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Contracting, Third-Party Inspections, and Training

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A. Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays with DC Converters

Today, there are many more possibilities on how to mount  solar photovoltaic modules.We believe in making your dreams and goals to use solar energy a reality, and we know just how to do that.  We're prepared to help you at any level, from impartial advice to practical assistance to help you make the most of every opportunity for a solution. 


There's no need to paint a residential ground-mounted solar energy system.  Like there’s no need to paint the flowers in the garden.


More than 15 years, California Licensed Solar and Electrical Contractor License  #833782  C46, C10, D56, D31, C-7

Solar, Electrical, Trenching, Pole Installation & Maintenance, Instrumentation Contractor


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The Inverter

Both residential ground-mounted and rooftop systems the inverter have remote monitoring capability.  


CEC/NEC 110.3(B) Installation and Use.

Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

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The Converter

 I converter may be located on the module or on the rail. If you notice very closely there is a field applied marking of orange Cross Check Torque Seal.  


CEC/NEC 110.14(D) Installation.

Where a tightening torque is indicated as a numeric value on equipment or in installation instructions provided by the manufacturer, a calibrated torque tool shall be used to achieve the indicated torque value, unless the equipment manufacturer has provided installation instructions for an alternative method of achieving the required torque. 

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B. Residential Rooftop Solar AC Microinverters

With experience in rooftop solar energy systems with two solutions of Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) of with microinverters (shown) or dc converters.  We will share our experience and knowledge to help your make your project a success for your home with systems less than 80 volts dc.  Our expert collaboration will boost your benefit of using a solar energy system taking into account tilt and azimuth along with shading factors. 


CEC/NEC 690.11 Arc-Fault Circuit Protection (Direct Current).

Photovoltaic systems operating at 80 volts dc or greater between any two conductors shall be protected by a listed PV arc-fault circuit interrupter orother system components listed to provide equivalent protection.


CEC/NEC 690.12(B)(1) Outside the Array Boundary.

Controlled conductors located outside the boundary or more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point of entry inside a building shall be limited to not more than 30 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation.


CEC/NEC 690.12(B)(2) Inside the Array Boundary

Controlled conductors located inside the boundary or not more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point of penetration of the surface of the building shall be limited to not more than 80 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation.


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Residential Solar (PV) & Energy Storage Equipment & Systems (ESS)

 For our methods is to perform site surveys on-sites using handheld tools and more 3D detailed modeling with real time photographs for third-party inspections of existing systems.  The would also be to determine a location for an Energy Storage System (ESS) inside in a non-habitable space, in the garage, outside the garage or installed on the ground.  


This on-site site survey is to not only qualify the roof for potential issues, but also to qualify the electrical panelboard.


CEC/NEC 110.12(B) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections.

Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues. There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.

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Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

As a licensed electrical contractor Level 2 (L2) charging can be an option with your solar (PV) inverter.  Time of Use (TOU) rate schedules can be of benefit when combined with a solar and energy storage system.


The Electric Vehicle (EV) also has the benefit of being used as energy storage based on the time of day. 


CEC/ NEC 625.40 Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit.

Each outlet installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit. Each circuit shall have no other outlets.

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Our Expertise - Share What You Know

I've enjoyed teaching for the past 40 years with my start in teaching at an observatory in the 1980's.  Some of the best students and participants I've experienced over the years have gone on to achieve various career pathways in the solar industry.


2017 CEC/NEC 690.4(C) Qualified Personnel.

The installation of equipment and all associated wiring and interconnections shall be performed only by qualified persons.

2017 CEC/NEC 706.23(A) General.

Provisions shall be provided to control the charging process of the ESS. All adjustable means for control of the charging process shall be accessible only to qualified persons.


Testimonials & Recommendations

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

"Martin Herzfeld did an excellent job advising me on the size and specifications of solar systems for two residential properties that would be most advantageous for my situation. He then procured quotes from installers and analyzed the comparative benefits of the quotes. I particularly liked that through the whole process he was unbiased, professional, and very knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend him."


- Wayne Moore

Owner, Moore consulting

Realize Your Learning Moment in the Solar Industry

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

""Wow! Martin Herzfeld is an amazing instructor of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Exceedingly experienced with all aspects of PV energy, his depth of knowledge is exceeded only by his commitment to his students’ and their learning. Mr. Herzfeld’s style of teaching is very interactive and he has a knack for involving all class members in the learning experience. It is very clear that he strives for what he refers to as the “learning moment” with each of the diverse students who populate his class. He literally lights up when these moments arise (and they frequently do) and he is so inclusive of all students so as to broaden one student’s learning moment for the entire class. One feels rewarded for asking about the simplest clarification. Further, Mr. Herzfeld seems to intuitively know that hands-on participatory learning is instrumental to student motivation and enthusiasm about this complex subject matter. It is not surprising that his class curriculum includes interactive lecture, numerous in class queries from him to find student success and build confidence, hands-on building and experimentation with PV components, group exploration and presentations, and field trips which tap into the depth of cutting-edge green energy installations here in the Silicon Valley. Finally, Mr. Herzfeld’s interests in the professional development of his students do not stop at the classroom door. He makes himself appropriately accessible to help individual students as they explore employment and skill development in this rapidly expanding PV field. My positive views about Mr Herzfeld’s skill as an instructor and motivator are widely held by others in his classes and more broadly in this school"


