Solar Training Initiative
Know Solar, GO Solar:
Solar Electrical Systems Permitting and Inspections Workshop
March 31 and April 2, 2010
The Maryland Clean Energy Center is offering two training workshops geared to help publicofficials better manage the unique permitting and inspection issues for installation of Photovoltaic Systems. These workshops will be offered on two separate days. Both days are identical, so you only need to plan to attend one.
WHY YOU NEED TO ATTEND
Identify Inspection Standards
Most building and electrical inspectors in Maryland have not yet inspected or approved a solar system and many have not been trained in proper installation procedures. At the same time, critical labeling and safety standards have not been established. This gap creates safety problems: inspectors may overlook critical fixes or firefighting requirements unique to solar systems.
Streamline the Permitting Process
Permitting officials are unsure of what requirements and processes apply to solar installers. Installation costs remain high while contractors continue to perform unnecessary steps to obtain permits or struggle to get systems approved by inspectors. This unfamiliarity results in inconsistent permitting processes and often added expense for homeowners – and serves as a barrier to wider adoption of solar electrical systems.
Reduce Costs and Grow Green Business Opportunities
These workshops will help make permitting officials and inspectors comfortable with solar systems, ensuring that the inspection and permitting process goes smoothly – and solar installation costs in Maryland decrease, resulting in more installations.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Participants will get an overview of solar electrical systems and their operation; best practices for installations, and successful examples of national permitting packages and procedures. They will also perform a virtual inspection, receive inspection resources, and learn about key safety considerations that require unique focus above typical electrical systems.
Inspecting Photovoltaic Systems
• Personnel involved: building inspector, electrical inspector, utility
• Applicable sections of the National Electric Code
• Using existing drawings and documentation for inspections
• Key inspection points
• Inspection checklists
Permitting Photovoltaic Systems
• Maryland solar statistics: data and trends on solar in MD
• Overview of solar systems
• Permitting best practices: examples of permitting from around the US
• Applicable standards
• Recommendations for standard permitting
Course Instructor
Jason Fisher has been developing and delivering PV training around the United States for over 10 years. He is the Senior Technical Trainer with SunPower Corporation, and was the founder of the first fully-licensed solar electrical installation company in Maryland. Jason worked as an Energy Research Analyst with the National Association of Home Builder’s Research Center; is a Licensed Master Electrician in Virginia; and was one of the first North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified PV Installers in the nation.
REGISTER FOR OUR WORKSHOPS
DAY ONE: MARCH 31, 2010 – INSPECTORS ONLY!
9:00AM to 3:00PM
Registration Cost: $25 with agency ID - REGISTER HERE
(includes coffee breaks, lunch, and course materials)
Maryland Clean Energy Center
9636 Gudelsky Drive (Camille Kendall Academic Center)
Universities at Shady Grove
Rockville MD 20850 (view map)
Room 2226
REGISTER as an Inspector for Day One
DAY TWO: APRIL 2, 2010 – OPEN TO INSPECTORS, INSTALLERS, AND CONTRACTORS
9:00AM to 3:00PM
Cost for Inspectors: $25 with agency ID - REGISTER HERE
Cost for Contractors, Installers, or Other: $100 - REGISTER HERE
(includes coffee breaks, lunch, and course materials)
Location: Maryland Clean Energy Center
9636 Gudelsky Drive (Camille Kendall Academic Center)
Universities at Shady Grove
Rockville MD 20850 (view map)
Room 2226
REGISTER as an Inspector for Day Two
REGISTER as a Contractor, Installer, or Other for Day Two