PCC Green-Living courses taught by John Patterson

Solar Thermal & Electric Systems Installer Training Series

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 can be taken as an introductory training for new systems installers, but is a great introduction for anyone who wants to know more about solar. 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. Some sessions may qualify for the solar technician license through the State Renewable Energy Apprenticeship Committee. Detailed, week-by-week description below.
Schedule: Saturdays April 3rd - May 22nd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Mr. Sun Solar's 6125 NE Portland Highway showroom (map and directions).

Cost:
Sign up for the full course and save.
  - Full course (for college credit): $75 (PCC tuition) + $300 (Course fee payable to instructor at first class) = $375 total
  - Single class (for college credit): $25 (PCC tuition) + $45 (Class fee payable to instructor each class) = $70 total
To register for credit: Sign up for the full course or individual sessions through PCC.

 - OR -
  - Full course (not for credit): $300 (Course fee payable to instructor by first class)
  - Single class (not for credit): $45 (Class fee payable to instructor each class)
To register without college credit: Please call or email Mr. Sun directly. Payment by cash, check or credit card accepted.

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."
Sat., April 3rd
Class 1: Principles of Solar Energy Systems I
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.
Sat., April 10th
Class 2: Solar Hot Water I
Active vs. passive systems, open loop vs. closed loop, a close look at the most popular solar water heaters, tour of working systems.
Sat., April 17th
Class 3: Solar Electric Controls I
Electrical controls in solar thermal & solar electric systems. AC & DC solar pumps, valves, snap switches, variable resistance sensors.
Sat., April 24th
Class 4: Solar Electric Controls II
Direct drive solar electric motors, pumps, fans, irrigation, tracking systems, 12 volt DC appliances, ultra energy efficient lighting & appliances.
Sat., May 1st
Class 5: Solar Electric Systems I
Photovoltaic (PV) system design. Matching PV to load, fuel switching, the relation between PV, efficiency, & conservation. Making PV practical & affordable.
Sat., May 8th
Class 6: Solar Electric Systems II
Battery based photovoltaic systems, inverters, generators, pole mount vs. roof mount, the National Electric Code governing off-grid photovoltaic systems, disconnects & grounding.
Sat., May 15th
Class 7: Grid-tied Photovoltaic Systems I
Grid-tied photovoltaic systems, net metering, Green tags, tax credit & utility incentives, cost & payback, Article 690 of the National Electric Code.
Sat., May 22nd
Class 8: Advanced Photovoltaic Systems II
Energy priorities; which solar technology first & why; wind & hybrid systems, integrated photovoltaic roofing, industry trends, a look at the future.

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