFPA 855 & Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems is free for HeatSpring members. Ryan and the Mayfield Renewables team teach… Continue reading “2023 Energy Storage Code Course – Now Free for HeatSpring Members”
What Makes Someone a Qualified Person? Here at HeatSpring, we get a lot of questions that are along the lines of… “what course can I take to make me qualified?” To that we answer, there’s no quick fix or single course that can make you qualified… Continue reading “What Makes Someone a Qualified Person?”
Understanding the 2023 NEC Requirements for Disconnecting Means on Energy Storage Understanding where to place disconnects on solar and storage projects can feel complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the National Electrical Code (NEC). In fact, some inspectors (like Pete Jackson, Chief Electrical Inspector for the City of Bakersfield, mentioned in IREC’s… Continue reading “Understanding the 2023 NEC Requirements for Disconnecting Means on Energy Storage “
Key Elements of a Safety Program Creating a strong safety program is a critical, yet sometimes overlooked, aspect of running a successful solar installation company. It’s not just about meeting bare-minimum regulatory requirements or avoiding accidents; it’s about fostering a work environment where every team member… Continue reading “Key Elements of a Safety Program”
How Do Companies Start a Safety Program? Safety is the cornerstone of any successful construction business, especially in the solar industry where workers are exposed to various hazards – like working at heights and electrical hazards – on a daily basis. If you are a leader at… Continue reading “How Do Companies Start a Safety Program?”
Why Do Companies Need a Safety Program? In the solar industry, safety should never be just a buzzword or a box to check off on a list of requirements. It is a fundamental principle that should be ingrained in the fabric of every company’s culture. It feels… Continue reading “Why Do Companies Need a Safety Program?”
New Bundle Announcement: 2023 Electrical & Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems Ryan Mayfield and the Mayfield Renewables team are back on HeatSpring. We are excited to welcome Ryan – engineer, educator, and technical committee member – back to our platform with his latest course bundle – 2023 Electrical & Fire Codes… Continue reading “New Bundle Announcement: 2023 Electrical & Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems”
New Bundle Announcement: Solar Construction Management & Safety Essentials Bundle Solar construction job openings are growing faster than they are getting filled. In Deloitte’s 2024 Renewable Energy Industry Outlook, it is anticipated that there will be 22,972 annual solar construction jobs created over the next five years. At the same,… Continue reading “New Bundle Announcement: Solar Construction Management & Safety Essentials Bundle”
What is Pendulum Distance and Why Does It Matter When Setting Up Fall Protection Equipment? Per OSHA standards (1926.501), solar construction staff installing systems who are exposed to fall distances of 6 or more feet must be protected from falls by using one of the following methods: personal fall arrest systems, guardrail systems, or safety… Continue reading “What is Pendulum Distance and Why Does It Matter When Setting Up Fall Protection Equipment?”
What is the Interconnection Process? Interconnection is a critical and necessary step in the customer journey when seeking to install a grid-tied solar PV system. This is the process by which the customer is able to get permission from the utility to operate their system… Continue reading “What is the Interconnection Process?”
New Course Announcement: Solar Construction Safety According to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Solar Jobs Census, as of December 2022, there were over 263,000 solar workers in the United States. Across the solar industry, 34% of workers were in installation or repair, which equates to… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: Solar Construction Safety”
The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification The NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Board Certification was created for experienced energy storage professionals who have demonstrated knowledge in energy storage system development, design, installation, commissioning and decommissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M). Successful ESIP candidates work in… Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification”