This is a bundle of these 2 courses
About this course
NABCEP's PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Board Certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of PV system designers. This Board Certification demonstrates your proven ability to configure the mechanical and electrical design components of PV systems.
This NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification Prep Course gives you the advanced hours and knowledge required to earn NABCEP PVDS Certification.
The PVDS Practice Exam is included with the prep course - it's a great way to prepare and get comfortable so you can pass the PVDS exam on your first try.
Note: Some people have requested a 'speedier' version of this course that includes fewer hours of advanced training. We've made it available here, but still recommend the 40-hour version as the best way to pass the exam.
Subjects covered
Solar
NABCEP
Design and Installation
Certification Prep
Bundle outline
2 courses
40 hours to complete
5 minutes
of video lectures
Course 1 •
6
modules
40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs
Course 1 •
6
modules
40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs
Welcome • 21 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 21 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.
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Module 1 • 55 assignments
Introduction and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
Module 1 • 55 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.
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Module 2 • 21 assignments
National Electrical Code - Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Module 2 • 21 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.
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Module 3 • 18 assignments
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Other Solar and Storage Related Articles
Module 3 • 18 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!
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!
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Module 4 • 23 assignments
Safety, Wire Sizing, Building Codes and Fire Codes
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.
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Module 5 • 9 assignments
Practice Exam for NABCEP PV Certification and Trig
Module 5 • 9 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.
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Module 6 • 71 assignments
Question-by-Question Practice Exam Review
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.
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Conclusion • 11 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
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!
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Course 2 •
1
modules
NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Practice Exam
Course 2 •
1
modules
NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Practice Exam
Module 1 • 15 assignments
NABCEP PVDS Certification Practice Exams
Module 1 • 15 assignments
NABCEP PVDS Certification Practice Exams
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Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 6 NEC Hours
- NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
- NABCEP NEC
- NABCEP JTA
- NABCEP RE Elective
- NABCEP PV Associate Renewal
- NABCEP Building or Fire Code
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 FAQHow 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.