Training the Workforce of the Future

Solar Credentialing classes: 

Location: At Regional Apprenticeship Training Center, 1200 Plymouth Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411

Time: Courses are held generally 8am-4pm. (Stipends and other supports available)

Intro course covers: electricity and renewable energy basics, basic photovoltaics, job site safety, and solar careers background and soft skills

Certification course covers: photovoltaic site assessment and system design, hands on solar array set-up, NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate credential test

• September: 9/23/2024 – 10/1/2024 Certification Course 54 hours

• October: 10/14/2024 – 10/22/2024 Certification Course 54 hours

• November: 11/11/2024 – 11/15/2024 Intro Course 40 hours

• December: 12/9/2024 – 12/13/2024 Intro Course 40 hours

Register here and contact diamond@mplsclimate.org with questions.

 

This eight-hour course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work, and

how to stay safe when working with or near electricity. Also includes hands-on labs to reinforce and solidify the learning objectives of the course.

 

Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101 | 8 hours)
This course uses a combination of lecture and classroom activities to teach the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Participants will learn
how PV systems work, diagram the four PV system types, describe and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads, and understand the basics of PV site assessment.

PV Site Assessment (PV 201 | 8 hours)
This course uses classroom discussion, exercises, and activities to demonstrate how to perform a PV site assessment for a home or small business. Students are provided with the MREA PV Site Assessment Report Template and the MREA’s PV Cost Modeling tool. Topics covered in this course include load profiles and consumption history, energy efficiency and fuel switching opportunities, site-specific shade analysis,
array and balance of system location recommendation parameters, and client financing options. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific PV system sizing, determine energy production of a recommended PV.

PV System Design (PV 202 | 16 hours)
This course uses a series of presentations, exercises, calculators, and tools to teach the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility-interactive residential (or small commercial) PV system. Participants will use site assessments, manufacturer specification sheets, and case studies to learn about selecting appropriate equipment, sizing a PV system, planning the physical layout, and calculating electrical
values of voltage, current, power, and energy.

PV Labs Design & Scenarios (PV 304 | 8 hours)
This 8-hour course is designed to demonstrate PV system design principles through construction of two portable lab systems. Participants will work from line diagrams and component specification sheets to build a grid-interconnected PV system and a battery-based PV system. After assembly, students will verify proper mechanical and electrical connections and commission each system. In addition, students will work in
small teams to develop PV system designs that meet site analysis, system sizing, and configuration requirements given in several design scenarios.