About this course

Updated for the latest NABCEP PV Certification Exams

This course is developed and taught by Sean White and includes includes lectures from solar legend Bill Brooks.

This course qualifies for 40 hours of advanced training required for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam as well as hours for all other NABCEP PV Certification Exams and CEU hours for recertification. HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered Provider.

Dive deep into advanced solar PV installation and design principles and practices addressed in the NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis. You'll get access to detailed information and test-taking strategies specifically focused on the latest NABCEP PV Certification exams.

The main instructor for this course, Sean White, is one of HeatSpring's most popular and highest rated instructors. Sean is available to answer questions on the discussion board while you work through the course materials during your one-year session. He is extremely responsive and answers questions in great detail. Sean Answers every question on a daily basis 99% of the time.

He is an IREC Master Trainer, was named 2014 Clean Energy Trainer of the Year, has taught thousands of professionals on solar technology, contributed to the development of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis, has been a member of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Technical Committee, and has published multiple books on solar PV design and installation.

In order to complete this course, you'll need to purchase a copy of Sean White's PV Engineering and Installation, a Preparation for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional, Specialist and Inspector Certification Exams 2nd Edition. It is also recommended to get a copy of the book PV and the NEC by Sean White and Bill Brooks.

This course includes many references to the National Electrical Code (NEC). It may be helpful for you to get a copy of the 2017 NEC. It's important to note that NABCEP is on the 2017 NEC for all certification exams. It is expected that NABCEP will adopt the 2020 NEC in 2022, so if you plan on taking NABCEP exams in 2022, plan accordingly. This course has information for both the 2017 and 2020 NEC, which Bill Brooks was intimately involved with writing.

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

Learning Objectives

  • Solar PV and the 2017 & 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Advanced best practices for solar PV design, installation, commissioning, and sales
  • Prepare for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam
  • NABCEP Approved Advanced Training Hours for every NABCEP PV Certification

Free course preview

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Course outline

6 modules • 228 assignments • 31:51 hours of video lectures

Welcome • 19 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.

  • 2017 NEC Free Download
  • 2020 NEC Information and Purchase Options
  • Important: Purchase a copy of "Solar PV Engineering and Installation: Preparation for the NABCEP PV Certification Exams" (.pdf)
  • Photovoltaic Systems and the National Electric Code Book by Sean White and Bill Brooks
  • Optional: "The Science Behind How We Learn New Skills"
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • Announcement regarding NABCEP Certification Exams and the NEC Adoption
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
  • Feedback from an highly knowledgable student after taking and passing the NABCEP PVIP exam
  • Introducing Bill Brooks! (14:40 minutes) Preview
  • Announcement: All NABCEP Exams can be taken at home
  • Go-At-Your-Own-Pace
  • NABCEP Adoption of 2020 NEC is moved back again, now 2024
  • Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
  • Calculator and NEC Codebook Rules from Scantron Testing Centers for NABCEP Certification Exams
  • Books and resources
  • Free Additional Practice Exam
Module 1 • 58 assignments
Introduction and the National Electrical Code (NEC)

In this opening module you will get to know your instructor, explore various solar resources, do some foundational reading, learn about important terms and concepts that you'll need to memorize or at least familiarize yourself with, and do an in-depth review of the sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) that relate to solar PV design and installation.

