Below is the Solar Thermal Program course outline listing learning objectives for Solar Thermal I and Solar Thermal II. There is no entry level certification and exam available at this time for Solar Thermal, however; this program provides a set of national standards set by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and will serve students employability in this field, help them in this field as they are working towards their NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification and can be a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of the practitioners. The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the person responsible for the system installation (e.g., contractor, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman). For more details on the voluntary NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification to: http://www.nabcep.org/.

This program will focus on theory, design and installation of solar thermal technology. The instructor will outline the basic theory of solar heating systems with a discussion of systems currently used and the applications. The lecture portion of the course will be in two 5-week courses as outlined below. A separate hands-on installation of several solar heating systems will focus on the issues involved with the nuts and bolts of solar heating technology. In addition, a hands-on seminar focusing on installation of roofing supports will provide a working knowledge of roofing and mechanical integration.

Solar Thermal I - Fundamentals and Systems Overview

Session 1 - Solar Thermal Theory, Collector Review, Common Applications
Session 2 - Description of typical systems used-Pros, Cons & Applications
Session 3 - Components-Plumbing, Hardware, Controls, Piping & Insulation
Session 4 - Installation Sequence and Task Breakdown
Session 5 - Introduction to system sizing and component selection

Solar Thermal II - Advanced Installation and Design Practices

Session 1 - Integrated systems, financial basics and advanced design
Session 2 - Control Systems, Pumps, Freeze Protection & Specialty Valves
Session 3 - Pipe working, Roofing Standards, Mechanical Specifications
Session 4 - Codes & Installation Standards, Safety, Labeling and Permitting
Session 5 - Job planning, layout and workflow

Suggested Reading:

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating
Systems, by Bob Ramlow with Benjamin Nusz. Published by New Society Publishers.

SRCC Document OG 300, Operating Guidelines and Minimum Standards for
Certifying Solar Water Heating Systems, May 2002, Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. http://www.solar-rating.org/EDUCATION/og300education.htm

Uniform Solar Energy Code 2006. http://www.iapmo.org/

Solar Hot Water Systems Lessons Learned - by Tom Lane- www.ecs-solar.com

ST I - Solar Thermal I, ST II - Solar Thermal II

Tilt angle relative to proposed usage and efficiency

Structural analysis of proposed structure and mechanical design

Quality of installation and value of high-performing installations