Outback Products Education

Mangas

Just a thought.

I don't know if this is the right place to post but does anyone know if Outback has ever considered regional manufacturer one or two day practical application classes/workshops (product specific basic and advanced) for using their products?

If successful, maybe expand as part of a larger manufacturer sponsored Solar U held periodically at regional universities? Offer flexability as to knowledge level and subject choice.

Before I built my system, I would have gladly attended a couple of days of classes and workshops to learn how to program, operate and maintain, at least, their charge controllers. I sure am no expert and would still welcome the opportunity. I see it as an investment and confidence builder.

This is another example of how to get "non technicals" comfortable with photovoltaic and solar hardware on a best practices basis. Maybe bring hardware manufacuturers additional business. Might give a discount to exsiting customers?

I'd be interested if this is already being done somewhere.

niel

Re: Outback Products Education

classes would be time consuming and expensive either for the consumer or the company. it may be a good idea to have videos made up that can be posted online, although it would still be an expense to the company albeit less expensive.

Mangas

Re: Outback Products Education

Agree Neil, videos would be a great idea. I'd pay for them.

I wouldn't expect manufacturers to bear all the costs of the workshops. To me, learning is an investment. I'd be willing to make the investment, if I were serious about solar, or wanted to assure I understood how to operate my equipment properly.

Also, when National Solar Conferences are being held could technical people be sent out with the marketing guys to hold product specific workshops (maybe already done). Maybe a reason to attend the conference?

Just thinking out loud about other ways to "...get more non technical people more interested and comfortable in solar."

crewzer

Re: Outback Products Education

Gents,

Many of the classes and training courses you’ve suggested either already exist or are in development. Some are not cheap, some are very low cost, and some are free.

Solar Energy International (SEI) conducts workshops and classes both “in the field” and on-line. I took their Advanced PV Online class, and I was very impressed with the instructor and the material. FWIW, I scored a 98% overall on the course… there were a couple of very tricky questions. See: http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/index.html

San Juan College in/near Farmington, NM, offers both one- and two-year programs in RE. See: http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/4003.asp

John Wiles conducts training events around the country. See: http://www.nmsu.edu/~tdi/Photovoltaics/Codes-Stds/Codes-Stds.html

Other manufacturers also conduct training programs. See this link for SMA events: http://www.sma-america.com/sunny-community/training/index.html

Major distributors regularly sponsor expos and training events. See this link for GroSolar events: http://grosolar.com/events/

OutBack is very active in the RE expo and education circuit. For example, we had a booth at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in WI this past June, and another at SolarFest in VT in July. We sponsored facilities for generic RE education programs at both expos. Admission to these types of fairs/expos is generally fairly inexpensive. I’m attending (not exhibiting) at another expo in ME this weekend.

I’m personally conducting training for OutBack charge controllers and inverters at AAE Solar events in Baton Rouge, LA (9/18 ) and in Marietta, GA (10/3). I’m also conducting advanced technical training at GroSolar in White River Junction, VT, on 9/26. These events are usually geared towards installers. I don’t know what GroSolar or AEE charge for admission, but OutBack is picking up the tabs for my salary and travel expenses. I’ll also be joining my OutBack colleagues at the Solar Power Conference and Expo in San Diego on Oct. 13 -16.

Dang, I’m busy!!

And, OutBack has developed training material for webcasts. My presentation on Battery Charging using OutBack Charge Contollers and/or Inverters is tentatively scheduled for October 1. Archive webcasts are available here: http://www.outbackpower.com/contact/events_calendar/

I really like the “Solar U” idea… keep the suggestions comin’!

HTH,
Jim Goodnight
“crewzer”
Eastern Regional Sales Manager
OutBack Power Systems

Mangas

Re: Outback Products Education

Hi Jim,

Now that's what I'm talkin' about. I'll start reading your suggested links. In the meantime, if you ever run a MX60 class for owner types in Arizona, I'll be there.

That said, the idea to piggy back fairs and expos with owner workshops would be great. I recognize that you are trying to get installers into best practices for your products but many off gridders are on their own (like me) once the installer guys head for town and we need a little hand holding.

I agree bifurcating owner and installer education makes sense. I think Neil's Video suggestion
along these lines would be great too.

By the way Jim, if you scored just 98%, I'd be facing the corner by the blackboard.

nigtomdaw

Re: Outback Products Education

I agree with Mangas on product training Xantrex and Outback both do webcast ,and Ive cyber linked with a few of them. Outback in Europe (Barcelona) have provided me with a DVD with product manuals and repair videos for FX and MX. Most of which are downloadable from there site.

Jim looking forward to your Webcast on the programming and best practice with the FX and MX/FM charge controllers, a gap that will be good to plug.

crewzer

Re: Outback Products Education

My battery charging webcast is available here: http://www.outbackpower.com/events/23/

And, here's a link to training, conferences, and workshops sponsored by AEE Solar (check back later for more 2009 events): http://www.aeesolar.com/solar-training.html

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

Mangas

Re: Outback Products Education

Jim, thanks for following up for us.

AEE mentions suppliers and installers. Do you know if these AEE workshops are open system owners? If so, I couldn't tell what proficiency level they're aimed at. I'd jump at the chance to attend a couple of days at an AEE Solar Training Workshop in Arizona (Tucson for sure).

The fees look quite reasonable. I'll follow up with AEE.

If Outback and Xantrex ever market a practical owner DVD programming and maintenance guides for their MX60 charge controllers and SW inverters, I'd sure be interested. Maybe expand the webcast into a DVD? Outback did send me their MX 60 guidebook which is very comprehensive (and impressive). But, a basic instructive DVD would be very helpful to take the apprehension out of working with the hardware.

mike95490

Re: Outback Products Education

crewzer wrote: »

My battery charging webcast is available here: http://www.outbackpower.com/events/23/

user name - any 2 words seems to work, and then it asks for email & company name, then:

For best viewing experience, use Microsoft Office Live Meeting High\-Fidelity Presentation format including video playback. Download size will be larger and may take longer time to download.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 and above is required to view the recording in Live Meeting replay format.

niel

Re: Outback Products Education

any other formats available for those of us that do not have ms office?

crewzer

Re: Outback Products Education

Mangas,

I’m just getting to know AEE and their training events. Based on the two events where I presented [Baton Rouge, LA, and Marietta (Atlanta), GA], just about anybody is welcome to register and attend. I’ve met complete novices, experienced installers, and people who are just trying to learn about the technologies.

I expect OutBack product manuals to eventually go through a significant overhaul. I’ll mention the DVD idea to the tech writers.

niel,

The webcasts can also be viewed using Windows Media Player. I was able to do that via Internet Explorer, where WMP is the default video player.

Regards,
Jim / crewzer

niel

Re: Outback Products Education

ok jim, thanks i'll give it a try later. i'm not the greatest with computers at times.:roll:

GreenerPower

Re: Outback Products Education

crewzer wrote: »

My battery charging webcast is available here: http://www.outbackpower.com/events/23/

And, here's a link to training, conferences, and workshops sponsored by AEE Solar (check back later for more 2009 events): http://www.aeesolar.com/solar-training.html

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

Still jet legged, Jim ? Should post this on OB forum. The web cast link is on the OB main web site, but hard to find.
GP

crewzer

Re: Outback Products Education

Done! Feelin' better, too!

Thx,
Jim / crewzer