Check out HeatSpring's new free course and get a NABCEP CEU and AIA LUs - Introduction to Architectural Solar!

About this course

This course will teach you the basics of solar PV. This course was last updated October 2023. The course is intended for newcomers to the solar industry and can be taken any time. Participants can expect to learn:
  • An introduction to electricity and solar
  • History of the solar industry and market applications
  • Safety basics
  • Solar installation basics
  • PV module fundamentals
  • And more!

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

Course outline

2 modules • 21 assignments • 1:46 hours of video lectures

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)

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.

Author

  • 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?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
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, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 1711 reviews
10,580
students have taken this course
09/26/2022

I really enjoy this course everything was good and brief I really enjoyed learning about the PV designs thank you for that

Ahmad Williams
09/26/2022

The course is very informing so make sure you listen up for close details, teaches us new vocabulary and breaks down how things should be done.

BreNaia Johnson Roberson
08/21/2022

For me its just great, Thank you

Ahsan Rasheed

The use of technology such as cookies allows HeatSpring to operate and improve the functionality of our website and derive insights about our audience.

You can read more about our privacy policy here.