Solar power education options for the DIY Solar installer.
So lets say you are like me and you are thinking of installing your own solar panel system. Perhaps you are cheap like me and if you do it yourself. DIY solar panels will payback your investment faster. Or perhaps you love the challenge of a large DIY do-it-yourself project.
But lets say you have no idea where to begin. So you are thinking about getting some solar panel education first.
Of course there are national certification courses you can take to become certified as a solar contractor – but that is not what you want because you just want to install one system – yours.
What you are looking for is solar panel classes.
I did a search on Google and only found one in the Denver area. Ken Thames offers a $75 class – 4 hours long that might be perfect for getting started.
I also looked for solar power workshops and found SolarEnergy.org. But these workshops are around $1,000 which is more geared to the person wanting to become a solar contractor.
Or you could attend the next solar conference and expo in San Diego in October. But the conference pass is around $1,000 and it will cost you for airfare and lodging. I might attend the next one, it looks like a great conference.
Another option is reading a book. I own are really good book “Photovoltaics Design and Installation Manual” by Solar Energy International published in 2004. It is $37 on Amazon. I would recommend this book.
Of course the last option is to read this blog as I install my own system.
Hello.
I live in the Chicago land area and I am interested in finding out more information about the installation of solar panels and how they work. If possible please send me an email with some information or a contact person.
Thank you,
Chester
I am a 6th grade teacher and am really interested in solar energy education. I want to go beyond the solar toy cars. I eventually want the school to be a model school in alternative energy. I would love to set up a system that feeds energy into the grid sort of like the credit system they use in parts of Germany.
me and my team of 3 are ready to attend the classes on how to install polar panels sun panel and windmill power we are located in houston tx need to no how much is class closet city to have to visit to attend class how long class will be so we can budget it in
i want to learn about solar panel course.
can you help?
let me know .
thank’s
hi im in 6th grade im wondering how a solar panel works. If possible please e-mail me more information.
Nick! Thanks for contacting me.
This video should help you:
http://www.solardave.com/index.php/101-lesson-on-how-solar-panels-work-video/
Dave,
Green City Solar has just scheduled some low budget solar courses throughout Texas. We have a $55 3 hour course for homeowners considering putting solar on their homes. We also have a $195 6 hour course aimed at business professionals covering front-end design and financing. Information can be found on our website http://www.greencitysolar.us
For DIY’ers, I recommend going through an installer for material and some on-site consultation – a service Green City provides. Installers get better pricing than online distributors.
I hope this is helpful!
Where are you in the process of installing your solar system? Based on the dates of the comments, you should be done?
@Rich, I have not started because I need to replace my cedar shake roof first.
I want to learn and take course for solar energy and panels,how can I start from.I live at GA.