The demand for qualified solar and small wind technicians is rising, as more consumers and businesses apply solar energy and small wind systems in their communities. Many employers prefer employment candidates who are certified. Amatrol’s 850 series Alternative Energy Learning System supports the learning necessary to prepare for portions of the solar and small wind certifications offered by such certifying groups as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), SWCC (Small Wind Certification Council), and ETA (Electronics Technicians Association).
The 850-AEC Alternative Energy Learning System teaches students key skills needed for job success in small wind and solar. Students will learn hands-on skills they can use on the job. Critical skill areas covered are system connection, operation, and programming of solar PV (photovoltaic) and small wind systems in commercial and residential applications.
The Amatrol Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar includes a mobile workstation with solar PV components, small wind components, multimedia student curriculum, and teacher’s assessment guide. The mobile workstation is equipped with pre-mounted components for easy inventory. Wind turbine and solar panels also allow for outside use with expansion capability for teaching grid-tie and data acquisition. Amatrol also offers alternate workstation configurations for either small wind or solar individually.
Spanish eLearning Available.
A common issue many instructors have when beginning an alternative energy training program is location. After all, don’t you need to be outside to teach solar energy and wind turbine technologies? Fortunately, the answer is no. With Amatrol’s 850-AEC trainer, alternative energy training can occur both indoors and outdoors.
For example, the required Solar PV Array Station (85-SPA1) easily disconnects from the workstation to be used outdoors. Indoors, the solar panel array works in conjunction with the required Solar PV Sun Simulator – Alternative Energy (85-SPS1), which uses artificial lights to simulate sunlight. The 850-AEC can also be connected to client-supplied wind turbines or roof-top solar panels with the addition of optional interface connections.
Real-world components commonly found in commercial and residential environments to help make learners job-ready are showcased in the 850-AEC. For example, the 850 is equipped with a combiner box and a multiple-panel solar array, allowing learners to connect panels in series and parallel. The MPPT charge controller, which is the most common controller used today, allows programming and communications via Ethernet from an LCD panel that are typical of current practices. The 400W wind turbine and diversion load controller are commonly found in small wind applications.
This course engages the learner in small wind and solar technologies. PV Module Operation and Performance, Photovoltaic Arrays, Solar Batteries, Solar Battery Charging, Solar PV Systems, Small Wind Turbine Generators, Wind Turbine Batteries, Battery Charging, and Small Wind Systems are some of the topics covered in this course.
Amatrol’s extensive, thorough multimedia covers green energy themes such as alternative energy. Interactive screens paired with instructive graphics teach an array of alternative energy topics from PV module operation to DC wind turbine systems. With the optional hardware, learners can then apply this theoretical knowledge to immediate hands-on skills. For example, learners study inverters and the operations of PV systems and then manually connect and operate a stand-alone AC PV system for applied practice. This combination of theory and practice ingrains concepts in a learner’s mind and makes more advanced topics easier to comprehend. (References 850-AEC)
Many employers prefer workers who are certified in alternative energy technologies because industry-standard certifications provide evidence that workers have the skills employers need. Amatrol’s Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar provides foundational training that will help students and workers prepare for portions of the solar and small wind certifications offered by such certifying groups as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), SWCC (Small Wind Certification Council), and ETA (Electronics Technicians Association).
Model Number: 85-SPS1
The Solar PV Sun Simulator training system can be added onto the Alternative Energy Learning System – Wind and Solar (850-AEC), Alternative Energy Learning System – Solar (850-AES), or Solar Energy Learning System (85-SE). The Solar PV Sun Simulator training system includes a sun simulator light set, power cable and on/off switch, and mounting system.
The required Solar PV Array Station (85-SPA1) easily disconnects from the workstation to be used outdoors. Indoors, the solar panel array works in conjunction with the required Solar PV Sun Simulator – Alternative Energy (85-SPS1), which uses artificial lights to simulate sunlight. The 850-AEC can also be connected to client-supplied wind turbines or roof-top solar panels with the addition of optional interface connections.
Model Number: 85-GT1
As solar energy adoption accelerates across residential and commercial markets, the need for certified solar technicians continues to grow. Employers increasingly seek candidates with hands-on training and recognized credentials in grid-tie photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The Grid-Tie Learning System – Solar (85-GT1) equips learners with the practical skills and experience required for today’s renewable energy workforce. This advanced trainer features industry-standard components—including a photovoltaic combiner box, multiple-panel solar array (configurable in series or parallel), Iskra ME162 single-phase energy meter, and Enphase Solar Microinverter—mirroring the equipment used in real-world installations. These components support critical training in DC-to-AC conversion, system wiring, energy measurement, and power monitoring.
Designed as an expansion to the 850-AEC or 850-AES Alternative Energy Learning Systems, the 85-GT1 introduces learners to key concepts in PV grid-tied systems using a classroom grid connection and a single-phase inverter. It includes an interactive multimedia curriculum and student reference guide that align with key certification standards and teach essential skills like:
A grid-tied photovoltaic system is connected directly to the utility grid, allowing power to be drawn from both the solar array and the grid. When the system generates more power than needed, the excess is fed back into the grid. These systems typically use interactive inverters without battery storage. During daylight, they supply AC power to onsite loads; at night or during low-light periods, the grid supplies all required electricity.
Introduces learners to a broad range of basic concepts in solar energy and technology. Photovoltaic and thermal solar systems are introduced to students. They learn how to translate location, sun, and technology into practical applications. The Solar Concepts training acts as a foundation for students in solar technology.
Introduces learners to a broad range of basic concepts in wind energy technology. Learners study how wind power systems work and what it takes to generate electrical power with wind. Wind Concepts training acts as a foundation for learners enrolled in wind-specific as well as general renewable energy programs.
Also available using Sheathed Banana Leads (850-AECSL)
