The BEST way to Shine Strong is to ensure you have the right skills for the job! It would be neglectful not to have a last minute blog about the great solar training opportunities in Portland starting next week!

SEI Solar trainings in Portland:
Jul Mon 26 – Fri 30 : 5 Day SEI PV101: Solar Electric Fundamentals and Grid-Direct Design
Aug Mon 2 – Fri 6 : 5 Day SEI PV202: Grid-Direct Solar Electric Systems and Code Criteria

For all the information and to REGISTER TODAY check out: http://www.aeesolar.com/portland

Attending the PV101 class will give you all the exposure to take and pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam (provided you study the content!).

Choosing an investment in solar education is something that should be treated like any other investment: wisely and with due diligence. Ensure you have reviewed the quality of the opportunity before you invest!

Some references:
http://solarenergytraining.org/
http://www.nabcep.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/HP136_pg36_DelVecchio.pdf
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/podcast/2010/06/understanding-the-renewable-energy-training-landscape
http://www.irecusa.org/
http://www.nabcep.org/resources

Shine On & Strong!
James

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G’day Solar Amigos!

Welcome to this blog and I thank you for taking some time out of your hectic schedule to see “what’s up” in the world of AEE Solar. Like the rest of us, we’re in a world of change. Change seems to be the only constant these days – and there’s no sign that will be changing… Obviously for the followers of this blog, this entry takes a more philosophical approach than its predecessors. I promise this will not always be the case, but variation is what any blog is all about. It’s your time, so read this if you want. You’ll this entry less directly about solar, although it’s all very much related. Starting with the fact that the only reason I have time to get to this blog is that I’m on the plane out to Intersolar North America. I am really enjoying being “off-line” and it hit me that it’s a feeling that has been too long… It’s a sad fact of life that we’re all so frantically busy, and I don’t think I am alone that it seems to only be getting busier. Busy being busy, but at what expense and at what benefit, and to whom?

Confusion reigns and that’s becoming no secret to us all it seems. In a world that once seem so pragmatic and functional, endless signs force us to question to what degree we’re starting to run irregularly. Maybe it’s been running irregularly for some time, but in my short life, it seems that the masses are slowly starting to wake up to ask questions I’ve been pondering for as long as I can remember (and for those that know me well, know that’s not that much of a duration!). We’ve been ignorant and we’ve been spoiled. Increasingly too, more of our planet’s over SIX BILLION human residents are being spoiled and aspiring to a “better life”. In our busy-ness of business, the old model of business at any ecological expense has brought reality to the forefront so strongly now that our species can no longer ignore our impacts. Like an engine in full speed about to fail, our patterns of living on this planet desperately need an oil change. The question is can we get this done while we accelerate the pace of our global community? In every business decision to progress, we must now question if we really are progressing…?

I am young – at least I still feel I am. Sadly the digit that now comes out of my mouth when I am asked my age seems larger than it should be. My mother sometimes asks when “will I finally ever grow up?”. “Grow up into what!?” I wonder!? Aren’t I already? What else can I “grow up into!?”. To be old, serious, and boring; watch my 401k (OK let’s not go there I know!) and plan my life insurance? Nah – “contemporary” living seems outdated to me. For the first time in my professional life, I find that I often share this view with so many. I am proud to be working in an industry that has so many evolved souls – souls that smile within, and work without. I wish to thank those souls I have met, those who have mentored me, and those who will mentor me in the future.

OK now that’s out of the way, let’s get down to some good business!!!

Shine strong,
James

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James McCay the new Training and Tradeshow Manager

We are saddened to announce that Jeff Spies has moved on to pursue other opportunities in the exciting solar industry.   Everyone who has met Jeff knows that he leaves very large shoes to fill. We wish him the best in all his endeavors!

James McCay will be assuming the role of Training and Tradeshow Manager for AEE Solar.  James continues the AEE policy of bringing a passion and vision to solar training. AEE Solar takes pride in stressing a quality approach to the installation of solar technology. The essential foundation for this reality relies upon high quality solar training of our installer community – something AEE is committed to delivering.

In the rapid growth of the solar market, staying current with technology and policy is critical, so you will find AEE Solar at the following events to continue to bring the best products and training to solar installers.

See us at these upcoming industry tradeshows:

June 18-20, Friday through Sunday
Midwest Renewable Energy Fair
Custer, WI

July 13-15, Tuesday through Thursday
Intersolar
San Francisco, CA

And here’s a great chance to get in-person SEI training, both beginner and advanced:

Jul 26-30, Monday through Friday
SEI PV 101: 5-day workshop
Portland, OR

Aug 2-6, Monday through Friday
SEI PV 202: 5-day workshop
Portland, OR

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One of the most unfortunate mistakes made in PV system design is the flat mounted array.  You should ALWAYS mount modules in a tilted configuration. Lets explore the benefits of the tilted array…

1) More power production results from better sun angle - Modules tilted up toward the southern horizon in the northern hemisphere (or towards the north in the southern hemisphere) will produce considerably more power than modules that are flat.

