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About this course

This course is developed and taught by Sean White and includes includes lectures from solar legend Bill Brooks. These are two of the best teachers you'll find in the industry and their goal with this course bundle is to unlock significant growth in the solar + storage market. Adding energy storage systems (ESS) is the next step in the renewable energy revolution. ESS not allows for renewable energy to be used at any time, they also allow the grid run more smoothly.


Dive deep with this advanced training on ESS paired with solar PV installations and relevant fire and building codes. This is your chance to get access to comprehensive, highly technical, and current information on the latest best practices with ESS. 


Students will learn the how about different energy storage technologies, how ESS installs are dictated by the National Electrical Code (NEC), how electric vehicles and bidirectional charging stations fit into the mix, building and fire codes related to PV and ESS installs, and more. 


This course bundle qualifies for 30 hours of advanced training required for NABCEP PV Certification Exams and all CEU hours for recertification. HeatSpring is an Accredited NABCEP Provider.

Subjects covered

Solar NABCEP Design and Installation Batteries and Storage

Bundle outline

3 courses
30 hours to complete
5 minutes of video lectures
Course 1 • 5 modules
Energy Storage Associate Boot Camp
Welcome • 9 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.

  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • Energy Storage Presentation (.pdf)
  • Book: Energy Storage Basics
  • Welcome!
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
  • Books and resources
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
Module 1 • 7 assignments
History of Energy Storage, Markets and Applications for ESS's, and Safety Basics

This week you'll learn about the beginnings of solar PV technology, current markets and applications for the technology, and the basic safety considerations and requirements for solar PV installers. Topics include: different types of PV systems, OSHA, National Electrical Code (NEC), arc flashes, overcurrent protection devices, fall protection, and lockout-tagout (LOTO).

  • Welcome! Plus AC and DC Coupling (27:43 minutes) Preview
  • Energy Storage Systems Overview (12:33 minutes)
  • Electrochemistry and History of Batteries (14:37 minutes)
  • Electricity Basics (13:35 minutes)
  • ESS Uses (26:42 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 1 Quiz
  • Quiz 1 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 2 • 8 assignments
Energy Storage Fundamentals

This week covers concepts, definitions, terminology, and formulas related to electricity. It also lays out the science, data, and principles you must understand to grasp how solar energy is collected. Topics include: Ohm's Law, power, energy, voltage, current, batteries, multimeters, measurement, types of DC connections, transmission, insolation data, solar time, sun paths, shading, and solar radiation.

  • ESS Units (25:58 minutes)
  • ESS Chemistries Part 1 (21:08 minutes) Preview
  • ESS Chemistries Part 2 (22:26 minutes)
  • Lithium Chemistries Deeper Dive Part 1 (15:00 minutes)
  • Lithium Chemistries Deeper Dive Part 2 (21:44 minutes)
  • Series and Parallel Wiring (11:29 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 2 Quiz
  • Quiz 2 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 3 • 15 assignments
Common components for Energy Storage Systems

For small and large scale energy storage systems, we will cover some of the top brands, how they work and how they are designed.

  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (1 of 2) (20:40 minutes) Preview
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (2 of 2) (31:15 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (1 of 2) (25:14 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (2 of 2) (21:25 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (1 of 2) (18:05 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (2 of 2) (15:26 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 4 (1 of 2) (16:41 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 4 (2 of 2) (28:43 minutes)
  • Common Components for Utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (27:35 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (1 of 2) (16:41 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (2 of 2) (20:46 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (1 of 2) (18:39 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (2 of 2) (21:00 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 3 Quiz
  • Quiz 3 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 4 • 11 assignments
Various Energy Storage System Topics.

In this module we cover virtual power plants, C-rates, supercapicitors, lithium vs. lead-acid batteries, battery discharging, state of charge, 3-phase power, grounding and off-grid systems.

  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP) (13:48 minutes) Preview
  • C-Rates, Supercapacitors, and more (19:36 minutes)
  • C-Rates Continued, Battery Basics, and more (19:43 minutes)
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries vs. Lead-Acid Batteries (30:51 minutes)
  • Battery Discharging Graphs Part 1 (24:59 minutes)
  • Battery Discharging Graphs Part 2 (19:14 minutes)
  • State of Charge (28:17 minutes)
  • 3-Phase Power, System Grounding, and Off-Grid Systems Part 1 (22:19 minutes)
  • 3-Phase Power, System Grounding, and Off-Grid Systems Part 2 (20:02 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 4 Quiz
  • Quiz 4 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 5 • 31 assignments
More ESS!

