Solar Thermal and Electric Systems Introductory Installer Training Course

This series of workshops provides an overview of existing solar systems and how to build, install, and service them--from the individual components to completed projects. It is designed specifically as an introductory training for new systems installers, but is a great introduction for anyone who wants to know more about solar. The class format combines classroom lectures with field tours of existing systems and hands-on work on real projects. Some sessions may qualify for the solar technician license through the State Renewable Energy Apprenticeship Committee.

The current Spring Session goes from April 5th to June 7th, 2008. See individual class dates and descriptions below.
Classes meet Saturdays 9am-12pm at our 6125 NE Portland Highway showroom (map and directions).

To register for the full course or individual sessions: please call or email us. Pay by cash, check or credit card in advance for the full course, or at the beginning of each individual class.

Instructor: John Patterson, founder and president of Mr. Sun Solar. Since 1980 Mr. Patterson has installed over 1,200 systems. These include solar domestic hot water, solar pool and hot tub heating, on and off grid photovoltaics and passive solar homes.

Student Testimonials:
"In over 54 years, this is undoubtedly the best class I've taken, taught by the best instructor for the subject and the most prescient."
"A wealth of information was presented, and in a relaxed and enjoyable manner."
"I would get up every Saturday to come to this class. I've told everyone I know about it!"
"John's experience was largely responsible for the high quality of the class. I really enjoy learning from hands on experience."
Solar Thermal & Electric Systems Installer Training Series
Learn system sizing, orientation, configuration, load analysis, installation and service from basics to the completed project. Tour existing systems, work on real projects, build solar collectors.
Sign up for the full course and save.
Cost: $375 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., April 5th
Class1: Perspective for solar potential for a typical NW home. The relative effects of shading. Tilt, Orientation, Sun charts. Determining a good solar site and the total solar resource factor. Elements common to all solar energy systems. Designing to optimize solar potential for heating, cooling, and lighting. Incentives for solar energy systems in Oregon and Washington.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., April 12th
Class 2: Racking systems for solar hot water, photovoltaic systems, pool systems. Roof mounts, ground mounts, awning mounts, and weighted substrates. Choosing materials and proven methods for installing solar collectors.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., April 19th
Class 3: Solar hot water. Survey of solar water heating systems; Open and closed loop systems, active and passive, advantages and disadvantages of each.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., April 26th
Class 4: Automatic control systems for solar energy systems, active and passive. Differential thermostat controllers, photovoltaic powered pumping systems.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., May 10th
Class 5: Introduction to photovoltaic systems. Grid-tied and battery based systems. Quantifying electrical load Sizing a solar electric system. Direct power systems including wells, irrigation, and solar powered attic fans. Fixed versus tracking systems. Article 690 of the National Electric Code.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., May 17th
Class 6: Photovoltaic installations. Electrical safety when installing solar energy systems. Series and parallel wiring methods. Grounding. Acceptable AC and DC wiring methods. Voltage drop. Inverters.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., May 31st
Class 7 Photovoltaic Installations II. Fused and non-fused connections. Disconnects. Hybrid systems.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.
Sat., June 7th
Class 8: Tour of grid-tied, off-grid, combination battery based and grid tied systems in the Portland area. Commercial systems and large-scale residential systems.
Cost: $55 payable to instructor at class.

HOME MR. SUN SOLAR  CCB#33716
6125 NE Portland Highway Portland OR 97218    503-222-2468 or 1-888-SOL-RELY