Contractor as Trusted Advisor on Solar Energy

This course is designed to provide building contractors with a comprehensive understanding of solar energy and its applications in the construction industry. The course covers both the electrical and structural requirements for solar panel installations, including load analysis, inverter capacity, wiring and conduit, electrical panel upgrades, and grid connection. The course also covers design considerations, such as roof orientation, tilt, and load capacity, as well as local building codes and regulations related to solar panel installation. Students will learn about different types of solar panels and their efficiency ratings, as well as maintenance and warranty requirements. Additionally, the course covers incentives and rebates available for solar panel installation and monitoring and control systems to help building owners track their energy production and usage. By the end of the course, learners will have a solid foundation in solar energy and be equipped to advise their clients on the best solar panel systems for their needs.

 Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• List reasons to act as the customer’s trusted advisor
• State the Pros and Cons of using solar energy from the customer’s standpoint
• List the different types of PV panels
• Describe the benefits and value proposition of solar energy and PV panels
• Explain the costs, considerations, and disadvantages associated with solar energy and PV panel installations
• Compare solar energy to traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources
• Compare and contrast monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film PV panel technologies
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of different PV panel types
• Describe how climate and environment impact the performance of various PV panel technologies
• Explain PV panel efficiency ratings and how efficiency impacts PV system design
• Identify building codes, regulations, and structural considerations for PV system installation and integrity
• Describe optimal PV panel positioning and orientation factors for maximizing system performance
• Discuss financing options, incentives, and economic considerations for PV panel installation
• Explain best practices for PV system installation to ensure roof integrity
• Describe the long-term costs, benefits, and warranties associated with PV systems
• Explain considerations for integrating PV systems with other technologies like generators, energy storage, electric vehicles, and the electrical grid
• Discuss electrical system connections and utility agreements needed for properly interfacing PV systems
• Describe the importance of coordination between PV systems, other building systems, and utility providers

John Menken has been in corporate education for over 30 years. His background covers all aspects of enterprise training including instructional design, technical writing, internal consulting, eLearning, multimedia development, mobile learning, web programming and online/standup training, including international, in both soft skills and technical areas.

John has authored course materials for both colleges and private industry and in his current role as a trainer for a major southeastern utility company he puts together courseware, curricula, job aids, presentations, marketing videos and eLearnings to support learning initiatives of all types. He has many HR-related implementations to his credit and has managed training groups as large as twelve people.

John's current focus is directing learning more towards desired behaviors and less on content, and his past times are kayaking, running, rodbuilding and visiting his two adult children who act like they still need him. John’s been married for over 30 years and claims anything more precise is not possible.