Solar Installation Training – Solar Electric Systems  

 

5 day, 40 hour training

8am – 5pm each day – with 2 hours of home study for 4 nights

48 Hours Total Training

 

Note: Completion of this course qualifies you to take the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam and also fulfills the educational requirements for Category 'B' of NABCEP's Solar PV Installer Certification. This 40hr course satisfies the training requirements specified by Oncor in Texas to be a registered Solar Service Provider and also satisfies the training requirements of the Louisiana Tax Credit incentives for Renewable Energy. .

 

Description:

The course will give the student a basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and working with solar conversion equipment. 

 

The course will follow the ISPQ standards and the NABCEP Photovoltaic Entry Level PV Systems Learning Objectives and task analysis including recommended safety procedures, system design, electrical code, and industry standard practices. The focus will be to provide trainees with real life solar site specific knowledge. Hands on training will cover implementing the task analysis in the field with site analysis, mechanical and electrical design based on specific site conditions, site specific safety issues and construction issues, using tools and testing equipment, best practice construction skills, and specific site code and inspection issues. 

Ref: www.nabcep.org 

 

Rationale:   The 40 hour class instruction time and 8 hours of home study are designed so that students are eligible to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level Exam. This program is designed for those individuals wanting to get into the solar industry. The program will be a way for students to show that they have achieved basic knowledge, comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) system operations. The certificate will demonstrate that the student has passed an industry-designed exam based on learning objectives developed by subject matter experts. 

 

As the market grows for photovoltaics, students holding this industry-sponsored NABCEP PV Entry Level could find that their employment opportunities are enhanced by starting the job with an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system. However, passing the NABCEP Entry Level Exam by itself does not in itself qualify an individual to install PV systems. 

 

Taking the NABCEP Enty Level exam after the completion of the course is optional. There is an additional fee for the NABCEP Entry Level exam, and registration with NABCEP is required.

 

Course Goals:  

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and application of key solar electric system terms and concepts

2. Know basic safety procedures for working around solar electric systems

3. Know the basic components that make up a solar system

4. Size & design a simple photovoltaic system

5. Register to take an industry-designed examination. 

 

Course Learning Objectives:  

1. Learn markets and applications for photovoltaic systems

2. Identify safety hazards of photovoltaic systems; identify practices and protective equipment used during photovoltaic system installation and maintenance

3. Define basic electrical terms and calculate simple circuit values

4. Define and demonstrate solar energy fundamentals

5. Learn photovoltaic module fundamentals

6. Describe purpose and operation of photovoltaic system components

7. Calculate photovoltaic system sizing

8. Understand photovoltaic system electrical design

9. Understand photovoltaic system mechanical design

10. Understand NEC code guidelines for solar systems

11. Describe photovoltaic system performance analysis and troubleshooting 

 

Student Knowledge and Experience Assumptions: No solar industry experience is assumed. Knowledge requirements include basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems), use of the Internet, problem solving skills, and the use of a calculator. 

 

Required Text: 

1. Photovoltaics - Design and Installation Manual. It is available at Amazon Books online at this link

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Photovoltaics+-+Design+and+Installation+Manual+&x=0&y=0

 

 

Methods of Instruction:  

The methods of instruction include hands-on training as well as classroom instruction and home study. Labs will include experiments with solar equipment, use of meters, measurements, and a complete system install.  Classroom instruction will consist of interactive lectures, class discussions, exercises, table-top experiments, PowerPoint presentations, Internet illustrations, and videos. It will be based on the assumption that you have done the reading assignments before class. Homework will include reading assignments, problem sets, and the design of solar photovoltaic systems including equipment specification.

 

Evaluation:  

1. Class Participation 

2. Lab Participation

3. Home study participation and 100 question review test completion

4. Overall Attendance (Must complete a minimum of 40 hours) 

 

Certificate of Training:

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, the student will be given a Certificate of Training as verification of completion of the class.   

 

Instructor Evaluations:

Instructors will be evaluated at the end of this course.  Students are asked to contribute comments which shall be used in the creation of an ongoing professional development plan for the instructor. 

 

 

Registration Information                      John Berry

512–784-6155     

john.berry@ontility.com