Home Solar Consultant Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Thermal Principles

Distinguishes solar thermal from photovoltaic technology and its residential applications. Provides context for advising on water heating and space heating options.

Lesson 2 • The Solar Resource Explained

Covers solar irradiance, sun angles, and seasonal variation. Establishes the physical basis for all subsequent system sizing discussions.

Lesson 3 • Key Solar Industry Terminology

Defines the vocabulary used across system design, contracts, and incentive programs. Enables clear communication with installers, utilities, and homeowners.

Lesson 1 • Energy Efficiency Before Solar

Establishes the principle of reducing demand before sizing a solar system. Smaller, efficient loads lower system cost and improve return on investment.

Lesson 2 • Load Profiling and Usage Patterns

Analyzes when energy is consumed throughout the day and year. Aligns solar production curves with household demand for optimal value.

Lesson 3 • Home Energy Audit Fundamentals

Introduces walkthrough audit methods to identify major loads and inefficiencies. Audit findings shape the solar recommendation scope.

Lesson 1 • Site Assessment Documentation

Standardizes data collection forms and photo documentation protocols. Consistent records support accurate proposals and installer handoffs.

Lesson 2 • Ground Mount and Alternative Locations

Explores non-roof installation options when rooftop conditions are unsuitable. Expands the advisor's ability to serve a wider range of properties.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Infrastructure Review

Evaluates the existing service panel, wiring, and meter for solar interconnection readiness. Identifies upgrade requirements that affect project cost and timeline.

Lesson 4 • Shading Analysis Techniques

Identifies shading sources and quantifies their impact on annual energy yield. Shading data directly drives panel layout and technology selection.

Lesson 1 • System Sizing and Layout Design

Applies load data and site parameters to determine array size and panel arrangement. Produces a design basis that feeds directly into financial modeling.

Lesson 2 • Solar Panels: Types and Specifications

Compares panel technologies by efficiency, degradation rate, and warranty terms. Enables specification of the right panel for each site condition.

Lesson 3 • Mounting Systems and Racking

Reviews fixed-tilt, flush, and ballasted racking options for various roof types. Proper racking selection ensures structural integrity and optimal tilt.

Lesson 4 • Inverter Technologies and Selection

Covers string, microinverter, and power optimizer topologies with their trade-offs. Inverter choice affects shading tolerance, monitoring, and cost.

Lesson 1 • Demand Response and Smart Grid Features

Introduces time-of-use rates, demand response programs, and smart inverter grid services. These features increasingly affect the financial case for storage.

Lesson 2 • Net Metering and Export Compensation

Explains how utilities compensate for excess solar generation and how policies affect system value. Accurate export modeling is critical to financial projections.

Lesson 3 • Sizing Battery Systems for Homes

Calculates storage capacity needed for backup, self-consumption, or time-of-use optimization goals. Sizing accuracy prevents costly over- or under-specification.

Lesson 4 • Battery Technology Overview

Compares lithium-ion, lead-acid, and emerging chemistries by cycle life, depth of discharge, and safety. Provides the technical basis for storage recommendations.

Lesson 1 • Solar Financing Options

Compares cash purchase, solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements by cost and ownership implications. Financing choice affects incentive eligibility and long-term value.

Lesson 2 • Return on Investment Metrics

Calculates payback period, net present value, and internal rate of return for solar projects. These metrics translate technical specs into homeowner decision drivers.

Lesson 3 • Solar Incentive Programs and Tax Credits

Surveys investment tax credits, rebates, and performance-based incentives available to homeowners. Accurate incentive application directly reduces modeled payback periods.

Lesson 4 • System Cost Breakdown and Quotes

Deconstructs installed system cost into equipment, labor, permitting, and soft costs. Enables advisors to evaluate installer quotes for accuracy and fairness.

Lesson 1 • Utility Interconnection Process

Walks through the application, technical review, and approval steps for grid connection. Understanding this process sets accurate project timelines for clients.

Lesson 2 • Building Permit Requirements

Explains what documents authorities having jurisdiction typically require for solar permits. Proper permit preparation prevents costly resubmission cycles.

Lesson 3 • Electrical and Fire Safety Codes

Covers the electrical and fire code requirements most commonly applied to residential solar. Code compliance protects homeowners and reduces installer liability.

Lesson 4 • HOA and Deed Restriction Navigation

Addresses homeowner association rules and solar access rights that affect installation options. Proactive navigation prevents project cancellations after contract signing.

Lesson 1 • Presenting Solar Recommendations

Translates technical findings into a clear, benefit-focused recommendation narrative. Effective presentation reduces objections and builds confidence in the advisor.

Lesson 2 • System Commissioning and Handover

Covers the final inspection, system activation, and client education steps at project completion. A thorough handover ensures clients use their system effectively from day one.

Lesson 3 • Managing the Installation Process

Guides advisors through coordinating permits, installer schedules, and utility approvals on behalf of clients. Proactive management prevents delays and maintains client trust.

Lesson 4 • Homeowner Needs Assessment

Structures the discovery conversation to uncover goals, concerns, and decision criteria. Needs alignment ensures recommendations match what the homeowner actually values.