Solar Training Workshop

Know Solar, Go Solar:

Solar Electrical Systems Permitting and Inspections Workshop

June 28 - 29, 2010

The same workshop is offered on both days.

The Maryland Clean Energy Center is offering a training workshop geared to help public officials better manage the unique permitting and inspection issues for installation of Photovoltaic Systems. These workshops will be offered on two separate days. The program for both days is identical, but June 28 is intended for Inspectors only.

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 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

June 28, 2010 – INSPECTORS ONLY!

9:00AM to 3:00PM

Registration Cost: $25 with agency ID
(includes coffee breaks, lunch, and course materials)

Location:
U.S. Geological Survey
5522 Research Park Drive
Baltimore, MD 21228 (view map)
Conference Room

9:00AM to 3:00PM

Cost for Inspectors: $25 with agency ID
Cost for Contractors, Installers, or Other: $100
(includes coffee breaks, lunch, and course materials)

Location:
U.S. Geological Survey
5522 Research Park Drive
Baltimore, MD 21228 (view map)
Conference Room