2017 altE Direct Solar Installer & Dealer Conference

Seminars

Seminars marked with an * count as one hour of NABCEP Continuing Education Credits.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

8:30 - 9:00

8:30 - 9:00 - Key Note Speaker: Jim Rogers
Jim currently represents IAEI on NEC code making panel (CMP) 4 and serves on multiple UL standards technical panels (STP) including 1703 and 1741. He is also the electrical inspector for the Town of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, and owns Bay State Inspectional Agency - a private inspection and forensic investigation company. As well, Jim is on the Massachusetts Electrical Code Advisory Committee and formerly was the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians. And he's currently involved with IREC in a program designed to train enforcement officials on the inspection of PV systems.

9:00 - 10:00

9:00 - 10:00 - *OutBack Power: System Sizing
OutBack has just released an On-Grid/Off-Grid system sizing tool developed by OutBack applications engineers for installers – and we use it too! Enter load profile along with environmental, PV and device specs, and voila – a System Summary page. This is a tool, not a BOM generator, but extremely helpful for system sizing and “what if” scenarios that compare different load combinations with various battery types and so on. Also includes generator sizing.

9:00 - 10:00 - *MidNite Solar: NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown
Learn about the requirements of this NEC 2014 code and what options Midnite Solar has to satisfy them. Also learn where this code requirement is likely to go for 2017.

9:00 - 10:00 - *MK Battery: Introduction to the UltraBattery
Ultrabattery is a hybrid , long life, energy storage device. It combines the fast charging rates of an ultracapacitor technology with the energy storage potential of a VRLA battery in a hybrid device with a single electrolyte. Combining these two technologies in one cell means the UltraBattery works efficiently in Partial State of Charge.

10:15- 11:15

10:15- 11:15 - *Aquion Energy: Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) Battery Product Training Seminar (NABCEP)
Aquion Energy, developer and manufacturer of Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI™) batteries, the world’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified™ batteries, will provide an introduction to AHI chemistry, product design, and performance insights gained from its 200+ deployments. Attendees will gain knowledge about the benefits of AHI versus other energy storage chemistries, as well as guidance on installation, use, and safety of AHI batteries.

10:15- 11:15 - *Schneider Electric: Designing and implementing solar solutions with Conext XW+
Knowing the capabilities and limitations of the XW+ platform is critical to the success of any installation. Doing it right the first time and properly managing customer expectations is key. This session will cover single inverter and multi-unit configurations as well as functions and features that make Conext XW+ perfect for applications on or off the grid.

10:15- 11:15 - *IronRidge: Advanced Pitched Roof Installation Tips
IronRidge Training Manager Dan Felix draws from over 20 years of experience as a solar installer to share his tips and tricks for residential installations. Topics covered include: new products (ie. FlashFoot 2 and UFO Clamps), attachment best practices for different roof types, how to splice rails and square modules, and how to design a residential solar project in Pitched Roof Design Assistant.

11:30 - 12:30

11:30 - 12:30 - Phocos: Solar Charge Controllers and Total Cost of Ownership of Off-Grid Systems
As the price of PV modules continues its downward trend, balance of systems components such as solar charge controllers often get overlooked when designing off-grid systems. This session addresses the key factors to consider when choosing the correct solar charge controller and how a component that can cost <5% of total upfront systems costs has the largest impact on the total cost of ownership of the system.

11:30 - 12:30 - *Fronius and Maxim Integrated Optimized Modules
As complementary solution providers, Fronius and Maxim Integrated have collaborated with an excellent, “off-the-shelf” solution which utilizes cell-string level technology. Come learn the benefits of utilizing Solar cell optimized modules, Fronius Rapid Shutdown Box, and Fronius SnapINverter with Wi-Fi to achieve design flexibility, shade mitigation and NEC2014 compliance!

11:30 - 12:30 - Trojan Battery: Battery 101 – Flooded vs. AGM vs. GEL
Trojan Battery discusses key battery differences and its U.S.-based manufacturing process. Learn about battery selection, charging guidelines, system sizing and proper maintenance. You’ll also gain an understanding of battery capacity ratings, cycle life expectations and how field conditions affect battery life and performance. In addition, you’ll learn about Smart Carbon™, Trojan’s proprietary formula which provides improved performance when the batteries operate in Partial State of Charge.

2:00- 3:00

2:00- 3:00 - Magnum Energy: Storage-ready Microinverter Solution
With PV + Storage the next evolution of PV systems, Sensata Technologies is excited to introduce the Magnum Energy MicroGT 500 Inverter. Optimized to communicate with a Magnum battery-based system, allowing the easy addition of battery storage at any time. The MicroGT 500 offers the best of both worlds: PV + Storage.

2:00- 3:00 - *OutBack Power: ICS Plus Universal Rapid Shutdown and Arc Fault Protection System
Learn about OutBack Power’s new Rapid Shutdown and Arc Fault detection system to make your OutBack Power or third party system NEC 2014 compliant with sections 690.11, 690.12 and 690.15.

