Solar heating harnesses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy for solar hot water, solar space heating, and solar pool heaters. A solar heating system saves energy, reduces utility costs, and produces clean energy.

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SW 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems (Check Schedule)

Course Description

In this 8-hour course, students will learn the basics of how Solar Domestic Hot Water Heating Systems (SDHW) work and their economic impacts with emphasis on northern climate systems. This class will prepare students for entry level work in the solar water heating field and will help facilities managers, architects, planners, home owners and government officials to understand the workings and benefits of solar domestic hot water systems.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Identify solar water heating system components and describe their functions
• Differentiate between SDHW system types
• Compare and contrast SDHW system types with specific reference to freeze protection, components, best use, performance, efficiency, complexity, cost, and longevity
• Conduct a domestic hot water load analysis
• Outline the procedure for appropriate siting of a SDHW system
• Use consumer, system, and site information to size a SDHW system

SW 201 Solar Water Site Assessor (Check Schedule)

Course Description

This 8-hour course leads participants through the background information required to perform a solar water heating assessment for the Focus on Energy program and for the homeowner to assess their own site. Participants of this workshop will learn how to assess a home for its potential for a solar domestic hot water system. Students will learn how to define a site’s solar window, interpret solar radiation and temperature data, size a system, identify system components, and determine the best location for collectors. Prerequisite: SDHW.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the solar window at the site
• Use a solar pathfinder
• Identify SDHW system components and describe their function
• Define different types of SDHW systems
• Conduct a load analysis
• Recommend water efficiency/hot water reduction measures for a homeowner
• give general recommendations for a SDHW system siting
• complete a written SDHW site assessment report