2) Sheeting of rain water promotes module cleaning - Tilting your array promotes sheeting of rain to clean the modules.  Flat modules are a wonderful catch basin and turn into a a shallow puddle every time it rains.  An even bigger problem can result  if that shallow puddle or water freezes because the expansion of the water can literally tear the module apart causing premature failure that is not covered by module manufacturer warranty.  Even PV arrays near the equator are tilted 5-15 percent to allow the water to drain and clean the module.  This technique results in more power production.  Flat arrays allow the dirt to bake in and this can cause a reduction in power output of 30% or more when they get very dirty over time.

3) Improved airflow cooling allows more energy output – Flat arrrays do not allow convective airflow cooling.  Modules that are tilted allow cool air to be sucked in from the bottom of the array and exit the top of the array cooling the modules.  Cool modules produce more electricity than hotter modules.  Arrays that are hotter will not produce as much power as arrays that are air cooled.  Another benefit of better airflow is longer life.  Modules in a flat array experience more thermal cycling and this breaks down the laminated backsheet causing shorter module life.

I sometimes hear the arguement that you can fit more modules in a flat array (with no walkway between the modules) compared to a tilted array with space between the rows.  While you can fit more modules and DC watt rating in the same space, all that extra DC watt rating is squandered by poor sun angle, baked-on dirt shading, and higher temperature operation.  Higher temps sap electrical output and and cause premature module failure.  Also having walkways between the rows is imperative to safe and effective array maintenance.  Having no walkway between modules increases the possibility that somebody will walk on the modules and cause premature unwarranted failure.

You will get more power, better life, and better bang for the buck with a tilted array.  Dont make the mistake of mounting modules flat.  Your customers will thank you.

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The rapid growth of solar training organizations has been tremendous.  In less than 2 years, the number of solar training programs has expanded from under 10 to over 120 in the US.  The IREC conference proved to be an ideal forum to help the education sector make quality decisions on the future of training program development.

The key elements for developing a quality program are 1) quality instructors, 2) quality cirriculum, and 3) developing a greater range of training options beyond the traditional PV design and installation “40 hour course”.   I outline the challenges to maintaining quality in PV education, and address the tools for quality PV training program development.  Click this link to view the entire presentation.

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Enphase micro-inverters provide a convenient solution for dc-ac conversion, shade mitigation, and module level power production monitoring.  Micro-inverters convert DC to AC power at each and every module in the array.  This eliminates the difficult process of string sizing and reduces the problems related to more dangerous high voltage dc strings.

The Tigo Energy Maximizer dc-dc power optimizer offers shade mitigation, module level mpp tracking, module level production monitoring and they work with any string inverter (SMA, KACO, Fronius, PV Powered, Xantrex etc..).  An additional important benefit of dc-dc power optimizers is they cut the string voltage down to module level voltage if the AC power is lost.  This means that when your main breaker is off, the high voltage strings drop to module level voltage making pv system servicing easier and safer.

Xandex has recently introduced their new SunMizer DC Power Optimizer.  The beauty of this DC-DC converter is that you only need to use one on any module in your array that is shaded.  This $160 device can really be a cost effective problem solver with an array that is too close to the vent pipe or chimney on an otherwise unshaded roof.  If you have 1-3 modules that could be shaded during the productive sun hours, this device might offer the most cost effective solution to lost power due to the shading.

The National Semiconductor SolarMagic DC-DC converter provides shade mitigation for arrays that utilize a string inverter, and they announced a 30% price reduction in October making this product more affordable for system installers.

Additional shade mitigation products are on the horizon including a clever DC-DC power optomizer from SolarEdge, and the Petra Solar SunWave Utility Scale micro-inverter.  Other micro-inverters that are slated to hit the market soon include offerings from Greenray, Exeltech, SolarBridge, and Enecsys.

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AEE Solar will be represented in a major way this week at the burgeoning Solar Power International (SPI) trade show and conference in Anaheim, CA. This is the industries largest North American solar trade show, and it promises to be a record setting event.

Two of the conference presentations at SPI feature David Katz – AEE Founder and CTO and Jeff Spies – AEE Solar Director of Training and NABCEP Board Member.

David Katz (AEE’s Founder and Chief Technological Officer) will draw from decades of experience in what is guaranteed to be more than just an educational experience to profile the history of microinverters and the future development of this exciting technology. For those interested in attending, look for the panel discussion group titled “Innovations in Inverters and System Controllers” in Room 304 on Wednesday 10/28 at 3:30-5:00pm.

Jeff Spies (AEE Director of Training and NABCEP Board Member) will deliver an increasingly important message concerning the impact of standardization on PV installation costs. For those interested in attending, look for the panel discussion group titled “Installation Standards: Benefits of Quality & Consistency” in Room 207 also on Wednesday 10/28 at 3:30-5:00pm.

