Class dates and times will be posted soon!
Solar 101 for Non-technical Employees
Solar 101 is a basic introduction to solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems, and the industry around them. This 6-hour course is specifically designed for non-technical people employed in an around the solar industry. It is ideal for those in admin, customer service, sales, marketing, team management, and project development, so they can do their jobs more effectively.
Course Topics
- PV growth trends and statistics
- The different solar industries
- Answers to FAQs
- Ownership options
- The economics of PV systems
- Understanding Electrical Terms
- The basics of solar PV
- Net metering
- What PV panels are what they actually do
- System configurations and topologies
- PV panel mounting options
- Performance monitoring systems
- Common workmanship and manufacturer’s warranties
- Site and design considerations
- Hazards and safety
- Permitting and interconnection agreements
- Installation and commissioning
- Maintenance requirements and the most common causes of failure
2 hour Professional Etiquette for Solar Installers
A two hour Zoom based webinar
The construction industry has long had a reputation for workers being, at times, a little rough around the edges, and at times workers have even become a liability and embarrassment to the company they work for. This 2-hour class discusses the nature of professionalism and gives students an understanding of the importance of good etiquette from the perspective of a company owner and team success.
Course Topics
- NABCEP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct
- What is professionalism
- Ethics, etiquette and company expectations
- What can get you fired
- How to resolve disputes
- Priorities of your boss and priorities of the company
- Company brand and reputation
- Vision, mission statement and company culture
- Understanding the project timeline and how it’s not personal
- Job titles and roles of each (org chart)
6-hour NEC Essentials for Solar Installers
A six hour virtual based webinar
This NEC short course is designed for solar installers and others who are responsible for code compliance on solar PV projects. Much of the content is focused on article 690, which is dedicated to photovoltaics, but other articles are also included, such as those which cover interconnection, wiring methods and grounding. (CEU Approval pending)
Course Topics
- Article 690 (3.0 hours)
- Part I
- Part II
- Part III
- Part IV
- Part V
- Part VI
- Article 691 (0.1 hours)
- Article 705 (0.5 hours)
- Other important code sections for solar installations
- 100 (0.2 hours)
- 200 (0.5hours)
- 300 (0.6 hours)
- 400 (0.1 hours)
About the Instructor
Jeff Gilbert is the President and owner of Azimuth Solar LLC where he provides solar training, consulting and inspection services. He brings over 28 years of experience in solar and holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Jeff owned and operated a solar contracting business, Chesapeake Solar, for eight years starting in 2000. His company was listed on Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing small companies in 2007, and in 2008 the company was acquired by groSolar, one of the nation’s leading solar energy companies at the time. Jeff served as Director of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for Vigilant Energy Management, overseeing a portfolio of over 100 commercial PV systems from 2013 to 2016. Jeff has also received both the NABCEP PV Installer certification and NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
