About this course

The 2026 version of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) introduces many important changes that impact the design, installation, and operation of PV systems, energy storage systems (ESS), EV supply equipment (EVSE), energy management systems (EMS), and power control systems (PCS). Learn from experts involved in writing the most important sections of the Code that cover these evolving installations that are the future of electrical systems: Code-Making Panels 4 and 13. This course focuses on the most recent changes and additions since the 2023 version.

Please note this course only covers changes and updates in the 2026 NEC®. We will release a longer course (~10 hours) that takes a deep-dive into all NEC® requirements applicable to these systems and equipment. Students taking this "changes and updates only" course can apply the cost of this course to the longer format one when it is available. Students will be notified when the longer course is released and can coordinate with support@heatspring.com to apply the credit.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe and interpret significant changes across the NEC that impact PV, energy storage, EVs, and power control systems
  • Describe and interpret changes in Articles 690 – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and 691 – Large-Scale Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Supply Stations
  • Describe and interpret changes in Articles 706 – Energy Storage Systems and 480 – Stationary Batteries
  • Describe and interpret changes in Articles 705 – Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources and 710 – Stand-Alone Systems
  • Describe and interpret changes in Article 130 – Energy Management Systems
  • Describe and interpret changes in Article 702 – Optional Standby Systems
  • Describe and interpret changes in Article 625 – Electric Vehicle Power Transfer Systems

Course outline

8 modules
3 hours to complete
2:54 hours of video lectures
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.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Meet Your Instructors and Solar Tech Collective (02:46 minutes)
  • Course Overview (04:38 minutes)
  • Accessing the NEC® (02:54 minutes)
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Introduction, NEC Overview, and Notable Non-PV/ESS Changes

  • Module 1 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Overview of the NEC® (02:52 minutes)
  • The Code-making Process (05:11 minutes)
  • Layout and New Articles (04:22 minutes)
  • Code-wide Changes (02:13 minutes)
  • Updated General Requirements to be Aware Of (04:04 minutes)
Module 2 • 16 assignments
Articles 690 and 691: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

  • Module 2 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Articles 690 and 691: PV Systems (01:00 minutes)
  • Article 690 Scope (01:16 minutes)
  • 690.2 and .4 Listing and General Requirements (05:16 minutes)
  • Maximum DC Voltage (04:46 minutes)
  • Circuit Current (04:07 minutes)
  • Conductor Ampacity (03:20 minutes)
  • PV System Disconnecting Means (05:08 minutes)
  • Equipment Disconnecting Means and Isolating Devices (02:07 minutes)
  • Wiring Systems and Connectors (02:04 minutes)
  • Different Systems, Identification, and Grouping (03:11 minutes)
  • Specific Types of Installations (03:23 minutes)
  • PV System DC Circuit Grounding and Protection (03:42 minutes)
  • Equipment Grounding and Bonding (04:30 minutes)
  • Grounding Electrode System (03:29 minutes)
  • Article 691 Large-scale PV (01:35 minutes)
Module 3 • 11 assignments
Article 705: Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources

  • Module 3 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Article 705 Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources (43 seconds)
  • Scope and General Requirements (05:09 minutes)
  • 705.11 Source Connections to a Service (07:23 minutes)
  • 705.11(C) OCPD, GFPE, and Splices and Taps (07:50 minutes)
  • 705.11 Grounding and Bonding (03:47 minutes)
  • 705.12 Load-side Source Connections (01:25 minutes)
  • Source Disconnecting Means and Wiring Methods (03:28 minutes)
  • Circuit Sizing and Overcurrent Protection (04:40 minutes)
  • Ground Fault Protection (02:48 minutes)
  • Article 710 Stand-alone Systems (05:42 minutes)
Module 4 • 7 assignments
Articles 480 and 706: Stationary Batteries and Energy Storage Systems

  • Module 4 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Articles 480 and 706 Stationary Batteries and Energy Storage Systems (04:10 minutes)
  • Article 706 Scope and Listing (02:09 minutes)
  • More General Requirements (01:34 minutes)
  • 706 Part II Disconnecting Means (03:52 minutes)
  • Article 706 Part III (02:26 minutes)
  • Article 706 Parts IV, V, and VI (02:43 minutes)
Module 5 • 4 assignments
Articles 130 and 702: Energy Management Systems and Optional Standby Systems

  • Module 5 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • EMS and PCS Definitions and Overview (09:37 minutes)
  • Article 120 Load Calculations with PCS (07:53 minutes)
  • Article 702 Optional Standby Systems (04:29 minutes)
Module 6 • 5 assignments
Article 625: Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System

  • Module 6 Presentation PDF (.pdf)
  • Article 625 Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System (04:20 minutes)
  • Circuits, Loads, Ratings, and Settings (03:02 minutes)
  • Disconnecting Means (04:01 minutes)
  • Equipment Mounting and Fastening (02:38 minutes)
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

Continuing Education Units

Instructors

Brian Mehalic

Senior Consultant, Solar Tech Collective

Brian Mehalic is a NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional with over 22 years of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and servicing all types and sizes of PV and energy storage systems. He began his career as Lead Technician and Project Manager at EV Solar Products in Arizona then worked as Project Engineer for O2 Energies in North Carolina. He was a...

Rebekah Hren

Senior Consultant , Solar Tech Collective

Rebekah Hren has over twenty years of experience working in the solar and electrical industry. She is a qualified master electrician, and has served as a principal voting member on Code-Making Panel 4 for NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) since 2017.  She is a NABCEP board member and certified PV Installation Professional . Since 2007 she’s enjoyed teaching PV system...

Alex Jahp

Senior Consultant, Solar Tech Collective

Alex Jahp joined the solar industry in 2015 out of a passion for the environment, climate change, and sustainable development. He has since worn many hats – and hard hats – with roles in construction, design, and project management on projects from watts to megawatts throughout the US, Peru, and Guatemala. His work has taught him the important role that codes,...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

$79

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