Training

We have a thread/working FAQ that has lots of information/sources/links on solar and conservation:

Working Thread for Solar Beginner Post/FAQ

And here are some various information sources for solar/electrical training and books in that thread:

BB. wrote: »

Regarding Solar Books:

What's a Good Beginners Book?

From the above thread:

FL SUN wrote: »

This is a link to a PV textbook I find very informative. It was a requirement for the FL contractor's exam I took last month. It even has a very good interactive CD with a bunch of informative extras. A quick search on-line shows this book goes for about $75.00 USD everywhere.

Don't forget nothing compares to OJT when it comes to installation. It's always best to apply in the field what you've learned from a good textbook first.
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?show=HARDCVR W/COMP MEDIA:NEW:9780826912879:75.00

TnAndy wrote: »

Rick,

Here a good "textbook" on solar......it actually IS a textbook for some solar courses, and is set up that way with practice questions at the end of each chapter, but it's also a good self guide as to the basics of components and how they mesh together to make a system. Worth the money, IMHO.

Solar Book Here

Some information on NEC and how it applies to solar power:

PV and the 2005 NEC -- Reference Document

And, of course, the NEC Code Book (current edition or version that is used by your locality).

-Bill

PS: Our host also has a Book they recommend:

Book - The New Solar Electric Home

PPS: From another poster:

KeithWHare wrote: »

I recommend "Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual" from Solar Energy International. This does a pretty decent job of explaining everything except for battery banks.

Keith

PPPS: From another website, I saw this Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook recommended.

PPPPS:

rollandelliott wrote: »

according to wikipedia once it is adopted into law by a particular govt agency it becomes public knowledge

http://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/ga_electric.pdf

is one link

there are many more specific to certain states/cities here

http://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/

This thread gives a pretty good list of reading about the entire subject of solar/renewable energy power and conservation.

I would read through the thread first and get a better idea of what you are interested in before doing the solar courses.

I would also suggest you get a couple of meters (that are appropriate/available for your country) to allow you to do some basic measurements around your home and get a good understanding of the basic relationships between electricity and energy usage (volts, amps, Watts, Watt*Hours, Volt*Amps, Power Factor, etc.). Perhaps something like these would be a good start:

• AC/DC Current Clamp Meter/DMM (Digital Multi Meter--DC version is for battery systems)
• 120 VAC 60 Hz Kill-a-Watt meter used to measure plug-in appliance energy usage
• 230 VAC 50 Hz version of Kill-a-Watt meter
• Take a simple (heavy duty) short extension cord and separate the three wires (hot, return, ground) so you can use a Current Clamp Meter to measure current flow with clamp meter.
• For your home, if you can find a "whole house" energy monitor for a good price--Will help you understand the overall load of a home and how your utility meter works and bills for power in your region. Especially helpful if you have heavy electrical loads (air conditioning, electric water heater, electric stove, electric clothes drier, etc.).

Once you go through the above, and watch/ask questions about seeing how we help people size/design a few power systems--You should be ready for the courses you looked at, or even more advanced versions and bypass the basic courses (and save some time and money).

-Bill