On May 15, 11:29*pm, JimT wrote:
These questions are for PV installers (if there are any here).

I just signed up for HART 1071 Solar Electric Systems, Entry-Level42.0 Hour.

Here's, sort of, a course description:http://www.austincc.edu/ce/renewable/industry.php
Required text:http://www.amazon.com/James-P.-Dunlo..._athr_dp_pel_1

The course is 42 hour course that takes almost 3 months with a once a
week, 4 hour class, and lab. Do you think the typical homeowner
(slightly above avg IQ) would be able to install all aspects of a home
PV system after completing such a course, or would he still have to hire
expert help? I know the course description says: "However, the
Certificate by itself does not qualify an individual to install PV
systems." But I think they just put that in there to cover their butts.
The home PV systems I've seen don't look that complicated and, if this
course doesn't teach you all aspects, do you think it's worth the +$600
tuition and texts? My wife wants ME to install the home PV system when
I'm done with the class. My construction experience is limited to home
improvement projects like installing door, floors, walls and some
electrical work like moving switches. Very limited as far as electricity
is concerned.

Jim

I have a PV array fitted to my roof. I am an electrical engineer
now retired.
Re the course.
Fitting PV panels is not a high tech process. The main problems
revolve around securing the things to existing roofs without there
being any roof leaks afterwards.


The actual panels and inverter are extremely high tech and much of
their workings are commercial secrets but need not concern the
installer.

If you have technical knowledge, you can learn all you need to know on
the electrical side in about an hour.

The main skills required are that of the roofer. (ie some one who
repairs /installs roofs) And possibly scaffolding. This would take
quite some time depending on the types of roofs you might encounter.
It is not as straightforward as you might think.

There is more to do about local conventions, burocrasy and regulation.

As someone else has posted, they are not viable financially unless
there is some legal intervention to subsidise their operation as has
happened in a major way in Europe. This has led to a plethora of new
entries into the "industry" over here. Some of them are total
******s.

This support might disappear in the future, something you need to
consider before embarking on your new career.