As you would expect, AEE Solar’s booth will showcase the latest PV industry technology including inverters from SMA, Fronius, KACO, PV Powered, Xantrex, and Enphase. We will have a number of new modules including the new REC Solar AE series black frame module, SolarWorld, Evergreen, Schott, and several new off-grid modules. Off-grid products include charge controllers from Xantrex, OutBack Power, Apollo Solar, and Midnite Solar. Batteries from Rolls/Surrette, Trojan, and MK, and cool tools including the Solmetric Suneye, and the Rennsteig cable crimper, as well as a Southwest Windpower Skystream wind generator. We will also be debuting the exciting new Tigo Energy Maximizer that works with all string inverters to mitigate the effects of shade in arrays, providing mppt tracking for every module in the string to extract 10% more power from an array, and module level production monitoring. Our booth promises to be one of the hardware highlights of the show.

Not to be missed on Wednesday evening is the “Bet on Black” Casino Party reserved exclusively for AEE Solar dealers at 7pm – 10pm at the Annabella Hotel on Katella next to the convention center. REC Group and AEE Solar have created this event to celebrate the launch of the new REC black AE-series modules. AEE Dealers can RSVP to betonblack@starfish-events.com or call 310-803-9286 x 101. There will be food, drink, plenty of fun, and prizes include a $500 Visa Gift Card, $300 Best Buy Gift Card, and a $200 Home Depot Gift Card. We hope to see ALL the AEE Solar dealers at this fun event!

Have a great solar week and if you’re in Anaheim, please come to check out our always fun and educational booth in location #707.

Cheers!
James McCay – AEE Solar Training and Tradeshow Coordinator

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James originally harkens from Australia, and has a background in marine biology and IT.  James emigrated to the US in the 90’s and spent the last 12 years living in Scottsdale AZ and working on business computing systems in the financial sector.  He also worked for the City of Scottsdale in Green Building and Environmental Quality and helped organize several green tradeshows and events.

James has passed the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional exam and has worked tirelessly to increase solar adoption in the “Valley of the Sun”.

James recently decided to further his green career aspirations by joining the team at AEE Solar and looks forward to helping the solar industry advance through expanding quality training options for solar dealers. He is committed to helping society understand the value of factoring for true ecological accounting in business and our personal lives to improve our sustainability and the quality of life for all.

James will assist me in expanding the AEE Solar training program. We plan to expand our web based training programs, and our 1 and 2 day training workshops including upcoming trainings on Nov 11-12 in Salt Lake City and Dec 15-16 in Grand Junction, CO). Please join me in welcoming James to the AEE Solar team.

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It’s been several weeks since my last post, and boy-oh-boy has it been busy.  We completed another very heavily attended trade show (Intersolar), and we conducted 2 more Solar Energy International PV training workshops.  I got my hernia successfully fixed up and I was appointed as a board member to NABCEP.  Very exciting times indeed.

The purpose of this post is to caution our dealers, solar advocates, and end customers about the numerous scams that have been popping up.  Solar is a hot topic on the news, and while the industry continues to grow at a modest pace, the market for scammers has been growing at an alarming rate.

Illegitimate Trade Shows – There are new solar trade shows appearing faster than I can keep track.  Many are legitimate, but some are clearly fraudulent in their marketing practices.  One ill-reputed trade show has caused numerous solar manufacturing companies concern by illegitimately listing them as exhibitors.  Of the 200+ exhibitors they listed last year, only a couple dozen actually exhibited.  This is the second year in a row that this show has practiced this type of deception, and manufacturers and potential attendees need to do their homework before deciding to attend any new event.

Unqualified Solar Training Programs - One of the most concerning industry problems is the rapid increase in training organizations that claim to take people without any solar or electrical experience and turn them into certified PV installers after a training class that lasts a few days.  Often times, these new solar training organizations have instructors with little or no industry experience.  Considering that solar installation is one of the most dangerous professions in the US, you should insist that your solar instructor have years of system design and installation experience before having them teach you about this very hazardous profession.  You should be  also be aware that there is no such thing as a NABCEP entry level certification.  Currently, there are only 710 NABCEP certified PV installers in the US.  Always check the validity of anyone claiming NABCEP certification at this website  http://www.nabcep.org/installer-locator

If you are interested in getting solar training, I would strongly advise that you choose from one of the organizations listed in the IREC ISPQ training list found at this web page:  http://irecusa.org/index.php?id=91

Bogus Solar Organizations/Associations - Another growing trend is new “solar organizations” or “solar associations” that are trying to cash in on the growing interest in solar without having any industry experience or industry credibility.  I have witnessed several instances where people with obvious marketing skills decide to start their own solar organization with the primary objective of cashing in on the growth in solar interest, but sadly they don’t have the best interests of the industry at heart, and they make rediculous claims about solar.  Often they are selling solar training programs that have no industry validity (see Unqualified Solar Training Programs above).  I would encourage you to validate the legitimacy of these new organizations with the respected names in solar advocacy.  The American Solar Energy Society  www.ases.org has many state chapters that can help you in this process, and the Solar Energy Industry Associations www.seia.org also has state chapters that can help.

Remember that ONLY YOU are responsible for how you spend YOUR money.  Do your research, and be aware that there are lots of bad guys out there just itching to take your money.

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