2:00- 3:00 - EcoFasten Solar: Top Tips for Installing the Rail-Free Rock-It System from Industry Leader EcoFasten Solar
Join EcoFasten Solar for a presentation and in-person installation demo utilizing Rock-It System, their rail-free solution for composition shingle and low-slope roofing applications. Learn best practices and installation tips from the experts while you discover all that the innovative system has to offer including North-South adjustability, integrated electrical bonding, and a unique top-down levelling feature, making the Rock-It System the fastest, easiest to install rail-free mounting solution on the market.

3:15 - 4:15

3:15 - 4:15 - *Pika Energy: Design grid-tied, backup-ready systems with the Pika Energy Island
The Pika Energy Island is a single-inverter system ready for solar-plus-storage. Using a 7.6kW grid-tied inverter with optional battery integration, the Pika Energy Island gives your customers a U.S.-made option that can protect their critical loads or future-proof their investment in solar by being ready to add smart batteries later. In this session, you’ll learn how to design grid-tie systems using the Pika Energy Island and compatible battery options.

3:15 - 4:15 - Panasonic: Solar Eco Solutions and Innovation
Panasonic is a world leader in research, development, innovation and manufacturing. With nearly 100 years in business and 20 years of solar module production experience, Panasonic offers one of the best solar panels you can buy today. Learn about how to incorporate the Panasonic brand into your companies marketing to give your business a boost. Leverage the ultra-efficient HIT solar technology to give your customers a state of the art ecofriendly energy solution.

3:15 - 4:15 - Fronius: Fronius Small Commercial Solutions
In this session, Fronius will highlight advantages in utilizing their large single-phase SnapINverters (Primo 15kW) and small three-phase SnapINverter (Symo 15kW) in small-commercial applications. Come learn how to facilitate your next PV project with Fronius small-commercial solutions!

4:30 - 5:30

4:30 - 5:30 - *Schneider Electric: Optimizing your Conext power storage system by selecting the best battery chemistry
A stable source of DC is the “heart” of the Conext XW+/SW platform. Whether designing for export, self-consumption or off-grid, it is critical to have enough stored energy to prioritize battery power and/or last through non-solar hours. This training session will explore different battery chemistries, their advantages and limitations, and detail how the Conext line of products allow for proper charging and maintenance.

4:30 - 5:30 - *Solar Log: Photovoltaic Performance Monitoring with Solar-Log®
Solar-Log®, by Solar Data Systems, Inc., discusses Solar-Log® smart monitoring solutions including smart bidirectional meters, consumption monitoring, the use of onsite weather stations and satellite weather data to benchmark yield against local irradiance, and reliable REC reporting. Attendees will understand how the Solar-Log® products help increase plant performance and return on investment. Attendees will understand the value of third party monitoring and power management applications.

4:30 - 5:30 - Blue Sky Energy: Genasun Solar charge controllers for the new off-grid business frontier
We will focus on the expanding footprint of off-grid solar, with plenty of different applications and new potential opportunities for small off-grid applications, portable systems, and solar-assisted vehicles. Lightness, efficiency and reliability are cornerstones for the next generation of solar off-grid solutions, where niche markets will become mainstream businesses.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

9:00 - 10:00

9:00 - 10:00 - * Schneider Electric: Optimizing PV and stored energy with Conext SW
Loaded with features, Conext SW incorporates functions applicable to grid connected and off-grid systems. This session will cover system design, bill of materials, and features such as AC Support, Peak Load Shave, AC coupling and DC coupling. Perfect for small to average load demand, Conext SW is a cost-effective and robust solution that stands apart in a competitive market.

9:00 - 10:00 - *MidNite Solar: DC Charge Controllers and upcoming NEW products!
The Midnite KID, Classics, and even a little BRAT! Come see what Midnite has to offer in game changing charge controllers! Also - we'll go over several new and exciting products that are currently under development!

9:00 - 10:00 - SimpliPhi: Levelized Cost of Energy
Come learn about the latest and greatest Lithium technology! SimpliPhi Power storage systems have been
rigorously tested and deployed by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. In addition to offering seamless integration with all industry standard inverters and charge controllers, SimpliPhi Power solutions are modular and scalable with a lightweight form factor backed by a 10-year warranty. This educational session will engage those seeking to understand how to analyze battery technologies at the system level, and why the levelized cost of energy makes the most sense here.

10:15- 11:15

10:15- 11:15 - *Fronius: Fronius Best Practices Training
Fronius is steeped in knowledge of real-world PV installations. Because of Fronius’ track record as a world-wide technology leader in power electronics and energy conversion, we have gathered an enormous amount of data points with respect to proper installation techniques and practices. Come learn best-practices tips and techniques in order to have your SnapINverter installation work flawlessly throughout its lifetime.

10:15- 11:15 - *Aquion Energy: Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) Battery Product Training Seminar
Aquion Energy, developer and manufacturer of Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI™) batteries, the world’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified™ batteries, will provide an introduction to AHI chemistry, product design, and performance insights gained from its 200+ deployments. Attendees will gain knowledge about the benefits of AHI versus other energy storage chemistries, as well as guidance on installation, use, and safety of AHI batteries.