  • Introduction (11:48 minutes) Preview
  • Read: Chapter 1 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Memorize and Familiarize
  • Resources Part 1 PV Labs (07:59 minutes)
  • Resources Part 2 PV Watts (26:00 minutes)
  • Resources Part 3 Design Software and solarabcs (18:37 minutes)
  • Resources Part 4 NABCEP PVIP Information (26:49 minutes)
  • Resources Part 5 Other NABCEP Certifications and Prices for all Certifications (20:17 minutes)
  • Resources Part 6 Solar Websurfing (27:08 minutes)
  • Markets and Getting Up To Speed (13:08 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 1: Memory Techniques (05:45 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 2: NEC Articles 100 Definitions and 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations (10:12 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 3: NEC Articles 200-250 including 230 Services, 240 Overcurrent Protection and 250 Grounding and Bonding (10:11 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 4: NEC Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials, including the 310 Tables and different Articles on installing Conduits, such as EMT or Cables (11:09 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 5: 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)
  • Memorize and Familiarize - Video 6: NEC Chapter 7 Video 1 of 2 including Articles 705 Interconnections, 706 Energy Storage Systems and 710 Stand-Alone Systems (23:32 minutes) Preview
  • Memorize and Familiarize - Video 7 NEC Chapter 7 Video 2 of 2, including Articles 710 Stand Alone Systems and 712 DC Microgrids (24:26 minutes) Preview
  • Memorize and Familiarize - Video 8: NEC Chapter 9 Tables and Annex C Conduit and Tubing Fill Tables for Conductors and Fixture Wires of the Same Size (08:26 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize - Video 9 Useful Information (19:37 minutes)
  • Memorize and Familiarize Video 10: More Useful Information (25:13 minutes)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read: Chapter 2 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - The National Electric Code
  • Presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
  • Free Access to the National Electrical Code (NEC) - NFPA (Registration required)
  • Audio 2020 NEC Article 690 Reading - Radio 690! (.m4a)
  • NEC Notes
  • NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 1 (29:57 minutes)
  • NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 2 (16:35 minutes)
  • NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 3 (17:55 minutes)
  • NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 1 (19:39 minutes) Preview
  • NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 2 (19:49 minutes)
  • NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 1 (16:40 minutes)
  • NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 2 (16:44 minutes)
  • NEC Articles 210 Branch Circuits, 215 Feeders and 230 Services (20:47 minutes)
  • NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 1 (22:47 minutes)
  • NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 2 (19:51 minutes)
  • NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (26:36 minutes) Preview
  • NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (21:14 minutes)
  • NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 1 (15:06 minutes)
  • NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 2 (21:46 minutes)
  • NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 1 (14:57 minutes) Preview
  • NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 2 (18:53 minutes)
  • NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 3 (21:11 minutes)
  • 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 1 (15:19 minutes)
  • 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 2 (17:27 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 1 (15:38 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 2 (17:11 minutes)
  • NEC Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8 (10:42 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 1 (28:19 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 2 (19:32 minutes)
  • NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 3 (15:09 minutes)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #2
  • Informational Annexes (11:16 minutes)
  • Reference: NABCEP PV Installation Professional Resource Guide (.pdf)
  • Reference: "Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems" (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Certification Exam Fees (new in 2020) (.png)
  • Updating Course Material - If you completed a module and later it says you did not, you can just click on if you want it to show as completed.
  • To view your test results
  • 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced Module 1 Adv. PV Quiz
Module 2 • 20 assignments
National Electrical Code - Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

This module, you will go through Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Familiarity with this part of the NEC is critical for solar designers and installers.

  • Read: Chapter 3 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 690: Solar PV Systems
  • 2017 Versus 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • 2017 NEC Video 1 - Introduction to 690.2 (18:42 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 2 - 690.7 Voltage (16:59 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 3 - 690.8 Current (22:18 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 4 - 690.9 Overcurrent Protection (14:13 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 5 - 690.10 Stand-Alone Systems and 690.11 DC Arc-Fault Protection (06:00 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 1 (21:12 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 2 (25:23 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 7 - 690 Part III Disconnecting Means (19:32 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 8 - 690 Part IV Wiring Methods (30:06 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (18:01 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (17:04 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 10 - 690 Part VI to End of Article 690 (23:03 minutes)
  • 2017 NEC Video 11 - 691 Large-Scale Photovoltaic (19:10 minutes)
  • Grounding electrode schemes and transformers with emphasis on utility-scale (double advanced topic) (21:27 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 1 Outside of the Array Boundary (14:57 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 2 inside of the Array Boundary (20:17 minutes)
  • News: 690.12(B)(2)(1) Rapid Shutdown UL Listing
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #1
Module 3 • 19 assignments
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Other Solar and Storage Related Articles

There are many NEC Articles besides Article 690 that are important to know about. This includes: Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Article 706 Energy Storage Systems Article 710 Stand-Alone Systems Article 712 DC Microgrids Article 625 EV Power Transfer Station And more!

