“Residential Grid-Tied Solar Design” – A New Course to Build Your Design Skills Brit Heller Interested in designing residential solar systems that meet code requirements? Want to master industry design tools that solar professionals use? Curious about how to calculate proper system sizing, wire gauge, and conduit dimensions? HeatSpring’s new, comprehensive “Residential Grid-Tied Solar Design” course taught by Baker Makarem has the answers! Whether you’re newer to the industry or looking to expand your expertise into design, this hands-on training builds the foundation you need to excel in residential solar design. What You’ll Learn This comprehensive course takes you through the complete solar design process for grid-tied solar PV systems. That means you’ll learn about designing solar systems that connect directly to the utility grid, allowing homeowners to generate their own clean electricity while maintaining access to utility power. These interconnected systems allow excess solar production to flow back to the grid (potentially earning credits through net metering or similar billing arrangements) and seamlessly draw from the grid during nighttime or low-production periods, offering a lower cost alternative to solar + storage systems. The curriculum unfolds over four detailed modules, plus extra bonus content: Module 1: The Basics of Residential Grid-Tied Solar Module 2: Considerations for Rooftop Solar Module 3: PV System Sizing Module 4: Applying the NEC The bonus content includes ground mount fixed-tilt systems and real-world interconnection method examples. Hands-On Learning with OpenSolar What sets this course apart is the practical application using OpenSolar, a free solar design software platform with over 25,000 users. You’ll immediately be able to apply concepts as you learn them, working through your own actual design scenarios. This software-based approach ensures you complete the course with tangible skills ready for immediate application. Who Should Enroll? Newer professionals in the solar industry Experienced electricians expanding into solar services Anyone seeking foundational PV design knowledge Meet Your Instructor Baker Makarem brings over seven years of hands-on experience in solar and energy storage. As a mechanical engineer, NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional, PV Installation Professional, and PV System Inspector, Baker combines technical expertise with real-world insights gained from countless site surveys, designs, installations, and commissioning projects. Enroll today and start building your practical PV design expertise! Solar Solar Design & Installation Solar miscellaneous Solar Utility Interconnection Originally posted on May 7, 2025 Written by Brit Heller Director of Program Management @ HeatSpring. Brit holds two NABCEP certifications - Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PVIP) and Photovoltaic Technical Sales (PVTS). When she isn’t immersed in training, Brit is a budding regenerative farmer just outside of Atlanta where she is developing a 17-acre farm rooted in permaculture principles. She can be found building soil health, cultivating edible & medicinal plants, caring for her animals or building functional art. More posts by Brit