Microgrids are an emerging technology with few real-world examples to study. This new short course, taught by Dr. Andy Skumanich, covers two real-world examples of microgrid solutions for major application segments: rural electrification and off-grid telecom tower power. These two segments… Continue reading “Key Microgrid Application Case Studies: Rural Electrification & Telecom Towers”
The SunEdison Collapse & Today’s Solar Market
It’s ugly out there. The folding of SunEdison has been a disaster for the industry. With the recent SolarCity announcement of Elon and the Rive Brothers using their cashed-in stock options to create a short term bond, what does this mean for an… Continue reading “The SunEdison Collapse & Today’s Solar Market”
Learn Infrared Imaging as a PV Characterization Tool for $30
Along with the increasing popularity of solar PV systems comes the need for high-quality operations and maintenance (O&M). This is an area that is often overlooked but has been gaining attention in recent years. In this lecture, Dr. James Rand… Continue reading “Learn Infrared Imaging as a PV Characterization Tool for $30”
NABCEP Entry Level Program Becomes Associate Program in August
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) recently notified training providers that its Entry Level Program will be undergoing some changes next month. The program will now be called the Associate Program, and continuing education will be required… Continue reading “NABCEP Entry Level Program Becomes Associate Program in August”
Bring Your Sol to Work: Finding Career Opportunities in the Solar Industry
In a recent conversation with a young woman, I had an epiphany about why working in solar is good for the soul. She had just returned from volunteering in Greece to help Syrian refugees receive care and assistance upon entry… Continue reading “Bring Your Sol to Work: Finding Career Opportunities in the Solar Industry”
Sean White on Microinverters, String Inverters & Optimizers
On the 40 Hour Advanced Solar PV Installer Training Discussion Board… Sean White discusses microinverters, string inverters & optimizers Student 1: I am enjoying the course and I like the way you explain things by citing real world examples. I just want to get… Continue reading “Sean White on Microinverters, String Inverters & Optimizers”
Ryan Mayfield on Megawatt Design Equipment and Software Selection
Happening on the Megawatt Design Discussion Board… Expert Instructor Ryan Mayfield on three student questions regarding Megawatt Design equipment and software selection 1. String inverters & AFCI failures… Student 1: I have seen many people staying with central inverters on… Continue reading “Ryan Mayfield on Megawatt Design Equipment and Software Selection”
Two New Free Lectures on Healthier Homes and Buildings
Enroll in Two New Free Lectures on Healthier Homes and Buildings Carbon Monoxide: What We Do Not Know Can Hurt Us‘ and ‘Green, Healthy & Profitable Buildings and Homes‘ In his free ‘Carbon Monoxide: What We Do Not Know Can Hurt… Continue reading “Two New Free Lectures on Healthier Homes and Buildings”
Solar PV Storm and AC vs. DC Safety Considerations
On the Solar PV Installer Boot Camp Training + NABCEP Entry Level Exam Prep discussion board… Student 1: Fred, what is the standard for lightning protection systems? The book touches this topic briefly. Is it the norm to have lightning protection? Do… Continue reading “Solar PV Storm and AC vs. DC Safety Considerations”
Solar Women Summer Series: Funding Sun Through Solar Investing/Borrowing
We’re wrapping up the Solar Women Summer Series, and Audrey Desiderato, the Co-Founder/ COO of SunFunder, is helping us end things on a sunny note! SunFunder finances solar projects “beyond the grid” and offers investors opportunities to help fund offgrid solar projects, as… Continue reading “Solar Women Summer Series: Funding Sun Through Solar Investing/Borrowing”
HeatSpring Solar Alumnae: From Courses to Consultants & CEOs!
This Solar Women Summer Series interview features two HeatSpring Solar course alumnae, Karma Edwards and Shelley Cohen. Karma Edwards (left), MBA, LEED AP is an independent consultant for Energy Engineering and Business Development. Karma completed our Solar PV Installer Boot Camp… Continue reading “HeatSpring Solar Alumnae: From Courses to Consultants & CEOs!”
Earning Solar Continuing Education Credits with HeatSpring
In addition to gaining applicable experience, completing projects, and learning from expert instructors, taking a HeatSpring course can also provide you with the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credits. Many of our courses are approved by professional solar organizations for continuing… Continue reading “Earning Solar Continuing Education Credits with HeatSpring”
Free Tool: Site Lease vs. Buy Modeling Calculator
Chris Lord’s FREE Site Lease vs. Buy Modeling Calculator allows users to compare a lease rate against a potential purchase of a solar PV site where the lease rate (including escalator) is known. This tool is used in HeatSpring’s Financial Modeling… Continue reading “Free Tool: Site Lease vs. Buy Modeling Calculator”
NABCEP Certification Updates and Details
In this article, Dr. Sean White, IREC Energy Council 2014 Trainer of the Year and ISPQ Certified Solar PV Master Trainer at HeatSpring, outlines important details about NABCEP certification, including recent updates and additions to the Entry Level Program. Important… Continue reading “NABCEP Certification Updates and Details”
Five Questions about Hydronic Heat Sources
On the Mastering Hydronic System Design Course discussion board with expert instructor John Siegenthaler… Takeaways: Although closely spaced tees are great for hydraulic separation, a modern hydraulic separator provides air and dirt separation in addition to hydraulic separation. When considering whether to use… Continue reading “Five Questions about Hydronic Heat Sources”
Get Ahead of the Curve in the Solar Industry
The solar industry in the U.S. is growing at a breakneck pace. A recent report by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association states that, for the first time in well over a decade, the U.S. is expected to… Continue reading “Get Ahead of the Curve in the Solar Industry”
Q+A with Solar Thermal Expert Bob Ramlow: Hard Water Issues, PV Powered Solar Thermal and Air Venting
Bob Ramlow answers student questions about solar thermal. He tackles hard water, PV powered solar thermal systems, and best practices for air vent installations. Is hard water an issue with closed loop solar thermal systems? Are solar PV powered solar thermal… Continue reading “Q+A with Solar Thermal Expert Bob Ramlow: Hard Water Issues, PV Powered Solar Thermal and Air Venting”