  • Read: Chapter 4 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 705: Interconnections
  • 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)
  • 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 1 (20:04 minutes)
  • 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 2 (17:26 minutes)
  • Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (22:29 minutes) Preview
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #1
Module 4 • 23 assignments
Safety, Wire Sizing, Building Codes and Fire Codes

Always good to be safe, so safely size your wires and to understand some of the building and fire codes. For the NABCEP exam, do not worry so much about Bill's Building Codes and Fire Codes, however it is important information and for those of you looking for NABCEP Continuing Education (CE) this is a requirement.

  • Read: Chapter 5 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Safety, Strategy, and Investing Your Time Wisely
  • Video Responses to Detailed Questions
  • Answer to Question on System Sizing (19:46 minutes)
  • Answer to Question on Connecting PV System to a Split Bus Panel (10:14 minutes)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read: Chapter 6 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Wire Sizing
  • 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) (.pdf)
  • Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 1- 2020 NFPA 855 Energy Storage Systems, IRC, IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, ICC (08:41 minutes) Preview
  • 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 (13:50 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 1 Part 1 (optional) (14:29 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 1 Part 2 (optional) (20:53 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 2 (optional) (23:14 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 3 (optional) (21:06 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 4 Part 1 (optional) (21:48 minutes)
  • Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 4 Part 2 (optional) (23:51 minutes)
  • PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (.pdf)
  • UL PV Listing 61730 replacing UL 1703 for making the test work around the world and UL 3741 listing for Rapid Shutdown (Hazard Control Systems) with Bill Brooks PE (12:08 minutes)
  • UL 3741 Rapid Shutdown solution where the PV array can stay up to 1000V using SMA inverters with Sollega or Ironridge racks! (16:53 minutes)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #2
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Practice Exam for NABCEP PV Certification and Trig

Here we have a full practice exam that will prepare you for the NABCEP Certification exams. Be sure to check that you also have access to other NABCEP Certification exams which is organized as a separate course. Also covered in the module are trigonometry concepts you'll need for some solar calculations. The NABCEP certification exams have been known to have 1 or 2 questions that you can use trig to solve.

  • Read Chapter 7 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Solar Trigonometry
  • Trigonometry Review Part 1 (19:19 minutes)
  • Trigonometry Review Part 2 (14:34 minutes)
  • Optional Discussion Board Post #1
  • Important: Data for Questions 41-45 on Practice Exam (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Practice Exam 2 - 70 Questions
  • NABCEP Practice Exam 2 - 70 Questions Answer with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
Module 6 • 71 assignments
Question-by-Question Practice Exam Review

Review each question from the practice exam to understand how to arrive at the correct answer.