  • Line/Load Side Connections, IPC's, grounding, and more! Part 1 (24:18 minutes)
  • Line/Load Side Connections, IPC's, grounding, and more! Part 2 (21:45 minutes)
  • NEC Update for IPCs effective 1/1/23 even for the 2020 NEC.
  • Different ESS Technologies Part 1 (19:14 minutes) Preview
  • Different ESS Technologies Part 2 (19:51 minutes)
  • Flywheels Part 1 (13:02 minutes)
  • Flywheels Part 2 (21:08 minutes)
  • Gravity (12:40 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Markets Part 1 (22:30 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Markets Part 2 (17:35 minutes)
  • Energy Storage Tech Comparisons including Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid, Sodium Sulfur, UL 9540 and UL 1973 Part 1 (19:27 minutes)
  • Energy Storage Tech Comparisons including Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid, Sodium Sulfur, UL 9540 and UL 1973 Part 2 (21:01 minutes)
  • NEC and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) including Article 706 Parts I and II (1 of 2) (23:35 minutes)
  • NEC and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) including Article 706 Parts I and II (2 of 2) (20:59 minutes)
  • NEC Article 706 Energy Storage Systems part III to end (1 of 2) (15:28 minutes)
  • NEC Article 706 Energy Storage Systems part III to end (2 of 2) (16:08 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Code in the NEC besides Article 706 ESS Part 1 (22:23 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Code in the NEC besides Article 706 ESS Part 2 (16:13 minutes)
  • NEC 4- Chapter 6, 7, 8 and 9 (21:18 minutes)
  • NEC 5 - Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 1 (21:33 minutes)
  • NEC 5 - Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 2 (17:52 minutes)
  • Backfeeding the grid with a Tesla Model S (02:01 minutes)
  • 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)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (BB) (18:12 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 5 Quiz
  • Quiz 5 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
  • ESS Boot Camp Final Exam
  • Final Exam Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
  • New Information Version 2
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!

  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn if you have not already
  • 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 2 • 3 modules
10-Hour Energy Storage 2020 NEC Class
Welcome • 9 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.

  • Introduction to 10-hour Energy Storage 2020 NEC Class (08:29 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Free Download and 2020 NEC Free Access
  • Books and resources
  • Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • Photovoltaic Systems and the National Electric Code Book by Sean White and Bill Brooks
  • Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 5 assignments
NEC Overview

  • Overview: NEC Chapters 4, 5 & 6. 4 is Equipment for General Use and includes 480 Storage Batteries, 5 is Special Occupancies and 6 is Special Equipment and includes 690 PV! (20:50 minutes)
  • Overview: NEC Chapter 7 Video 1 of 2 including Articles 705 Interconnections, 706 Energy Storage Systems and 710 Stand-Alone Systems (23:32 minutes)
  • Overview: NEC Chapter 7 Video 2 of 2, including Articles 710 Stand Alone Systems and 712 DC Microgrids (24:26 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 1 (15:38 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 2 (17:11 minutes)
Module 2 • 17 assignments
Energy Storage Systems (706) and Interconnections

  • 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 1 (20:04 minutes)
  • 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 2 (16:26 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 12 - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 1 (25:51 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 12 - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 2 (20:46 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (22:29 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (10:56 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks talks Storage Batteries Article 480 (03:30 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks talks EV Power Transfer Station (EV charging and EV to Grid) (05:38 minutes) Preview
  • Bill gets excited talking about 705.13 Power Control Systems (08:16 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 1 Supply and Load Side Connections (07:44 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 2 with ESS Implications and Markets (11:51 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 3 More 705.13 PCS and MIDs (08:04 minutes)
  • More EV to Grid-Full Circle with Bill Brooks (07:14 minutes) Preview
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 4 Supply-Side Connections and Microgrids (10:16 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 5 Wire Sizing and Supply-Side Connections (05:52 minutes) Preview
  • NEC Update for IPCs effective 1/1/23 even for the 2020 NEC.
  • Bill Brooks on 705 Video 6 Load-Side Connections (26:10 minutes)
Module 3 • 7 assignments
More NEC

  • Answer to Question on Connecting PV System to a Split Bus Panel (10:59 minutes)
  • Code-Compliant Conductor Sizing - SolarPro (PDF) (.pdf)
  • Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: a 2021 take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 1 (16:41 minutes)
  • Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: a 2021 take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 2 (18:55 minutes)
  • Wire Sizing (Chapter 12 PV and the NEC) Reading Assignment-advanced topic (.pdf)
  • PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (.pdf)
  • Grounding electrode schemes and transformers with emphasis on utility-scale (double advanced topic). (21:27 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
Course 3 • 1 modules
2-Hour Advanced Solar Building & Fire Codes
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 • 15 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)
  • 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 JTA
  • NABCEP NEC
  • NABCEP Building or Fire Code
  • 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
30 30 16 30 24 4
0 24 0 0 0 0
30 30 16 20 34 4
30 30 16 30 24 4
30 30 16 30 24 4
25 30 0 30 24 4
30 30 16 30 24 4
0 10 10 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

Sean White

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

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...

Bill Brooks

Principal, Brooks Engineering

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...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
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 Teams page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 452 reviews from the 3 courses in this bundle
08/22/2024

We all experience some level of apprehensive when deciding to take a solar course, this iis the best. Try it for. yourself!

Bhagwan Asnani
02/21/2024

Definitely one of the best courses i have taken online. instructor makes it easy to understand by explaining every detail of the content. the course is done at your own pace, giving you time to take small braakes if needed, and able to have time throughout the day for daily life activities. Definitely recoment to take this course.

Ever Gamboa Garcia
Technician , Molen Services Inc.
02/20/2024

The course was well structured and comprehensive; it tackles energy storage systems from different angles: science, applications, and most importantly the codes the pertain to ESS.

Zeina Abbas

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