Are you interested in learning more about solar electricity? Would you like to learn about siting, sizing and designing a PV system?

Basic topics of this class include PV components (modules, arrays, inverters, batteries, charge controllers, wire), the configuration of stand-alone (off-grid) and grid-tie (utility-connected) systems, site analysis, load analysis, design and sizing. Other topics include ampacity and voltage drop, the National Electric Code (NEC), safety, commissioning, job prep, tools and energy efficiency.

The class contains lecture, interaction in the classroom and hands-on labs of series-parallel configurations and to wire a meter. Students will design a system, given physical parameters and a customer's lifestyle and desires, using classroom materials and the NEC book.

Lunches and snacks are included in the class fee. Dress for classroom.

Students must attend all 3 days of the class to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Electricians who complete the class are eligible for continuing education credit through CID, the State of New Mexico's Construction Industries Division. Expand your business by adding solar to your service line.

The class is comprised of three days in the classroom. The class will have SOME hands-on components, but it does not include an installation component. This class is particularly good for certified electricians who are comfortable with the installation skills, homeowners who'd like to talk knowledgably with installers, job seekers who are interested in the industry but won't seek installation positions, and students considering renewable energy careers.

Instructors

Our instructors are Randy Sadewic and Marlene Brown.

Randy Sadewic is a graduate of San Juan College, co-owns Positive Energy, Inc., a company that designs and installs PV systems and is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Randy is a NMSEA SunChaser Instructor and Advisory Board Member. He was a Vice President during his term as Voting Board Member.

Marlene Brown has worked with PV for over 15 years, has been teaching for over 10 years and has installed 100s of systems in the U.S. and developing world. Marlene is an Advisory Board Member and was President for two of her terms on the Voting Board.

Tanya Stickford and Conor Black of Positive Energy will be directing the installation. Mary McArthur is the Workshop Coordinator. She is on the Advisory Board, is Editor of the Solar and Sustainable Directory and managed the Solar Fiesta for five years.

Location

The classroom location for both the PV Design and PV Design and Installation classes will be at the Santa Fe Girls School (directions to come). The installation location for the PV Design and Installation class will be at the Santa Fe Girls School as well.

Registration

Payment must be received before the class. Checks, Visa, Mastercard and cash are accepted. When registering, please give your name, company, mailing address, phone, e-mail, and dietary or other special needs. For PV classes: If you are an electrician, please give us your Journeyman's License number.

With a credit card: Please call the NMSEA office:
    Albuquerque phone: 505-246-0400
    Toll free: 888-88-NMSOL (888-886-6765)

By mail: Send the information with a check for payment, to arrive before the class, to:
    New Mexico Solar Energy Association
    1009 Bradbury Dr SE, Ste. 35
    Albuquerque, NM 87106