Workforce Skills
NEW Residential Energy Assessment Program
Two new courses have been designed to provide training in energy efficiency and building science technology for those working in energy and construction related fields. (An additional field course will be available soon.) Beyond the knowledge gained through classroom and field training, nationally recognized certification can be attained through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) by successfully completing written and field exams. BPI certifications are available for Building Analyst and Envelope Professional. BPI certification is optional--courses may be taken for their content without testing. Course one Residential Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings is a prerequisite for the second, Building Performance, Monitoring, and Analysis. Registration fees and schedule dates for BPI testing are separate from the courses.
Residential Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings
Builders, electrical and HVAC technicians, real estate professionals, home inspectors, contractors, loan officers and potential energy auditors will gain a solid understanding of residential energy use. From structural design characteristics to airflow and heating, this comprehensive course includes principles of energy, heating and cooling, understanding the building envelope, lighting and appliances, air leakage, water heating, insulation, health and safety, windows, and doors. This course is essential for anyone who will be advising clients on household energy use.
5 Tues. & Thurs., April 14-May 14
6-10 p.m., University Center Rm. 7
Instructor: Gary Cook
Cost: $575 Code: 10354
Building Performance, Monitoring, and Analysis
Gain lab and field experience with what you learned in the prerequisite course, Residential Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings. You will learn to effectively use testing and analysis equipment from set-up and operation to trouble shooting and data acquisition. Equipment includes the blower door, duct blaster, infrared camera, combustion analyzer, and more. Through lab set-ups and field experience you will analyze and report your findings. If you chose to continue with BPI certification, the content and experience gained in both courses will help you prepare for the BPI written and field tests for one or both certifications but neither course is a test preparation course. Note: The June 8 session meets for one hour.
4 weeks, Mon. & Wed.,
May 18, 20, 27; June 1, 3, & 8
6-10 p.m.
and 2 Sat. May 30 & June 6, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
(break for lunch on your own)
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Instructor: Ric Evans
Cost: $650 Code: 10355
Building Analyst BPI Certification Written
and Field Tests
Mon., June 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Plus 2-hr. Field Test week of June 8
(scheduling arranged)
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Cost: $495 Code: 10356
Envelope Professional BPI Certification
Written and Field Tests
Wed., June 10, 7-9 p.m.
Plus 2-hr. Field Test week of June 8
(scheduling arranged)
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Cost: $495 Code: 10357
Principles of Renewable Energy Technology
Are you considering an energy-related career or wanting to increase your knowledge of today’s energy technology? Gain an in-depth look at the variety of technologies available including solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and geothermal. Sessions include lab and site visits to provide experiences with the equipment used to generate power. Learn calculations for sizing, specifying, and analyzing systems. Take a look at the variety of career paths associated with today’s renewable energy industry. This is a foundational course for energy-related programs.
8 Wed., April 29-June 24 (no class May 6)
6-9 p.m., Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 220
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $339, includes text Code: 10358
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Systems
One-week Intensive—NABCEP Entry Level
Learn the fundamentals of PV system design and installation in this 40-hour workshop designed for those interested in the expanding PV industry. In NMC’s state-of-the-art Energy Demonstration Center, you will gain a technical foundation in stand-alone and grid-tied code-compliant solar electric systems. The content follows NABCEP’s learning objectives for the entry level exam. Topics include:
• PV markets and applications
• Electricity and safety basics
• PV module fundamentals
• Hands-on solar workshop
• PV system components and sizing
• PV mechanical and electrical design
• Performance analysis and troubleshooting
• Conservation and efficiency practices
• Course review and test prep
The optional NABCEP Certificate of Knowledge Exam will be offered on Saturday following the workshop. Designed for builders, electricians, architects, code officials, construction- and energy-related business owners, teachers, attorneys, and elected officials. Class breaks daily for lunch on your own.
This class is filled. Information on next class will be available soon.
One-week Intensive:
Mon.-Fri., May 18-22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 222
Instructor: Mike Schmerl
Cost: $775 (includes text and materials)
Code: 10404
Optional NABCEP Test:
Fri., May 22 (following final class)
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 220
Test Fee: $105 Code: 10405
Financing Solar:
Tools and Incentives for System Installation
Don’t let the cost of a solar installation deter you! Come take a look at a variety of financial tools and incentives that are now available to help finance the installation of a solar electric system. Topics include performance and monitoring, federal and state incentives, lease programs, installment programs, and power purchase agreements. Whether you are in the business to sell solar systems, or are a home/property owner with the desire to install a system, this up-to-the-minute information is what you need.
2 Mon., April 27 & May 4, 7-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Bill Queen
Cost: $59 Code: 10359
Connecting to the Grid:
Net-Metering Facts and Fiction
One of the most confusing and misunderstood aspects of renewable electricity generation is the process of connecting a system to the electrical grid. Look at the policies, procedures, technology, and challenges required for successful connection of small (less than 10 KW) solar and wind systems. Using NMC’s new solar lab, we will illustrate system components and configurations that are commonly required. Gain understanding of Michigan interconnection policy and what it means for owners and providers. Learn about common issues that hold up net-metering applications. Examine the process and what one can realistically expect from a net-metering agreement.
