Oregon Solar + Storage Energy Conference 2024

This session explores the key considerations and success factors for implementing commercial solar and battery storage solutions. Participants will gain valuable insights into optimal facility characteristics and customer profiles, as well as a comparative analysis of the value propositions for solar-only versus integrated solar and storage systems. The course emphasizes the importance of effectively educating clients about these technologies, focusing on strategies to identify and address customer-specific motivations, concerns, and constraints. Attendees will learn to evaluate project viability and tailor solutions to meet client needs, while understanding the balance between initial investment and long-term financial and environmental benefits for facility owners. By the end of this session, participants will be well-equipped to articulate the compelling case for commercial solar and battery storage adoption, driving successful implementations in various commercial settings.

This session focuses on equipping participants with the essential skills needed for conducting thorough commercial solar site assessments and developing preliminary project designs. Attendees will learn best practices for performing on-site evaluations, covering crucial aspects such as structural integrity, electrical systems, and environmental factors. The course emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation and professional conduct during site visits, ensuring all potential challenges and opportunities are captured. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating initial system layouts, determining appropriate sizing, and navigating preliminary permitting requirements. A key focus of the session is striking the optimal balance between technical design parameters and financial considerations, enabling attendees to craft solar solutions that are both technically sound and economically viable for commercial clients. By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to conduct efficient site assessments and produce comprehensive initial project designs, setting the foundation for successful commercial solar installations.

In this workshop, we will cover how DC wires (conductors) shall and should be installed under PV arrays, on rooftops, on the ground, and in between PV arrays and electronic power converters. We will discuss the different acceptable wire types, how to secure the conductors, how to protect the conductors, how to size the conductors, code changes regarding dc conductors, how the codes apply to different cable management systems. We will take a dive into NEC 690.31 Wiring Methods. We will also discuss how to safely work with PV modules that are energized with light and how to coordinate with workers of different levels of electrical experience.

Sean White co-authored PV and the NEC with Bill Brooks, which supplements much of the material in this course.

This session explores financial modeling, proposal development, and effective presentation strategies for solar and storage projects. Participants will delve into various methods of calculating and showcasing return on investment, equipping them with the tools to effectively communicate the financial benefits of these technologies to potential clients. The course covers the essential components of a compelling proposal, including the creation of supporting materials, such as Statements of Qualifications, which serve to establish credibility and expertise. Attendees will learn valuable techniques for presenting solar and storage opportunities to decision-makers, with a focus on thorough preparation, a customer-centric approach, and clear communication. By emphasizing these key elements, the session aims to enhance participants' ability to craft persuasive proposals and marketing materials that resonate with commercial clients. Upon completion, attendees will be well-prepared to present solar and storage solutions in a manner that addresses the specific needs and concerns of decision-makers, ultimately increasing their success in securing project approvals.  

This session equips participants with strategies to address common questions and concerns that facility owners typically have about solar and battery storage installations. The course covers a range of topics, including health and safety considerations, as well as other frequently asked questions in the industry. Emphasizing a consultative selling approach, attendees will learn how to educate customers effectively, build trust, and address concerns with transparency while highlighting the numerous benefits of solar and solar-plus-storage adoption for commercial entities. Through the examination of real-world project case studies, participants will gain valuable insights into successful implementations across various facility types. The session underscores the critical importance of relationship-building, understanding the unique characteristics of different facilities and decision-makers, and persistently developing a robust project portfolio. By the end of this course, attendees will be well-prepared to engage in meaningful dialogues with potential clients, navigate common objections, and demonstrate the value of solar and storage solutions in a compelling, client-centered manner. 

Home battery backup is trending towards whole-home battery backup in which utility power passes through hybrid inverters. In such configurations solar energy and stored battery energy can be used to supplement or even virtually eliminate purchase of grid electricity. Such a configuration can maximize return on investment by self-consuming energy production. Learn how a Sol-Ark 15k paired with SimpliPHI batteries with their 15-year warranty is the ultimate ESS for whole-home backup. This training will explore installation options, wiring, and programming options for optimization.
This free training will focus on topics including:

• Battery energy storage basics
• What is Whole Home Backup and how does it compare to critical load backup?
• Examples of whole-home backup
• SimpliPHI battery options
• Sol-Ark 15k features
• Sizing for whole-home backup
• Inverter Setup
• Monitoring with SimpliPHI Batteries and Sol-Ark
• Elite IQ Installer Program