10:15- 11:15 - *Schneider Electric: Conext XW+ in commercial applications: System Design Fundamentals
Applicable to AC coupled and DC coupled configurations, the “Multi-Cluster” provides 3-phase power capability for commercial applications and community electrification projects. This session will explore when to use an external AC contactor and how this alters the traditional understanding of how the Conext XW+ operates. We will also cover Xanbus limits and other communications standards that may be implemented.

11:30 - 12:30

11:30 - 12:30 - *OutBack Power: Battery Programming for OutBack Systems
Learn optimum settings for OutBack RE, GH and NC (nano carbon) batteries, along with Aquion and Lithium Ion batteries. Also, learn how to use the OutBack FLEXnet DC battery monitor for optimum battery charging and avoid common mistakes.

11:30 - 12:30 - *SolarWorld: Performance testing and maintenance of SolarWorld modules
This session will go over how to properly test and maintain SolarWorld PV modules, and factors influencing system performance. Here, we’ll introduce various testing equipment for both residential and commercial PV arrays, including the digital multimeter, pyranometer, infrared thermometer, megohmmeter, I-V curve tracer and thermal imaging camera. We will also review SolarWorld recommended cleaning and maintenance measures for optimal system efficiency and integrity.

11:30 - 12:30 - * IronRidge: Advanced Ground Mount & Design Assistant Features
In this presentation, we explore the wide array of site conditions installers encounter and review best practices around topics like: dealing with ground water, building on sloped land, and planning for cold climates. In addition, we'll share a field-tested and proven method of saving time on large-scale installations. We’ll also show you how to use the new visual interface in Ground-based Design Assistant to plan your project and generate a bill of materials.

2:00- 3:00

2:00 - 3:00 - EcoFasten Solar: How to Install the Only Frame-Mounted Solar Snow Management Solutions on the Market
Managing snow on solar can be tricky business. Melting run-off acts as a lubricant between the panel surface and the snow mass, resulting in a potential roof avalanche. Come discover solar snow management installation tips from the experts with an in-depth presentation and installation demo detailing how to install Solar SnowMax, Solar SnowMax-R2, and Solar Snow Pad, the only systems on the market that attach directly to the panel frame.

2:00 - 3:00 - Morningstar: Eight Advantages of Morningstar’s New ProStar PWM Solar Charge Controller
In this seminar, you will hear about the advanced features and capabilities that have been added to Morningstar’s new third generation ProStar including - data logging, self-diagnostics, cloud-based remote monitoring, to name a few. Learn why
Morningstar’s ProStar has been the leading mid-range PWM controller for over
two decades.

2:00 - 3:00 - MT Solar: Top of Pole Mounts: Raising the Bar
Tired of waiting for months for the Pole Mount system for your customers? Our lead times are 1-2 weeks! Our installation is a snap - engineered and designed to be installed and wired from the ground - even by just one person! And get the most production from your solar pole mount system with our Hand Crank, that allows you to easily tilt the array from 5 to 90 degrees while standing comfortably on the ground.

3:15 - 4:15

3:15 - 4:15 - *OutBack Power: Using OutBack Inverter Modes for Smart Grid Management
Are you using the correct OutBack inverter mode for your application? In addition to our well known Backup and Sell Back modes, additional modes have been added to better fit self-consumption, peak shaving, power management, eliminate time of use (TOU) charges, as well as increased generator compatibility for off-grid systems.

3:15 - 4:15 - *Pika Energy: Design grid-tied, backup-ready systems with the Pika Energy Island
The Pika Energy Island is a single-inverter system ready for solar-plus-storage. Using a 7.6kW grid-tied inverter with optional battery integration, the Pika Energy Island gives your customers a U.S.-made option that can protect their critical loads or future-proof their investment in solar by being ready to add smart batteries later. In this session, you’ll learn how to design grid-tie systems using the Pika Energy Island and compatible battery options.

3:15 - 4:15 - altE: Off Grid 101 - Part 1

4:30 - 5:30

4:30 - 5:30 - Phocos: Simplifying Off-Grid Solar Home Systems with Phocos Turnkey Solutions
With over 30 years of experience in the off-grid market, Phocos has accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge of best practices in solar home systems. This experience is reflected in our P-Box pre-wired BOS cabinets and LS Series LiFePO4 SHS kits. This session provides a general introduction to these turnkey solutions and identifies key value-added features that take the guesswork out of off-grid system design.

4:30 - 5:30 - TBA

4:30 - 5:30 - altE: Off Grid 101 - Part 1

Thursday, February 9, 2017

8:00 - 5:00 - NEC Training with John Wiles******

• The 7-8 hour, one-day session will cover the 2011, 2014 and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for designing and installing PV systems.

• A basic knowledge of the NEC is required since Code basics will not be addressed.

• Conductor selection, ampacity calculations and overcurrent devices and disconnects will be covered.

• How to do it correctly and what not to do.

• 2014 NEC requirements in major areas related to PV systems will be addressed.

• 2017 NEC requirements upcoming will be discussed.

• Electricians, electrical inspectors and PV installers should attend.

• PV installers will receive 6 hours of NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) continuing education credits for the course.

Seminars marked with an * count as one hour of NABCEP Continuing Education Credits.

2017 Exhibiting Sponsors