Arvo Solar Franchisee Onboarding Package
This is a bundle of these 4 courses
About this course
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Bundle outline
4 courses • 15 modules
Course 1 •
2
modules
Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation and Code
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Introduction to Sean White, HeatSpring, NABCEP, and this Course
Let's get started! In this opening module you'll meet Dr. Sean White, the lead instructor for the course (you will also meet Bill Brooks later in the course). Here we talk about the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and why it is so relevant today. You will learn how to get a NABCEP Certification and how to study for and pass the NABCEP exams. One of Sean's learning techniques, is making sure everyone has fun and that the class information is memorable. These classes are definitely upbeat! Enjoy! Sean
- Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
- Introduction (18:19 minutes)
- Solar Market Report Summary (.pdf)
- Totally optional: iPhone App for taking this class (50 seconds)
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Introduction to Solar PV Design
Becoming a great solar PV and energy storage sage takes a deep understanding of electricity, engineering, and construction. We don't cover all of those things here - but we give you just enough to be dangerous. Work your way through this series of assignments, and you'll be on your way to becoming a solar PV and energy storage guru.
- History (06:38 minutes)
- Statistics and Outlook (07:04 minutes)
- PV Market and Applications (04:21 minutes)
- Safety Basics (06:29 minutes)
- Energy Units (04:37 minutes)
- Electricity Basics (09:24 minutes)
- PV Module Fundamentals (19:02 minutes)
- IV Curves With Bill Brooks (10:59 minutes)
- Solar Energy and Solar Power (09:57 minutes)
- Building Integrated Photovoltaics and Tesla Solarglass (aka Tesla Solar Roof) with Bill Brooks (05:37 minutes)
Course 2 •
7
modules
Customer Contracts and Agreements
Welcome • 5 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
- Meet Brit - Co-Instructor for the Course (03:26 minutes)
- Meet Vaughan - Co-instructor for the course (04:35 minutes)
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Course Overview and Introduction
- LECTURE: Welcome and Course Overview (06:55 minutes)
- READING: Course disclaimer
- LECTURE: The Importance of Agreements in Customer Service (11:42 minutes)
- READING: Solar Owner's Manual | Solar United Neighbors
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: The Importance of Agreements
Module 2 • 17 assignments
Construction Agreements - Construction Contracts & Change Orders
- Meet Chris Gordon, Corporate Counsel at ReVision Energy (01:10 minutes)
- LECTURE: Overview of Construction Agreements | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (02:38 minutes)
- LECTURE: Commercial Construction Agreements | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (03:28 minutes)
- LECTURE: The Role of Construction Agreements | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (07:58 minutes)
- LECTURE: What other parties influence a construction agreement? | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (01:48 minutes)
- LECTURE: Standardizing the Contract Process | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (05:58 minutes)
- LECTURE: Contract Handoffs During the Installation Process | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (03:00 minutes)
- LECTURE: Using the Contract to Support Customer Service | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (02:46 minutes)
- LECTURE: Term of Construction Agreements | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (03:17 minutes)
- READING: Sample Solar Installation Contract (.docx)
- INTERVIEW: The Role of Construction Agreements in the Construction Process | Chris Gordon, Corporate Counsel at ReVision Energy (21:29 minutes)
- LECTURE: The Importance of Standardized Contracts | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (03:29 minutes)
- LECTURE: Overview of Change Orders | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (05:13 minutes)
- LECTURE: Changes that Might Result in Change Orders | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (03:24 minutes)
- LECTURE: Who is Typically Responsible for Executing Change Orders? | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (01:25 minutes)
- LECTURE: Are there Times When a Change Requires a New Contract? | Chris Gordon, ReVision Energy (01:26 minutes)
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Construction Agreements and Change Orders
Module 3 • 12 assignments
Utility Agreements – Interconnection
- INTERVIEW: What is Interconnection? | Corey Ramsden, Solar United Neighbors (08:20 minutes)
- REFERENCE: State Interconnection Report Cards | Freeing the Grid
- INTERVIEW: The Interconnection Process| Corey Ramsden, Solar United Neighbors (10:43 minutes)
- LECTURE: Interconnection Documentation | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (17:18 minutes)
- LECTURE: IREC Simplified Process Application | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (14:31 minutes)
- STANDARD FORM: IREC Simplified Process Application and Interconnection Agreement (.pdf)
- LECTURE: IREC Fast Track and Detailed Study Interconnection Agreement | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (13:34 minutes)
- STANDARD FORM: IREC Fast Track and Detailed Study Interconnection Application (.pdf)