Wed., May 6, 7-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Instructor: Bill Queen
Cost: $35 Code: 10360
Solar Hot Water Heating Systems:
One Week Intensive
Jump start your career selling or installing solar hot water heating systems by attending this 40-hour workshop. Work with flat plate and evacuated tube solar collectors, storage tanks, pumps, piping, and controls as you build a system. Content integrates the solar thermal core competencies outlined by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and will cover the following topics:
- Identifying systems and components
- Site evaluation and system design
- Installing collectors, water heater, and storage tanks
- Evacuating collectors and systems
- Installing mechanical/plumbing/electrical equipment
- Checking system performance and trouble shooting
- Systems maintenance and job safety
Designed for builders, plumbers, architects, code officials, construction and energy related business owners, anyone who needs technical literacy in solar thermal energy. Class breaks daily for lunch on your own.
Mon.-Fri., May 4-8 , 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 222
Instructor: Conrad Heins
(with Randy Smith & Cliff Sedlacek)
Cost: $775 (includes text and materials)
Code: 10057
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Consumer Topics
REBATE - Traverse City Light and Power
TCLP will provide a rebate of up to $39 to its customers who have completed a course in this Renewable Energy section. Limit one rebate per customer. Please identify yourself as a TCLP customer and send your course completion form and rebate request to TCLP.
Solar Hot Water—Assembling a System
Assemble a solar hot water system while learning about this important renewable energy technology. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of several types of solar hot water heating systems while the class assembles a scaled down version of a closed-loop solar hot water system. You will be introduced to the skills needed to install a system and learn when a professional should be hired. Enjoy a field trip to see two types of systems in operation. Topics include: solar radiation and site assessment, systems and components, efficiencies and water conservation practices, and financial information. Bring a sack lunch.
Sat., April 18, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 155
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $79 Code: 9665
French Fries to Fuel: A Look at Biodiesel
Escalating diesel and gas prices make bio-fuels competitive in the marketplace. Examine the advantages and disadvantages involved in the production and use of modern bio-diesel in this lively and interesting course. Discuss the effects of bio-diesel on today’s automobiles while cooking up your own batch of bio-diesel from used vegetable oil. Leave with resources to help you learn more about bio-diesel, where to get it, how to make it yourself, and what the future holds for this type of fuel.
Mon., June 1, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 101
Instructor: Bill Koucky
Cost: $49 Code: 10367
Green Heating:
Understanding
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Learn how ground source heat pump technology (commonly known as geothermal heating) takes advantage of the earth’s stored solar energy and pumps it into your home. Through exhibits, demonstration, and presentation discover how the technology works and its environmental and economic benefits. Discover how you can completely heat and cool your home exclusively with clean, renewable, energy.
Thurs., June 4, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructor: Rex Ambs
Cost: $39 Code: 10362
What Does It Take to Put Up a Wind Generator?
Are you interested in wind power and curious about what it takes to put up a wind generator? This course will take you through the step-by-step process required to install a wind generator at your home or small business. Learn about towers, height restrictions, construction and maintenance specifications, and grid interconnection or battery charging constraints—all required for successful project completion. The course includes a guide to selecting and sizing a system to meet your needs. Save time, effort, and money in your quest for clean energy.
Mon. & Wed., April 20 & 22
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 112
Instructor: Mike Schmerl
Cost: $69 Code: 10363
Discover Solar Power: A Workshop
Solar electric power generation is getting a lot of attention. Explore the concepts and equipment through discussion, demonstrations, and examination of NMC’s photovoltaic systems. Learn about different system types from stand-alone battery charging to grid-tied. Discover how to calculate output and determine how much power is available. Leave with a better understanding of how solar energy works and its potential as an energy source.
Mon., May 18, 6-8:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $49 Code: 10364
Passive Solar Design—Architectural Impact
Local architect, Eric Mansuy, will guide you through the concepts and practices that maximize the solar benefit for our homes. Learn how glazing, orientation, thermal mass, overhangs, ventilation, and landscaping play an integral role in successful passive solar design. Explore how form and function can be blended to make visually appealing and solar efficient homes. Discussion will include possibilities for retrofitting existing homes.
Mon., May 18, 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Eric Mansuy
Cost: $49 Code: 10365
French Fries to Fuel—Part II:
Processing the Fuel
Take advantage of this opportunity to work with our local bio-diesel brewmaster Bill Koucky, as you take a walk through the brewing process. Along with working the processor, you will learn how to determine oil quality, prepare the processor, analyze and determine amount of catalyst needed for the batch, manage the process, safety precautions, material handling and disposal, and much more. You need to take Part I (or an equivalent) prior to taking this course. If you are considering making your own bio-diesel, this course will save you time, money, and effort. Limit 6 students per session.
Thurs., June 4, 6:30-9:30 P.M.
and
Sat., June 6, 9 A.M.-Noon
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructor: Bill Koucky
Cost: $119 Code: 10368
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