Over 150 industry Professionals to include, architects, engineers, designers, installers, builders, building code inspectors, came together on Tuesday, July 20th at the Columbia Convention Center to hear from expert John Wiles on the latest Solar Energy Industry developments in regards to proper design and installation of Solar Systems. Columbia is already a center for alternative energy concepts so this educational conference was perfect for the area. Green building is gaining popularity and people are becoming more receptive to solar power, so it was time to bring the expertise to the area.
Comfort Services, title sponsor for the event, has installed more SunSource Home Energy Systems than any other Lennox dealer in the United States, right here in the Midlands of South Carolina. Lennox is the first air conditioning manufacturer to develop a solar powered system and Comfort Services was ready to provide it to their customers. SunSource Home Energy System is a solar-powered central heating and cooling system that reduces overall household electricity consumption without the costs associated with traditional solar installations.
The 7-8 hour, one-day session entitled” Photovoltaic Power Systems and the National Electrical
Code” covered the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for designing and installing PV (Photovoltaic-Solar) systems. Conductor selection, ampacity calculations and overcurrent devices and disconnects were also covered. How to do it correctly and what not to do were items on the agenda. The focus was on utility-interactive systems. PV installers were able to receive 6 hours of NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) continuing education credit.
John Wiles is a Program Manager at the Southwest Technology Development Institute at New Mexico State University. He assists the PV industry, electrical contractors, electrical inspectors, and purchasing agencies in understanding the PV requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Fieldwork involves balance of systems design for PV systems, inspections and acceptance testing of PV systems, test and evaluation of PV components, and the design and installation of data acquisition systems. He bought his first codebook in 1960 and installed his first PV system in 1984. He lived in an off-grid, PV/wind-powered home (permitted and inspected, of course) with his wife Patti, two dogs, and a cat for more than 16 years. His home currently has a 5 kW utility-interactive PV system will full-house battery backup. He has a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.
According to Todd Wagstaff, President, Comfort Services, Lennox and Argand , along with all the Supporters and Sponsors were very pleased with the overwhelming commitment by area professionals to bring South Carolina’s level of solar energy education above the rest. The event was such a huge success that plans are already being discussed to bring the expert, John Wiles, back again next year for a follow-up session.
About Comfort Services:
Since 1976, locally owned and operated Comfort Services has been serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Midlands with the latest heating and air conditioning technologies. The Columbia SC company works with each individual client to provide customized services and cost-effective solutions to keep the home and office comfortable. Comfort Services is one of the largest and fastest growing solar energy advocates in the Columbia area, and also provides innovative solutions for indoor air quality, energy efficiency and home comfort systems. For more information, visit their website at http://www.comfortservices.com, or call their West Columbia office at 803-772-4490