- STANDARD FORM: IREC Fast Track and Detailed Study Interconnection Agreement (.pdf)
- LECTURE: IREC Certification of Completion | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (04:03 minutes)
- STANDARD FORM: IREC Certification of Completion (.pdf)
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Interconnection Documentation
Module 4 • 17 assignments
Utility Agreements - Compensation
- READING: What is net metering and how does it work? | EnergySage
- READING: Virtual net metering - What is it? How does it work? | EnergySage
- INTERVIEW: Overview of Net Energy Billing | Corey Ramsden, Solar United Neighbors (15:32 minutes)
- REFERENCE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency | North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center
- INTERVIEW: Customer Considerations for Net Energy Billing | Corey Ramsden, Solar United Neighbors (13:21 minutes)
- PODCAST: Reversing the Grid | The Accidental History of Solar Power
- LECTURE: Introduction to Net Metering Contracts | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (04:22 minutes)
- LECTURE: Net Metering Policies | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (03:33 minutes)
- LECTURE: Common Net Metering Contract Provisions | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (05:09 minutes)
- LECTURE: Customer Support for Net Metering Contracts | Vaughan Woodruff, ReVision Energy (09:58 minutes)
- REFERENCE: Sample Single Owner Customer Net Energy Billing Agreement | Central Maine Power (.pdf)
- REFERENCE: Sample Single Owner, Multiple Account Customer Net Energy Billing Agreement | Central Maine Power (.pdf)
- INTERVIEW: Overview of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | Ian Ayers, Sun Tribe Trading (14:49 minutes)
- INTERVIEW: The Customer Experience with SRECs | Ian Ayers, Sun Tribe Trading (16:21 minutes)
- REFERENCE: Database of State SREC Programs
- REFERENCE: Guide to Making Claims About Your Solar Power Use [REC use]
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Utility Compensation
Module 5 • 16 assignments
Manufacturer Warranties
- READING: The most important warranties for your solar installation | EnergySage
- LECTURE: Product Warranties | Brittany Heller, HeatSpring (14:37 minutes)
- READING: Solar panel warranties: What to know | EnergySage
- READING: Solar inverter warranties: What's covered? | EnergySage
- READING: Battery warranties: What you need to know | EnergySage
- INTERVIEW: Overview of Product Warranties | David Dunlap, BayWa r.e. (19:07 minutes)
- INTERVIEW: Product Warranties Claims and Customer Support | David Dunlap, BayWa r.e. (20:26 minutes)
- INTERVIEW: The Warranty Relationship with a Manufacturer | John Cromer, Sol-Ark (17:20 minutes)
- INTERVIEW: Managing Product Warranties | John Cromer, Sol-Ark (21:47 minutes)
- INTERVIEW: Product Warranty Claims and Customer Support | John Cromer, Sol-Ark (13:19 minutes)
- READING: PV Module Limited Warranty | Qcells (.pdf)
- READING: AC Battery Warranty | Tesla (.pdf)
- READING: Labor Reimbursement for Warranty Service | Enphase Energy (.pdf)
- READING: Grid-Interactive Inverter Warranty | SolarEdge (.pdf)
- READING: Racking Limited Warranty | IronRidge (.pdf)
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Service & Warranty
Module 6 • 19 assignments
Service Contracts, Workmanship Warranties, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Agreements
- READING: Solar O&M Considerations for Contractors | Aurora Solar
- READING: An overview of solar O&M plans and providers | EnergySage
- INTRODUCTION: Amanda Bybee and Amicus O&M Cooperative (03:48 minutes)
- LECTURE: Setting Customer Expectations with Agreements and Consistent Communication | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (04:38 minutes)
- LECTURE: Maintaining Perspective in Solar Customer Service | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (04:38 minutes)
- LECTURE: How Technical Does a Solar Customer Service Representative Need to Be? | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (02:37 minutes)
- LECTURE: Strategies for Using Service and O&M Contracts to Support Customers | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (04:37 minutes)
- LECTURE: Workmanship Warranties | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (03:56 minutes)
- LECTURE: Operation and Maintenance Agreements for Large-Scale PV Facilities | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (07:13 minutes)
- LECTURE: Guarantees in Operation and Maintenance Agreements | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (03:12 minutes)
- LECTURE: Manufacturer Considerations in Solar Customer Support | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (05:19 minutes)
- LECTURE: Servicing Facilities Built by Other Companies | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (04:35 minutes)
- LECTURE: Making Service Departments Profitable | Amanda Bybee, Amicus O&M Cooperative (02:41 minutes)
- READING: Solar O&M: Tips for Contractors, The Future of Solar & Workforce Development | HeatSpring
- READING: Example of Scope of Work Document | National Renewable Energy Laboratories (.pdf)
- READING: Example Description of Operations Services | National Renewable Energy Laboratories (.pdf)
- READING: Example Description of Maintenance Services for Commercial Ground Mount Installations | National Renewable Energy Laboratories (.pdf)