- Doug Studebaker

Tesla

Code Compliance with the I-Codes and the Electrical Code

15 Years of Experience - California Licensed Solar & Electrical Contractor

Code Compliance with the I-Codes and the Electrical Code

"I recently worked with Martin in a contractors workshop and discovered that many times he would correctly quote from memory electrical and other codes. Ocassionally he would need to look for something in the California Electrical Code book but knew exacly where to look. I ask if he had a Photovoltaic Memory (a pun on photographic memory). He smile and nodded yes. So if you're in need of someone in the know about solar, call Martin."


- Scott Williams

Retired as President of ACOMCO



Third-Party Solar Energy System Inspections

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

Code Compliance with the I-Codes and the Electrical Code

"I found Martin Herzfeld to be a top notch person in character and integrity. When it comes to PV solar, Martin cares deeply about the industry, doing the right thing, and can quote applicable code off the top of his head. I know Martin to also care for and participate in assisting the less fortunate when possible. Martin is a good person and very knowledgeable solar professional!" 


- Jesse McGuire

A lifetime of providing flexible highly autonomous remote field services on life dependent communication systems

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

"The "thermal event with smoke damage and debris" inside the panel board. The panel board was not labeled with a label "suitable for the environment" Finally, the "fire damaged or compromised main panel board equipment" was used at the point of interconnection ..." 


"Mr. Herzfeld's expert testimony was undisputed."


-Adminstrative Law Judge

Manage Your Solar Installation to Make Sure They are Done Right

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

Solar & Storage System Incidents: Third-Party Inspections for more than 9 years

"Martin and I both attended a team-leader training session at Grid Alternatives, and many questions were asked of the group. Martin was quick and correct answers. He obviously knows PV solar deeply and thoroughly. I had just completed 18 weeks of PV solar study with Solar Energy International, so I was in a good position to tell that Martin knew his stuff. He has a broad and deep knowledge of the NEC, and is clearly the kind of person who adheres to the rules, so I'd have total confidence in him to manage solar installations, and make sure they are done right"


- Tom Cramer

President at Embedtec Corporation

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

"Martin is a reliable and dependable instructor. He is passionate about imparting knowledge, ensuring success, and supporting his students. He demonstrates high attention to detail and follow through in the important process of obtaining certificates. Martin was self-sufficient and flexible in meeting the needs of students and staff alike while running a class at our site. Martin is a high quality instructor who meets his students at their place of learning"


- Lila Blanchard

Site Manager at Rubicon Programs


Fuse Your Experience and Knowledge

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

"Throughout when am in class as a student, Martin has continually surprised and inspired me with his ability to fuse experience and knowledge from seemingly disparate disciplines into a cohesive vision with actionable tactical recommendations.

A true synthesizing intellectual, Martin stands out among practicing experts in his domain by always taking the additional step to work through the implications of technical and policy directions,

bringing out consequences and relationships that are not immediately obvious but are substantially impactful.

I am honored to discussing basics and designing concepts , and have taken away insights that directly influenced my professional direction in the Renewable Energy solar design and the Codes .

I recommended Martin if someone who is looking for a combination of comprehensive understanding with an ability to communicate elaborates and simplify." 


- Mohsin Syed

Electrical Engineer

Training Outreach into the Best Communities for Opportunity

Federal OSHA-Authorized 10-hour for Construction Training to the Community

Training Outreach into the Best Communities for Opportunity

"Martin's skill at communicating technical and safety information to our trainees was very effective. His deep and practical knowledge of the subject matter was conveyed with patience and understanding. Martin has a talent and ability for making technical information comprehensible for the beginner while also using humor and encouragement to build rapport."

 

- Tracy Wallace

Founder & Executive Director at Green Careers Dallas

Do What You Need to and Do it All With Confidence

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

Training Outreach into the Best Communities for Opportunity

"I owe my start into the solar industry to Mr Herzfeld. As there was too much information to sort out on my own, I attended his class and learned what I needed to do to involve myself in residential solar photovoltaics. He helped me on and off the classroom with the myriad of questions I had on solar site evaluations, design and policy. Having Mr. Herzfeld as an ally in the industry has given me the confidence I need to succeed."


- Andrew Flores

Quality Assessment & Reliability Manager at Mission Solar Energy

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

"I first met Martin when he was a student of mine at Chabot Science center where I taught a course in designing with microcontrollers.

Martin told me that he decided to take this course because a friend of his told him that he would never be better at working with computers than he was. Apparently Martin took this as a challenge and, I must say, that of all the students I had over the years (including some of whom went on to get advanced degrees in Engineering) that none came up to speed as fast as Martin.


I eventually asked Martin to join me as an instructor in the course and found him to be an excellent teacher. We had students ranging in age from junior high school to adults who were teachers, engineers, psychologists and more. He was able to work with students at all levels and was well liked and very patient.


