INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS
40 HOUR NABCEP APPROVED COURSE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSOCIATE
Course Agenda and Schedule
This course is an introductory course which teaches the basics of Solar Photovoltaics . The course is meant for persons who want to enter the solar field and need a comprehensive overview of solar in order to work safely on a solar project, or who are presently working in the field and want to gain a greater understanding of Solar Photovoltaics. The course qualifies persons to take the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam and become a NABCEP certified, Photovoltaic Associate. For more information, visit: NABCEP.org. https://www.nabcep.org/certifications/associate-program/
The course Textbook, Photovoltaics Systems , was written by Jim Dunlop, a pioneer in solar training. Jim was the First Certified Master PV Trainer in the U.S. awarded by the Institute for Sustainable Power, 2001. Jim served on the Board of Directors and as the PV Technical Committee Chair for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Jim received Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC), Special Recognition Award for authorship of Photovoltaic Systems text and contributions to PV industry workforce. The book is the most comprehensive NABCEP exam preparation textbook on Photovoltaics . The book will be covered in class and all students receive this 502 page, hardcover book as a part of their training and reference materials.
The course is taught by Ruth Page-Nelson, a student of Jim Dunlop, who is a Master Licensed Electrical Contractor (Georgia and Alabama) and Department of Energy Solar Instructor Training Network Trainer. Ruth worked with universities and community colleges to develop solar training prior to receiving a grant from the Department of energy where she be a part of the Solar Instructor Training Network where she met Jim in 2010 and began to partner with him to offering training around the US and internationally. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-training-network . Smart North America’s training program, is supported through the Florida Solar Energy Center, giving access to newly developing programs by the Department of Energy and excellent curricula.
This course assures that students have an understanding of the solar photovoltaics industry and understand various pathways for entry including; solar sales and business operations, terminology, solar energy concepts and how to work safely on a solar project.
This 40 hour solar PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSOCIATE COURSE prepares persons for entry into the solar field. It gives a basic understanding of solar, and covers the NABCEP Job Task Analysis including:
- Application
- Sales and Economics
- Design
- Installation
- Operation and Maintenance
Smart North America offers in- person training to small groups, which can be arranged by contacting us at: info@smartgridnorthamerica.com or calling us at 678-591-0774. This 40 hour Introduction to Photovoltaics can be customized to meet the needs of your group. We bring solar training to you and also provide classes in major cities around the country from time to time where individuals can register and attend. Check our website for any upcoming classes near you.
Why become a NABCEP Associate:
It is a great place to start if you are new to solar, or want a comprehensive understanding of solar basics with a credential that is recognizable to your clients and stakeholders. The PV Associate Credential requires successful completion of an approved course by an Approved Training Provider and passing the NABCEP Associate exam . The credential is not a license issued by a government.
NABCEP Associates must comply with all legal requirements for practicing in their jurisdiction. The certification gives assurance that the Associate has achieved a certain level of understanding of solar as well as has agreed to adhere to those standards in their work. This credential also gives the opportunity to be registered with NABCEP in order that employers can locate trained persons, enhancing the possibility for employment. The certification lasts for 3 years and requires the adherence to the NABCEP standard as well as continuing education in order to maintain it. This certification can be revoked by NABCEP if sufficient evidence arises that the holder is not adhering to the NABCEP standards. In this way, NABCEP can maintain a high standard for energy practitioners.
The Photovoltaic Associate directory is maintained by NABCEP. Employers, clients and stakeholders, can search the database for the Associate Credential (in accordance with NABCEP.org guidelines). The credential signals to employers, clients and stakeholders that the associate has invested in their education and is dedicated to a high standard in the solar profession
The NABCEP PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSOCIATE is a credential and is not a license by a governmental agency. It does not authorize holders to practice. It is a recognition of skills achieved which sets a standard that is recognizable. NABCEP administers voluntary personnel credentials for individuals in the renewable energy industry. Persons who earn the right to display the NABCEP logo through training and testing have agreed to adhere to a high standard which is assured through commitment (NABCP.ORG). This credential indicates a level of achievement that allows one to work safely on a solar project, enhancing opportunities for the beginning solar installer, sales person, and maintenance person or the seasoned professional to enhance their business.
For more information, see the NABCEP ASSOCIATE CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
The course time and delivery schedule will vary for the level of each participant. In the case of the NABCEP Entry Level preparation, participants will receive 40 hours of training and when applicable have the opportunity to take the NABCEP Entry level exam.
Following are the primary topics covered in this course and correspond with chapter in the Photovoltaic Systems textbook:
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Solar Technologies – History and Development – Markets and Applications – Industry Sectors - Chapter 2: Solar Radiation
Terminology & Definitions – Geometric & Atmospheric Effects – Solar Power & Energy – Measurements & Data - Chapter 3: Site Surveys and Preplanning
Customer Development – Site Assessment – Locating PV Arrays – Shading Analysis – Project Planning and Preparation - Chapter 4: System Components and Configurations
Major Components – Balance-of-System – System Classifications and Designs - Chapter 5: Cells, Modules and Arrays
Principles of Operation – I-V Characteristics – Response to Irradiance and Temperature – Series/Parallel Connections – Specifications and Ratings - Chapter 6: Batteries
Types and Characteristics – Functions and Features – Specifications and Ratings - Chapter 7: Charge Controllers
Types and Characteristics – Functions and Features – Specifications and Ratings – Sizing - Chapter 8: Inverters
Definitions and Terminology – Types and Applications – Functions and Features – Selection and Sizing – Monitoring and Communications - Chapter 9: System Sizing
Sizing Principles – Interactive vs. Stand-Alone Systems – Calculations and Software Tools - Chapter 10: Mechanical Integration
Design Considerations – Array Mounting Configurations – Structural Loads – Installation - Chapter 11: Electrical Integration
Terminology and Definitions – Circuit Design Requirements – Specifying Electrical Components – Code-Compliant Installation Practices - Chapter 12: Utility Interconnection
Codes and Standards – Utility Considerations – Supply and Load Side Connections – Interconnection Agreements - Chapter 13: Permitting and Inspection
Permit Submittal Guidelines – Plan Review – System Labels – Inspection Checklists - Chapter 14: Commissioning, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
System Commissioning – Maintenance Plans – Diagnostics - Chapter 15: Economic Analysis
Incentives – Value Assessment – Life Cycle Costs Analysis – Financial Tools - Chapter 16: PV System Safety
Hazards and Avoidance – Personal Protective Equipment – Fall Protection – Electrical Safety
Relationship to Certification Programs
This course and associated self-study program prepares participants to test for the PV Associate certificate and ultimately the advanced PV installer certification credentials offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), UL University and others. This training does not result in any certification from NABCEP. Participants will receive a course completion certificate, documenting the course content and hours of training.