LPEA to host concurrent CoSEIA solar workshops, Aug. 26

Solar PV and solar thermal instruction to enhance local installer knowledge

To assist in furthering quality installation of solar  photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal units in La Plata and Archuleta counties, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) will host advanced PV Building Code and Solar Thermal Systems workshops Thursday, Aug. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sessions will be held concurrently at LPEA’s headquarters in Bodo Industrial Park, 45 Stewart Street, Durango.

Offered through the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA), the workshops are pre-approved for seven hours of continuing education toward CoSEIA certification.

The Advanced PV Building Code Workshop will feature Master Electrician Ken Thames, and examine Article 690 of the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) and additional related Articles, as well as explore how the Articles apply to grid-tied and battery backed-up, off-grid PV installations.

“The details discussed in this workshop will provide PV designers and installers the requirements necessary for a quality PV solar installation,” said Sue Maxwell, LPEA project specialist, noting that attendees are required to have taken the basic CoSEIA PV workshop within the last 18 months. “City building, permitting, code and inspection officials will also benefit from the presentation.”

Instructor Ken Thames, who is certified with both CoSEIA and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), has been installing solar PV systems since 1997, and instructing workshops for CoSEIA since 2005. This advanced PV workshop was prompted due to the dramatic changes in the 2008 NEC.

The Advanced Solar Thermal Systems Workshop will focus on solar radiant heating systems, including installation prerequisites, system design and efficiency, components, hydronics and more. Solar thermal integrators, contractors and installers, as well as developers are encouraged to attend. A basic knowledge of solar thermal, electronics, wiring and components, plumbing and hydronics are the only prerequisites.

Instructor Dave Congour, a NABCEP-certified Solar Thermal Installer and certified Radiant Panel System Designer and Installer, is the owner of Colorado Clean Energy Systems, LLC. He has been installing solar thermal heating systems in Western Colorado for five years.

Cost for each workshop is $249 for CoSEIA members, $349 for non-members, with this pricing available through Aug. 18. “Week of” pricing will increase by $50 respectively on Aug. 19. Full payment, which includes lunch and course handouts, is required at the time of registration. Visit www.lpea.coop and click on the CoSEIA logo to register on-line.

For further information, contact LPEA’s Maxwell directly at 970.382.7170, or email [email protected].

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786.