About this course

This course covers the International Code Council (ICC) Building and Fire Codes for solar PV and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), including the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC).


NABCEP requires 2 hours of Building and Fire Codes for different certifications, and renewal of some certifications. This class fulfills those requirements. Bill Brooks is instrumental in putting the material into the building and fire codes for solar and energy storage. This class also fulfills the "other renewable energy" requirement for NABCEP credit.


Most people focus on studying the NEC when they are learning about how to correctly install solar and storage systems, however there are different codes that also apply, which include the Solar and Building Codes. Many solar professionals are familiar with the 3-foot pathways on the roof for firefighter access, but are not sure where to look up these rules. We will also cover where to install energy storage systems on or in buildings and a lot more. 


After taking this class, you will understand where these codes are found and how to access them easily for free on the internet.

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Course outline

3 modules • 22 assignments • 2 hours to complete • 3:42 hours of video lectures

Welcome • 2 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
Module 1 • 16 assignments
2-Hour Advanced Solar Building & Fire Codes

  • About this Building and Fire Code Class
  • Where to find the International Code Council (ICC) Codes
  • Books and resources
  • Go-At-Your-Own-Pace
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (27:36 minutes)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (16:21 minutes)
  • International Fire Code (IFC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (07:42 minutes)
  • 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks and related topics (32:20 minutes)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (BB) (18:12 minutes) Preview
  • Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 1 - 2020 NFPA 855 Energy Storage Systems, IRC, IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, ICC (08:41 minutes)
  • Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 2 Roof Setbacks (30:55 minutes)
  • Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 3 The ICC i-codes (13:40 minutes)
  • Video 1 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (24:43 minutes)
  • Video 2 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (20:04 minutes)
  • Video 3 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (22:21 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

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 Registered Provider

This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.

Instructors

  • Bill Brooks

    Principal, Brooks Engineering
    View profile

    Bill Brooks PE, of Brooks Engineering LLC, has over 30 years of experience designing, installing, and evaluating grid-connected PV systems. More than 12,000 installers and inspectors have attended his courses throughout the U.S. and abroad. His field troubleshooting skills have been valuable in determining where problems occur to focus training on those issues of... Learn more

  • Sean White

    2014 IREC Trainer of the Year, HeatSpring / White House Energy Inc. / Sean White Solar / Norcal Solar
    View profile

    Sean 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

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. 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 get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. 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.
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 HeatSpring for Groups page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 112 reviews
193
students have taken this course
05/12/2022

Great course. A must take to keep up with new updates on Solar and Fire Code. Highly recommended.

Art Krebs
CEO, Krebs Ventures LLC dba Construction Art
08/22/2024

Keep it up :)

Bhagwan Asnani
06/21/2024

These two guys (Sean and Bill) are as good as it gets! The training they provide and the speed at which it's done is perfect in my opinion. I've been learning from these two for many years and I always learn something new that helps me with my career in the solar industry.

Terry Parker

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