- READING: Example Description of Maintenance Services for Commercial Rooftop Installations | National Renewable Energy Laboratories (.pdf)
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Service Contracts, Workmanship Warranties, and O&M Agreements
Module 7 • 10 assignments
Other Types of Project Documentation
- LECTURE: Residential Tax Credits and Performance Incentives| Spencer Fields, Energy Sage (05:45 minutes)
- LECTURE: An Overview of Standard Commercial and Residential Incentives | Spencer Fields, Energy Sage (09:24 minutes)
- REFERENCE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
- LECTURE: Other Types of Project Documentation | Brittany Heller, HeatSpring (20:50 minutes)
- REFERENCE: IRS | Residential Clean Energy Credit
- REFERENCE: IRS|FAQ Sheet for Residential Clean Energy Credit
- STANDARD FORM: IRS Form 5695 Residential Energy Credits
- REFERENCE: Department of Energy | Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar
- KNOWLEDGE REVIEW: Other Types of Project Documentation
- ASSIGNMENT: Build your list of resources for your local area
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- LECTURE: Quick summary and thank you for joining the course! | Brittany Heller, HeatSpring (03:17 minutes)
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 3 •
5
modules
Solar Onboarding 102
Welcome • 6 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
- Introduction to the Course (03:00 minutes)
- Meet Brit - Your Instructor for the Course (03:14 minutes)
- Course Slides for Reference (.pdf)
Module 1 • 2 assignments
PV Module Technical Information
- PV Module Electrical Specifications and IV Curves (15:24 minutes)
- PV Module Technical Information Mini Quiz
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Site Assessment
- Solar Assessment - Part 1: Intro and Roof Considerations (15:13 minutes)
- Solar Assessment - Part 2: Environmental Considerations (16:25 minutes)
- Site Assessment Mini Quiz
Module 3 • 3 assignments
Sizing the System
- Power Triangle and Power Factor (06:58 minutes)
- Load Analysis (12:40 minutes)
- Sizing the System Mini Quiz
Module 4 • 6 assignments
Design and Equipment
- Design - Solar Panels and Roof Layout (10:43 minutes)
- Design - Roof & Wind Loads, Series & Parallel Circuits, and Other Circuit Considerations (17:17 minutes)
- Inverters (13:17 minutes)
- Additional Components (09:09 minutes)
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (12:21 minutes)
- Design and Equipment Mini Quiz
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Installation Standards and Best Practices
- Codes and Standards for PV Systems (09:02 minutes)
- Labeling Requirements Poster
- Local Requirements, Licensing, and Inspection Best Practices (11:31 minutes)
- SolSmart
- Learn about NABCEP Board Certifications
- IBTS Solar PV System Inspection Checklist (.pdf)
- Installation Standards and Best Practices Mini Quiz
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 4 •
1
modules
Selling Solar-Driven Home Electrification in a Virtual World
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Selling Home Electrification in a Virtual World
- Welcome and Overview (10:30 minutes)
- The Solar Shopper and the Online Shopper (10:29 minutes)
- What Today's Solar Shoppers are Looking For (21:10 minutes)
- Virtual Sales and the Future of Selling (13:54 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (.pdf)
- Selling Solar-Driven Home Electrification in a Virtual World Final Quiz
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
- NABCEP NEC
- NABCEP JTA
- NABCEP RE Elective
- NABCEP PV Associate Renewal
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
| NABCEP Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 17 | 1 | 17 | 17 | 0 | |
| 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 0 | |
| 1 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 0 | |
| 17 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 17 | 0 | |
| 0 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NABCEP Registered Provider
This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.
Instructors
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View profileSean White
2014 IREC Trainer of the Year, HeatSpring / White House Energy Inc. / Sean White Solar / Norcal SolarSean White was the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Trainer of the Year. He is an IREC Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar. He contributed to the development of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis and has been a member of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Technical Committee. Sean is a... Learn more
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Brittany Heller has been in the solar industry in a variety of roles since January 2015. She began her solar career in residential sales in New Orleans. She then moved to Denver where she completed a Construction Fellowship with GRID Alternatives Colorado, building a wide portfolio of solar projects all benefiting income-qualified families. In April 2018, she began her... Learn more
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Chris has spent his career in virtual sales. Starting in the financial services sector, he helped develop the first hybrid wholesaling team at Nationwide Financial, adapting traditional distribution methods into effective and efficient virtual sales processes for financial advisors and business owners. Since joining the renewable energy industry at EnergySage, Chris has... Learn more
