Solar Training - Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Also see Weatherization course
Solar Training Course Dates:
Current class: March 8, 2010 through July 27, 2010
Next class: August 23, 2010 through January 21, 2010
Location
JobTrain
1200 O'Brien Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Counselors:
Length of Training
20 weeks
Days/Time
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
 Entry Requirements
JobTrain Orientation, basic English language skills, basic math assessment (test), basic computer literacy assessment. Must have a level of physical fitness and agility necessary to work daily outdoors on a pitched roof, with the ability to balance, lift up to 70lbs while easily climbing a ladder. Due to the intensity of this course only 2 days absences are allowed before an automatic drop occurs.
Skills to be attained
Participants will gain technical skills and a strong foundation of how to safely install Grid-tied photovoltaic electrical systems in the Bay Area. Participants learn construction & design skills as they relate to PV Installation. This course starts out with the very basics of photovoltaics (PV) and incrementally accelerates students to a real photovoltaic installation.
Topics Include
• Basic Construction Skills: including power drill & bits, hand tools, torque wrench, wire strippers, roofing pry bar, black jack
• Safety – ladder, roofing, electrical, First Aid & Red Cross certified CPR
• Roofing introduction to multiple roof types for PV stand-offs & racking
• Basic Electricity – Simple DC Theory; AC Theory single split phase and 3 phase wiring, circuitry
• PV & Electrical Trade Practices – including DC wire, routing & strings; AC (L1, L2, L3); Balance of System Components (BOS) – roofing & racking hardware; fused DC combiner and shut off boxes, grounding (wire, lugs, rods & weeb), Main Panel components (breakers) and more.
• Inverters: Commercial, residential, micro, wiring & network monitoring
• Referencing of NEC 690 & CEC
• FINAL Examination: writing a PV permit for a generic AHJ w/CEC
LAB
Roofing & PV Installation labs (off-site and on-site)
Preparation for the Lab will include:
AC interconnections, net metering, PV instruments analysis
Solar site analysis: insolation & shading analysis for PV design
Career Opportunities
The Solar Program is designed to prepare participants for employment as a Photovoltaic Installer in the Bay Area and the broader PV industry in California for design & installation.
Value Add
Electricians, roofers & general contractors will learn design for solar. Engineers will learn installation techniques. Entry level participants will learn PV design & installation
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC).
Weatherization
Location
JobTrain Annex
1090 O'Brien Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Course Dates:
For upcoming course dates, please contact Brian or Yvelle.
See below.
Counselors:
Length of Training
5 weeks
Days/Time
Evenings 6-9 p.m.: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Entry Requirements
JobTrain Orientation, basic English language skills, basic computer literacy assessment.
Skills to be attained
- Safe Work Practices -- OSHA, etc.
- Air Sealing -- Windows, doors, attics, penetrations (electrical, plumbing, duct, etc.)
- Duct Sealing -- Fiberglass duct tape (crawl space or attic)
- Insulation -- Installation of insulation (blown & batt)
- Base-Load Measures -- Replacing lightbulbs, replacing shower heads and faucets
- Diagnostic Testing Introduction -- (Blower door, zone pressure diagnostics, duct testing, hot water, base-loads)
- Measure Selection -- Analyzing data and regulation to recommending proper weatherization measures
- Work Scope Development -- Estimating costs and writing up work orders
Career Opportunities
The Weatherization Program prepares participants for employment as Installers and/or Energy Auditors in the field of Weatherization.
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC).
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