Extended Educational Services > MI Energy Demo Center > Registration Form Revised 11/9/09

Michigan Energy Demonstration Center Classes
at Northwestern Michigan College

Education for energy efficiency and renewable energy are the focus of the center which is located at the M-TEC building on the Aero Park Campus. Highlights include a grid-tied solar array, geo-thermal installation, solar thermal system, portable solar lab, small wind turbine, and a building sciences lab. A larger wind turbine is located at the University Center. Courses and workshops are designed for consumer education and workforce development throughout the year.

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.

FALL OPTION
One-week Intensive:
Mon.-Fri., Oct. 5-9 , 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructor: Staff
$775 (includes text and materials)        Code: 5585

Optional NABCEP Test:
Sat., Oct. 10 , 9-11 a.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 220
$105               Code: 5586


Principles of Renewable Energy Technology - CANCELED
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 labs and demos for experiences with the equipment used to generate power. You’ll learn calculations for sizing, specifying, and analyzing systems. The Saturday field trip takes you to at least three sites to look at local applications of wind, solar PV, and solar thermal. Explore the variety of career paths associated with today’s renewable energy industry. This is a foundational course for energy-related programs.

8 Mon., Oct. 26-Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m.
and Sat., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 218
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $399, includes text
Code: 5580


Residential Energy Assessment Program
Learn ready-to-use skills in energy efficiency and building science technology. In addition to classroom, lab, 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. Certification is optional—courses may be taken for their content without BPI testing.

Earn a continuing education Certificate in Residential Energy Assessment by completing both classes, Residential Energy Efficiency and Building Performance Analysis, passing BPI Certification testing for Building Analyst and Envelope Professional, and completing the 2-day Building Assessment Field Experience (not offered fall term).

Residential Energy Efficiency
for Existing Buildings
- CANCELED
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 weeks, Mon. & Thurs., Oct. 1-Nov. 2
6-10 p.m., Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 222
Instructor: Gary Cook
Cost: $575                
Code: 5581

Building Performance, Monitoring, and Analysis - CANCELED
Gain lab and field experience with what you learned in the prerequisite course, Residential Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings. 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 using computer software. 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 specifically a test preparation course.

4 weeks, Mon. & Thurs.,
Nov. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, & 30; Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m.
and 2 Sat. Nov. 14 & 21, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
(break for lunch on your own)
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 222
Instructor: Ric Evans
Cost: $650              Code: 5582

Building Analyst BPI Certification
Written and Field Tests
- CANCELED
Field Test portion is one-on-one and will be scheduled individually.

Written test: Tues., Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m. 
Plus 2-hr. Field Test week of Dec. 14-18
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 107
Cost: $495           Code: 5583

Envelope Professional BPI Certification
Written and Field Tests
- CANCELED
Field Test portion is one-on-one and will be scheduled individually.

Written test: Wed., Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m.  
Plus 2-hr. Field Test week of Dec. 14-18
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 201
Cost: $495              Code: 5584


Residential Energy Design
for Builders and Architects
- CANCELED
In this action-packed building systems course, you will dive into the issues that deter homes from performing efficiently. Guided by architect and energy expert, Gary Cook, get an overview of thermal dynamics and heat loss/heat gain calculations as they apply to cold climate designs. Explore passive solar concepts and daylighting, and examine materials and methods for improved (above and below grade) wall systems. Analyze moisture and indoor air quality, fenestration, envelope and drainage/drying needs, and insulation and sealing techniques to keep a home healthy and satisfying for the occupant. Includes hands-on work with performance analysis equipment. Approved for AIA Continuing Education credit.

5 weeks, Wed. & Thurs., 3-6 p.m. 
Nov. 4-Dec. 10, (no class Nov. 25 & 26)
and Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 220
Instructor: Gary Cook
Cost: $499         Code: 5644

 

 
 

Residential Wind Power Systems—
One-week Intensive Entry-Level Training

Build technical understanding and entry level skills to enter the Residential Wind Power Industry. In NMC’s state-of-the-art Energy Demonstration Center, analyze the potential for on-site wind power generation and gain a technical foundation for working with stand-alone and grid-tied code-compliant residential systems. The course provides hands-on experience assembling systems, erecting towers, and operating a residential wind system. The content follows NABCEP’s job task analysis objectives for entry-level workers. Course topics include:

  • Wind power and site assessment
  • Electrical review and safety
  • Hands-on workshop working with towers,
    generators, and balance of system components
  • Installation site and system safety
  • Components and applications
  • Mechanical and electrical design
  • Performance analysis and troubleshooting
  • Residential wind products, markets and applications
  • onservation and efficiency practices

Designed for builders, electricians, architects, code officials, construction- and energy-related business owners, teachers, attorneys, and those interested in learning about renewable energy. Class breaks for lunch on your own.

Mon.-Fri., Oct. 12-16, 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructors: Steve Smiley & Randy Smith
Cost: $775, includes text and materials
Code: 5643


Solar Hot Water Heating Systems:
One Week Intensive

Jump start your career selling or installing solar hot water heating systems by attending this one-week 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
  • Installing pipe insulation and connecting system piping
  • Installing mechanical/plumbing/electrical equipment
  • 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., Oct. 19-23, 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m.  
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 159
Instructor: Conrad Heins
(with Randy Smith & Cliff Sedlacek)
Cost: $775 (includes text and materials)
Code: 5587


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.

Thurs., Oct. 8, 7-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus, M-TEC Rm. 224
Instructor: Bill Queen
Cost: $39     Code: 5588

 

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