  • Question 1 Explained (04:03 minutes)
  • Question 2 Explained (05:14 minutes)
  • Question 3 Explained (05:38 minutes)
  • Question 4 Explained (05:21 minutes)
  • Question 5 Explained (03:26 minutes)
  • Question 6 Explained (04:29 minutes)
  • Question 7 Explained (03:40 minutes)
  • Question 8 Explained (05:44 minutes)
  • Question 9 Explained (03:02 minutes)
  • Question 10 Explained (03:14 minutes)
  • Question 11 Explained (15:14 minutes)
  • Question 12 Explained (08:37 minutes)
  • Question 13 Explained (01:45 minutes)
  • Question 14 Explained (02:37 minutes)
  • Question 15 Explained (02:49 minutes)
  • Question 16 Explained (05:53 minutes)
  • Question 17 Explained (02:30 minutes)
  • Question 18 Explained (02:05 minutes)
  • Question 19 Explained (03:10 minutes)
  • Question 20 Explained (02:39 minutes)
  • Question 21 Explained (06:33 minutes)
  • Question 22 Explained (03:52 minutes)
  • Question 23 Explained (01:53 minutes)
  • Question 24 Explained (03:02 minutes)
  • Question 25 Explained (06:34 minutes)
  • Question 26 Explained (04:32 minutes)
  • Question 27 Explained
  • Question 28 Explained (37 seconds)
  • Question 29 Explained (03:03 minutes)
  • Question 30 Explained (03:25 minutes)
  • Question 31 Explained (02:59 minutes)
  • Question 32 Explained (04:44 minutes)
  • Question 33 Explained (01:52 minutes)
  • Question 34 Explained (03:13 minutes)
  • Question 35 Explained (03:43 minutes)
  • Question 36 Explained (02:28 minutes)
  • Question 37 Explained (02:31 minutes)
  • Question 38 Explained (02:47 minutes)
  • Question 39 Explained (02:22 minutes)
  • Question 40 Explained (11:24 minutes)
  • Question 41 Explained (07:11 minutes)
  • Question 42 Explained (06:10 minutes)
  • Question 43 Explained (03:37 minutes)
  • Question 44 Explained (05:01 minutes)
  • Question 45 Explained (10:28 minutes)
  • Question 46 Explained (02:30 minutes)
  • Question 47 Explained (02:05 minutes)
  • Question 48 Explained (02:05 minutes)
  • Question 49 Explained (02:23 minutes)
  • Question 50 Explained (03:03 minutes)
  • Question 51 Explained (06:25 minutes)
  • Question 52 Explained (07:24 minutes) Preview
  • Question 53 Explained (02:37 minutes)
  • Question 54 Explained (02:22 minutes)
  • Question 55 Explained (02:39 minutes)
  • Question 56 Explained (02:16 minutes)
  • Question 57 Explained (01:45 minutes)
  • Question 58 Explained (02:10 minutes)
  • Question 59 Explained (02:15 minutes)
  • Question 60 Explained (01:33 minutes)
  • Question 61 Explained (03:26 minutes)
  • Question 62 Explained (03:00 minutes)
  • Question 63 Explained (02:36 minutes)
  • Question 64 Explained
  • Question 65 Explained (04:34 minutes)
  • Question 66 Explained (01:58 minutes)
  • Question 67 Explained (02:19 minutes)
  • Question 68 Explained (01:38 minutes)
  • Question 69 Explained (02:37 minutes)
  • Question 70 Explained (04:17 minutes)
  • Announcement regarding NABCEP PVIP Exam
Conclusion • 11 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!

  • Lots of additional optional videos and audio recordings
  • NABCEP Application: Start your application for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam
  • NABCEP Certification Exam Scheduling Email from NABCEP (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Practice Exam 1 (70-Question) Questions with Explanations (.pdf)
  • Bonus Practice Exam (30-Question) Questions with Explanations (.pdf)
  • $100 Discount for "Drone Pilot Boot Camp"
  • NABCEP Exam Pep Talk (48 seconds) Preview
  • 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 Building or Fire Code
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 6 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 does this course take to complete
You get access to all of the course materials as soon as you enroll and can ask Sean questions on the discussion board for a full year.

You can move as fast or slow as you want through the course materials. Since the course includes 6 modules, we recommend a pace of working 5-10 hours per week for 6 weeks. Some students power through it all into one week, some take a whole year. You can always rewatch videos or skip ahead and come back.

Almost all of our students are working professionals in the industry so we try to make the course as flexible as possible so it can be completed alongside a full time job. We will send you weekly emails to help you push through the material but those emails are just informational and you can complete the course at your own pace.

After you complete all of the course materials and pass all of the quizzes, you can sign the honor code and request a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion will include CEU hours and can be used as documentation with NABCEP.

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 the NABCEP certification exam based on the 2017 NEC or the new 2020 NEC code? Which code does this course cover?
All NABCEP certification exams are currently based on the 2017 NEC. Until this so changes our exam prep courses, including this course will continue to focus on the 2017 NEC.

Your instructor Sean White did add a new free course on the 2020 NEC here as well which you can access for free by enrolling here: Photovoltaics and the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC).

Does this course qualify me for the NABCEP PV Design Specialist Certification or other NABCEP PV Certifications?
HeatSpring is an accredited provider with NABCEP and yes this course is pre-approved for Advanced PV Training hours required by NABCEP to sit for the PV Design Specialist Certification exam or any other NABCEP
PV Certification exam. It also counts for sub-categories of hours (NEC etc) but the number of hours varies for each NABCEP credential.

