Bringing Solar Energy to Colorado

Members' Thermal Task Analysis

The Solar Heating Task List Analysis shown below has been accepted by the CoSEIA Solar Heating Education Committee and is the basis for generating Solar Heating training seminars, Solar Heating on-line training, and the CoSEIA Solar Heating Certification test.

1. Working Safely
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
As part of safety considerations, the installer must be able to:
1.1.
 Maintain safe work habits and clean, orderly work area
Critical
1.2.
 Demonstrate safe and proper use of required tools and equipment
Critical
1.3.
 Demonstrate safe and accepted practices for personal protection
Critical
1.4.
 Demonstrate awareness of safety hazards and how to avoid them
Critical
1.5.
 Demonstrate proficiency in basic first aid and CPR
Critical
1.6.
 Identify and implement appropriate codes and standards concerning worker and public safety
Critical
 
2. Conducting a Site Assessment
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
In conducting site surveys for thermal systems, the installer shall be able to:
2.1.
 Identify typical tools and equipment required for conducting site surveys and demonstrate proficiency in their use
Very Important
2.2.
 Establish suitable location with proper orientation, sufficient area, adequate solar access and structural integrity for installing panels
Very Important
2.3.
 Establish suitable locations for installing controls, heat exchangers, tanks, pumps and other components of system
Very Important
2.4.
 Identify and assess any site specific safety hazards or other issues associated with installation of system
Very Important
2.5.
 Obtain and interpret solar radiation and temperature data for site for purposes of establishing performance expectations
Very Important
2.6.
 Quantify the customer hot water load through customer interview
Important
3. Selecting a System Design
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
Based on the results from a site survey, customer requirements and expectations, the installer shall be able to:
3.1.
 Correct interpretation of absorber panel, heat exchanger, heat transfer fluids, and pump performance with ability to properly apply data to system sizing and design
Important
3.2.
 Estimate sizing requirements for major components based on customer load and costs as applicable
Very Important
3.3.
 Identify appropriate system design configurations based on customer needs, expectations, and site conditions
Very Important
3.4.
 Designs heat collection method: size and location of solar collectors
Very Important
3.5.
 Designs storage method: determines size, type, number, location of storage tank, including location of power box and outlet, and amount of tank insulation
Very Important
3.6.
 Designs delivery method: size and type of pump, size and amount of pipe and fittings
Very Important
3.7.
 Determines design control requirements
Very Important
3.8.
 Determines freeze protection method: Drain down, recirculation, drain back, freeze protection valves, natural thermosyphon, Anti-freeze solution type
Very Important
3.9.
 Designs balance of system: type and location of drain valves, isolation valves, pressure relief valves, temp relief valves, freeze protection valves, vacuum breakers, type and location of monitoring components, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, flow meters…
Very Important
3.10.
 Reviews design for code compliance
Very Important
3.11
 Estimate time, materials and equipment required for installation, determine installation sequence to optimize use of time and materials
Important
4. Installs Solar Water Heating System
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
In adapting a system mechanical / plumbing design, the installer shall be able to:
4.1.
 Identify and implement appropriate codes and standards concerning installation, operation and maintenance of systems and equipment. (Uniform Solar Energy Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code)
Critical
4.2.
 Determines sequence of system installation, inventories solar system supplies, posts permit, re-checks design sketch
Very Important
4.3.
 Identify appropriate panel layout, orientation and mounting method for ease of installation and maintenance
Very Important
4.4.
 Installs solar collectors, installs associated pipes and fittings, installs storage tank and associated valves and pumps, installs insulation
Very Important
4.5.
 Understand basic electrical principles, connects electrical control system, sensors
Very Important
4.6.
 Program, adjust and configure controls for desired set points and operating modes
Critical
5. Performing a System Checkout and Inspection
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
After completing the installation of a system, as part of system commissioning, inspections and handoff to the owner/operator, the installer shall be able to:
5.1.
 Visually inspect entire installation, identifying and resolving any deficiencies in materials or workmanship Very Important
5.2.
 Check the system support structure for structural integrity and weather-sealing
Critical
5.3.
 Activate system and verify overall system functionality and performance, compare with expectations
Critical
5.4.
 Demonstrate procedures for connecting and disconnecting the system to owner / operator
Critical
5.5.
 Identify and explain all safety issues associated with operation and maintenance of system to owner / operator
Very Important
5.6.
 Identify documentation to provide to the system owner / operator Very Important
6. Maintaining and Troubleshooting a System
Task/Skill   Priority / Importance
In maintaining and troubleshooting a Solar Heating system, the contractor shall be able to:
6.1.
 Identify tools and equipment required for maintaining and troubleshooting a system, demonstrate proficiency in their use
Very Important
6.2.
 Identify maintenance needs and implement service procedures for equipment
Very Important
6.3.
 Measure system performance and operating parameters, compare with expectations, and assess operating condition of system and equipment
Very Important
6.4.
 Perform diagnostic procedures and interpret results (Collectors, Controller, Piping, Pump, Tank, Check Valve, etc)
Very Important
6.5.
 Identify performance and safety issues, and implement corrective measures
Critical
6.6.
 Verify and demonstrate complete functionality and performance of system, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency/bypass operation
Critical
6.7.
 Compile and maintain records of system operation, performance and maintenance
Very Important

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Main mailing address -
PO Box 16, Lafayette, CO 80026
Denver metro phone: 303 333-7342
Non-metro phone: 1 866 633-9764
E-mail: info@coseia.org		 CoSEIA Records -
PO Box 77, Como, CO 80432
Phone: 719 836-4804
E-mail: coseiarecords@hughes.net

This page last updated on 10-3-05