Intersolar North America, the most-attended solar industry exhibition and conference dedicated to the North American market, will offer an expanded workshop and training program targeted at solar installers, contractors and practitioners at this year's event. Developed in collaboration with its partners, these workshops and technical training sessions will provide practical, hands-on educational opportunities that cover topics ranging from system design to battery safety to solar racking and mounting best practices at the InterContinental Hotel and Moscone West exhibition hall.
"As the North American market continues to grow at a record-breaking pace, staying up to date on new technologies, legislative polices and trends is critical for those looking for an edge," said Markus Elsaesser, CEO of Solar Promotion International GmbH, and Daniel Strowitzki, CEO of FMMI International, the second organizer of Intersolar North America. "Building on the success of last year's CALSEIA Contractor Day, Intersolar is offering more sessions tailored to installers, contractors and others involved in solar deployment to help these companies understand the issues and opportunities available to downstream companies."
In partnership with CALSEIA, Intersolar North America will host the second annual CALSEIA Contractor Day on Tuesday, July 14. The daylong program features tracks designed for both sales and installation teams, and participants can choose from up to six workshops that cover energy storage, permitting and product face offs between different inverter and racking companies. The program also includes an open Q&A with CALSEIA's executive director and policy director over a catered lunch, as well as a ticket to Intersolar North America's premier networking event, Solar Summerfest. Registration information is available online.
Intersolar workshops spotlight downstream market
The U.S. solar industry employed 174,000 people in 2014, according to a report from the Solar Foundation, a growth of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year. Nearly one-third of the jobs were located in California, with the rooftop solar sector creating the majority of new jobs. Intersolar North America is an important educational and networking platform for installers, contractors, project developers and others, and those active in the downstream market can enjoy cost-effective workshop rates and access to Intersolar's ees special exhibition and SEMICON West. The workshops at Intersolar North America 2015 are designed for both seasoned industry veterans and those new to solar to gain insight into the newest technologies and trends impacting the downstream market:
- Design and Installation Trainings: Solar Energy International (SEI) developed a series of advanced technical trainings taught by experienced instructors to promote industry best practices related to the planning, design and implementation of projects. NABCEP CEU credits will be awarded for each workshops; a list of the five workshops, including a Spanish-language training, is available online. Topics include AC Coupled PV Systems and Microgrids; PV System O&M; Commercial PV & Solar Farm Design; and Battery-based System Design.
- Technical Training Workshops and Product Sessions: NABCEP and Intersolar North America selected 11 exhibiting companies to offer in-depth technical training workshops and hands-on product workshops. Attendees will be awarded two NABCEP CEUs for each two-hour long workshop. The workshops will cover new design, installation and maintenance techniques for code-compliant PV systems across three dedicated tracks: IT/Software Solutions for Installers; Solar Racking & Mounting Best Practices; and Inverters. Complete schedules and registration information is available online. Presenting companies are ArcelorMittal International America, eGauge Systems, Enphase Energy, Folsom Labs, Magnum Energy, Morningstar Corporation, QuickMount PV, Rennsteig Werkzeuge/Roof-Tech, SolarEdge Technologies, Solectria Renewables and Trina Solar.
- Energy Storage Workshops: NAATBatt International, a partner and primary supporter of Intersolar/ees North America, will offer two workshops on July 14 to help system integrators and installers get a better understanding of important issues related to energy storage. The morning workshop, "Inside-the-Meter Storage System Safety," will examine safety issues concerning advanced batteries about which everyone installing storage in commercial and residential properties should be aware. The afternoon workshop, "Optimizing Policy Initiatives to Promote Solar-Storage," will focus on new state and federal proposals to encourage deployment of solar-storage systems. The workshop will be interactive, asking participants for their views as to what types of programs and incentives the industry should prioritize. There are 35 different energy bills pending in Congress, all of which could die for lack of focus. Attend the policy workshop to help the industry speak with a coherent, consistent voice. More information is available online.
- Solar Schoolhouse Workshop: The new Solar Schoolhouse workshop, developed in partnership with the Rahus Institute, will give solar professionals tips on how to engage schools within their community, and develop solar lesson plans targeted at students in grades K-12. Registration information is online. The workshop reflects Intersolar's commitment to educating the next generation on the benefits of solar power.
- National Electric Code Workshop: This full-day workshop covers the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC), and will give special attention to the more difficult new parts of the 2014 NEC, such as rapid shutdown, points of interconnection and PV source and output circuit fuse requirements. The workshop qualifies for eight hours of NABCEP credit, and participants can register online.
- Power Electronics for Photovoltaics: This seminar gives an overview on the most commonly used power electronic circuits, with a focus on grid-connected applications. The workshop covers low power applications, as well as battery charging circuits and the interactions between modules and inverters. The workshop is organized in partnership with Fraunhofer ISE, and registration information is available online.
