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

About this course

This certification-track course goes over the basics of solar and how to install a tile roof system.

Completing this course gets you halfway to your IronRidge Solar PV Installation Certification.

IronRidge developed this free solar installation course. You'll walk through a full pv installation on a pitched roof with tile. You'll learn installation best practices, solar building codes and much more.

While IronRidge products are mentioned in this course, it's not just a product training. This is a valuable learning opportunity even if you're not an IronRidge customer. This is a great for people who are relatively new and want to be productive on the job right away.

Want to get IronRidge certified?

Complete this course as your first step toward becoming an IronRidge Certified Installer. After passing the final exam for this course, you’ll be eligible to register for a Hands-on Training event delivered by the IronRidge training team.

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

Course outline

13 modules • 87 assignments • 1:48 hours of video lectures

Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials

This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.

  • Introduction to IronRidge (03:00 minutes)
  • About IronRidge Installer Certification
Module 1 • 9 assignments
Introduction to Tile Roofs

  • Tile Roof Intro (40 seconds)
  • Tile Roofing Terms (01:35 minutes)
  • Tile Roofing Codes & Standards (IRC 905.3.7) (01:23 minutes)
  • Roofing Manufacturer's Installation Instructions (35 seconds)
  • TRI - Who They Are, What They Do (01:17 minutes)
  • Tile Underlayment (01:37 minutes)
  • Tile Types and Profiles (02:45 minutes)
  • Tile Attachment (01:45 minutes)
  • Tile Coursing (01:27 minutes)
Module 2 • 6 assignments
Flashing

  • Tile Flashing Guidelines (34 seconds)
  • Penetrating Tiles (20 seconds)
  • Tile Attachment Options (33 seconds)
  • Deck-Level Flashing (49 seconds)
  • Bibbing (01:26 minutes)
  • Three-Course Method (59 seconds)
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Evaluating Tile Roofs

  • Qualifying a Tile Roof (02:18 minutes)
  • Look for Existing Roof Leaks (51 seconds)
  • Watch for Hip Truss Issues (01:34 minutes)
  • Battens vs. Direct Deck (31 seconds)
  • Age and Condition of the Tile (01:20 minutes)
  • Examine the Valleys and Ridge Caps (01:02 minutes)
Module 4 • 6 assignments
Safety & Roof Preparation

  • Safety on Tile Roofs (41 seconds)
  • Walking on Tiles (01:06 minutes)
  • Removing Tiles (01:26 minutes)
  • Grinding and Cutting Tiles (01:15 minutes)
  • Cutting a Pass Through (25 seconds)
  • Notching a Weather Lug (46 seconds)
Module 5 • 6 assignments
Mounts & Attachments

  • Solar Mounts for Tile Roofs (26 seconds)
  • Tile Hooks (55 seconds)
  • Tile Replacement Mounts (56 seconds)
  • Post Style Attachments (01:11 minutes)
  • Choosing a Roof Attachment (02:07 minutes)
  • The Inset Method (45 seconds)
Module 6 • 12 assignments
Design and Site Preparation

  • Preparing for Installation (52 seconds)
  • Design Considerations (45 seconds)
  • Required Tools and Supplies (50 seconds)
  • Roofing Sealant (01:36 minutes)
  • Project Plans (45 seconds)
  • Module Orientation (33 seconds)
  • Roof Zones (01:51 minutes)
  • Know Your Jobsite (59 seconds)
  • Ladder Placement (02:51 minutes)
  • Identifying Roof Hazards (01:13 minutes)
  • Preparing Tools and Materials on the Ground (59 seconds)
  • Staging Materials on the Roof (01:56 minutes)
Module 7 • 9 assignments
Laying out the Array

  • Marking Array Dimensions (28 seconds)
  • Identifying the Array Location (02:38 minutes)
  • Determining Module Clamping Zones and Rail Spacing (02:36 minutes)
  • Determining Attachment Locations (48 seconds)
  • Staggered Attachments (28 seconds)
  • Determining Rail Cantilever (25 seconds)
  • Determining Rafter Locations (01:41 minutes)
  • Locating Missed Rafters (01:14 minutes)
  • Marking Attaching Locations (02:12 minutes)
Module 8 • 7 assignments
Tools and Materials

  • Installing Tile Replacement Attachments (19 seconds)
  • Required Tools and Materials (56 seconds)
  • Drilling Pilot Holes (01:36 minutes)
  • Installing Knockout Tile Base (34 seconds)
  • Optional Deck Level Flashing (15 seconds)
  • Installing Knockout Tile Replacement Flashing (55 seconds)
  • Installing Knockout Tile L-Foot (36 seconds)
Module 9 • 1 assignments
Tile Hooks

  • Installing Tile Hooks (02:25 minutes)
Module 10 • 11 assignments
Racking Installation

  • Installing Flush Mount Racking (18 seconds)
  • Rail Options (58 seconds)
  • Determining Rail Lengths and Making Cut List (02:07 minutes)
  • Cutting Rails (01:15 minutes)
  • Splicing Rails (41 seconds)
  • Expansion Joints (36 seconds)
  • Mounting Rails to Roof Attachments (51 seconds)
  • Squaring & Levelling Rails (01:56 minutes)
  • Attaching MLPE Devices (02:20 minutes)
  • Array Grounding and Bonding (01:42 minutes)
  • Housekeeping (33 seconds)
Module 11 • 3 assignments
Wire Management

  • Wire Management (04:10 minutes)
  • Rooftop Junction Boxes (01:26 minutes)
  • Tile Conduit Mounting (01:43 minutes)
Module 12 • 4 assignments
Modules

  • Module Installation (01:36 minutes)
  • Module Wire Management (01:07 minutes)
  • Handling Modules (01:29 minutes)
  • Installing Modules and Connecting MLPE Devices (04:19 minutes)
Module 13 • 4 assignments
Aesthetics and Summary

  • Array Aesthetics (56 seconds)
  • Hidden End Clamps (01:39 minutes)
  • End Cap Installation (19 seconds)
  • Summary (21 seconds)
Conclusion • 1 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey

Author

  • IronRidge Training Team

    View profile

    Whether you’re a new entrant to the solar industry, training your crew, or just refreshing your credentials, the IronRidge Installer Certification Program was built for you. 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. This is a self-study, self-paced course 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.
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?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

Reviews

4.8
Based on 29 reviews
125
students have taken this course
03/07/2023

I am a visual learner so these video courses really helped me. By breaking them up into small specific videos I was able to rewatch a video without having to go through a whole long video. I will make sure to recommend this course for anyone that is an installer working with my company.

evan ellingson
03/06/2024
RICARDO H
03/04/2024
Sami A

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