To see exactly how many hours this course counts for, please use our 3-step NABCEP Credential Course Finder .

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.
Would you please help me to understand how your course may differ from other online options (i.e. Solaraigen, Everblue, etc)?
Here is what we can tell you about our course:

Our course is taught by expert instructor Dr. Sean White. You get access to all of the course materials as soon as you enroll and can ask Sean questions on the discussion board. Sean is one of our most highly rated and reviewed instructor and answers every question typically within one business day, usually in great detail. You can optionally read through all of the past questions and answers from other students.

The course materials are actually a lot more than 40 hours of content, but the course is approved by NABCEP for 40 Advanced PV Training hours towards the NABCEP PV Certification exams. The course includes over 50 hours of core content as well as an additional 38 hours of optional content.

Sean is an IREC Master Trainer and was named trainer of the year. He is also an author with several books on PV Installation one of which you will need for the course. He will connect with you on LinkedIn.

So the structure of this course connects you with an expert who can answer your questions, and also provides a large amount of high quality content related to both passing the NABCEP exam as well as instruction on advanced solar PV installation and design topics.

The course is intended for industry professionals so our online format is flexible and you can move as fast or slow as you want. You can see the (mostly) outstanding student feedback here for this course.

Does this course cover sections from NEC Chapter 2? If so, which sections?
We do cover Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection as it applies to Solar PV Systems, specifically Articles/Sections:

250 Grounding and Bonding

Sections:
250.50 Grounding Electrode Systems
250.52 Grounding Electrodes
250.53 Grounding Electrode System Installation
250.54 Auxiliary Grounding Electrodes
250.64 Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation
250.66 Size of ac GEC
250.120 EGC Installation
250.122 Size of EGCs
250.166 Size of dc GEC
240 Overcurrent Protection

Sections:
240.4 Protection of Conductors
240.5 (Will be in 2020 NEC updated material in January)
240.6 Standard Ampere Ratings
240.21 Location in Circuit (Feeder Taps)
Much of the details of overcurrent protection and wire sizing for Solar PV Systems is in Article 690. We do cover the specifics of wire sizing, which can be related to wire sizing of non-solar loads.

And a little bit of:

200 Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors

Sections:
200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors
230 Services

Sections:
230.2 Number of Services
230.82 Equipment Connected to Supply Side of Service

Much of the Chapter 2 material that we do cover is referenced when Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic Systems or Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources sends us to Chapter 2.

I am seeking to get NABCEP PVTS certified, I will need 32 hours or training. I am confused as this course appears to offer 40 hours of credits but at the bottom it says only 20 are applicable for PVTS certification, can you please clarify? I see another 20 for JTA, what is this for?
Yes this can be confusing. NABCEP has approved this course for Advanced Training Hours and CEU hours. The number of hours approved is different for some of the certifications and CEU subcategories, including the PV Technical Sales Certification (PVTS).

NABCEP only counts 20 hours for this course towards the PVTS certification because that's all the PVTS applicable content. If you take the course, you would be able to click through other content you don't need, or watch it if you want for your own education.

Yes the 20 JTA is 20 hours of Job Task Analysis CEUs for continuing education requirements. You would need that to recertify every 3 years. To sit for the exam you just need the Advanced Training hours.

For more information, visit the PV Technical Sales Certification detail page. The Megawatt Design and Comprehensive Solar Plus Storage courses offer more Advanced Training hours towards the PVTS. And the Photovoltaics and the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC)' course listed there is free and counts for 2 hours, so that would give you the 32 hours total you need.

Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 475 reviews
1,794
students have taken this course
05/23/2023

Looked for a class that gave me the necessary knowledge and a good guide to study. The practice exam and explanations are a great learning tool!

Jhoan Hernandez
01/20/2023

Sean White and Bill Brooks explain things well and are very reponsive to to questions during the course. Very recommended course to take.

Ted Monhollon
11/04/2022

This is the best course for solar that you can get. I started last year as a laborer, worked my way as a technician and now I am a field manager due to this course. I use the information every day on our job sites, I feel confident with what I know and the results show in our arrays.

Chris Young
Solar Installer, Peninsula Solar

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