His function as an instructor was to work with me in setting lesson plans, lab work, homework, and would occasionally lecture. I highly recommend Martin in his capacity as an instructor and his abilty to work with students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.


- James Kronrod

Lead Electrical Design and Analysis Engineer: Boeing

Be Insightful and Well Informed

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

Be Competitive, Be Fast, Be Diverse, and Work at All Skill Levels

"Martin has a broad knowledge of PV systems and their applications. He has a detailed knowledge the NEC code relating to PV systems and gave a very informative lecture on residential PV code, as part of an advanced PV design course. He is an active contributor to solar technology forums and his views are always insightful and well informed."


- Ryan Jones

Director of Performance Engineering at CD Arevon USA, Inc.
























... Find More and Connect With Us

Continue Your Education

Now is the Time to Learn while you Earn

Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor

Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor


"Getting laid off after 22 years ... I quickly realized that because I did not continue to educate myself during my time of employment; I was at a disadvantage when it came to looking for a new job.  I was so grateful to my teacher Martin Herzfeld for all his knowledge and inspiration ..."

- A student with outstanding organization skills - April 2014



Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor

Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor

Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor


"... the OSHA Training institute observed your OSHA-10 hour class on Saturday, September 20th, 2014."  And "... noticed that all the administrative details in running an Outreach Training Program were in place and that you had adequate materials.  She observed your friendly and professional manner and that you handled students with warmth, good humor and kept the classroom on point.  She noticed that you followed the presentation closely but added relevant anecdotes and handled questions from the class efficiently and completely.  She was also impressed by you use of multi-media including videos, Google links and more." 
"You are to be commended for your outstanding performance in conducting this training ..."

- OSHA Training Institute Education Center


Stay Motivated in your Career Objectives

Continue your Education with Warmth and Good Humor

Stay Motivated in your Career Objectives


"I believe his career motivation is to be outstanding at what he does.  His career objectives are to be significant ... In addition to what I have said about the intellectual capacity, I must add that he reflects moral and ethical values that suggest he will be a recognized leader in his community ..."

- Robert C. Maynard, Editor and President - August 1988


Groups

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Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Certified Master Trainer for PV (Photovoltaics) Installation Professional #IREC 10037 MT PVI - Since 2015

1 of the ~10 Certified Master Trainers in the United States and 1 of ~3 Certified Master Trainers in California.  

 



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Accredited Training Provider North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

Courses are offered at community based organizations, colleges adult education locations or a utility energy training center.

 

Basic Photovoltaic Systems for Grid Tied Applications
In-Person, Online
6 Hours

Inspecting Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Code Compliance
In-Person, Online
6 Hours

Photovoltaic (PV) Site Analysis and System Sizing
In-Person, Online
6 Hours

PV + Batteries: Integrating Storage with Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Systems
In-Person, Online
6 Hours

Solar (PV) Tech: Solar Jobs, Energy, Power
In-Person
4 hours

Introduction to Photovoltaics

American River College

In-Person / Online


American River College, Energy

22 - 16 Units
Solar Energy Systems Design, Estimation, and Sales Certificate 

Solar Energy Technology Certificate 


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UL Certified PV Systems Installer Since 2011

One of the few in California who has achieved the in Certification for specifically for electricians. To receive the PV System Installer Certification, an individual must meet minimum eligibility requirements and successfully pass an online, proctored examination. The exam is intended to measure the necessary competencies for a qualified electrical professional with OSHA 10-hour/30 hours safety training for construction and several years of hands-on experience in the field. Hands-on experience or equivalent knowledge includes installing, building, repairing, troubleshooting, diagnosing, verifying and\or performing tasks involved in electrical work for either residential or commercial applications.

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Federal OSHA-Authorized Construction Trainer for OSHA 10hr and 30hr Cards Since 2013

With the requirements with more than five years of construction safety experience. Complete Course of Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry.  Covering OSHA policies, procedures, and standards, as well as construction safety and health principles. Special emphasis is placed on those topics that are required in the 10- and 30-hour programs as well as those that are the most hazardous. Course participants are briefed on effective instructional approaches and the effective use of visual aids and handouts. 


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Professional Member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Since 2006

On contract with an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and independent third-party inspections. 

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Certified Technical Classroom Trainer (CTT+) Since 2010

CTT+ certification designated as an exceptional trainer in the field. Instructors, not only in the plan and provide engaging classroom lectures, practice tasks and exams, but also be a knowledgeable and effective communicator. CTT+ certification for the in-person classroom.


With experience in training now for more than 40 years since starting work at an observatory in 1980 as an instructor

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Member of the California Solar + Storage Association (CALSSA) Since 2015

Participation on a couple committees to help improve Codes and Standards and Consumer Protection issues. 

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Solar (PV) + Energy Storage (ES) + Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and Systems Contractor

California Solar and Electrical Contractor License  #833782  C46, C10, D56, D31, C-7 - Licensed Since 2004 

Solar, Electrical, Trenching, Pole Installation & Maintenance, Instrumentation Contractor


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