About this course

Build your solar business - and career - by leveraging drones and solar together. Five years ago this combination didn't really exist, but today it's an in-demand combo of skills.

Earn your NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) credential and learn the fundamentals of solar pv design and installation. Earn your FAA Part 107 license while becoming a qualified commercial drone pilot.

Both courses go beyond exam prep and teach you the things you really need to know to operate in the field contribute to the success of your organization.

Subjects covered

Solar Other Technology NABCEP Design and Installation Drones

Bundle outline

4 courses
Course 1 • 6 modules
Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep
Welcome • 22 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 • 15 assignments
History of Solar, Markets and Applications for Solar PV, and Safety Basics

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).

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Module 2 • 15 assignments
Electricity Basics + Solar Energy Fundamentals

This module 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.

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Module 3 • 18 assignments
PV Module Fundamentals and System Components

This module covers how solar photovoltaic (PV) technology works, the materials used to make PV modules, module efficiency, important formulas, temperature and voltage considerations, and how to test a PV system. It also provides definitions for the primary components that comprise a solar PV system.

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Module 4 • 22 assignments
PV System Sizing and Electrical Design

This module covers the factors to consider when sizing a grid-tied or off-grid system, system losses, tilt, factors that increase or decrease PV system output, single-line diagrams, ampacity, Ohm's Law, voltage drop, charge controllers, AC- and DC-coupled battery systems, battery charging stages, overcurrent protection devices, and determining voltage ranges.

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Module 5 • 26 assignments
PV System Mechanical Design, Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting

In this module, you will study PV System Mechanical Design, which goes along with Chapter 9 in Solar Photovoltaic Basics.

Also included in this module is Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting which goes along with Chapter 10 in Solar Photovoltaic Basics, which means you are getting close to the end!

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Module 6 • 14 assignments
Practice Exams

In this module, you'll take practice exams to see how well you've mastered the material presented during the course. These exams can be repeated here as many times as you want and are highly recommended to be used to prepare for the NABCEP PVA exam!

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Conclusion • 15 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 • 12 modules
Drone Pilot Boot Camp
Welcome • 8 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 • 17 assignments
Part 107 Regulations and Small UAS Weather

A close look at 14 CFR 107 (the commercial drone reg) and associated documents. Then a review of all the weather elements that affect sUAS operations.

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Module 2 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Operations, US Airspace & Charts

A real 'meaty'week with all the factors influencing sUAS operations and then the detailed look at US airspace and charts.

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Module 3 • 10 assignments
Small UAS Performance, Human Factors

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Module 4 • 8 assignments
Part 107 Exam Review

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Module 5 • 7 assignments
Field Operations Preparations

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Module 6 • 7 assignments
Pre-site Surveys, Job Hazard Assessments, Pre-deployment prep

A look at the days leading up to a job, with the study of the site and the task. The preparation for the team and finally getting the equipment ready. In this module we explore examples relevant to solar companies doing site surveys and inspections.

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Module 7 • 14 assignments
On Site Procedures, Normal & Emergency Operations

So you finally made it to the job site... What now?

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Module 8 • 9 assignments
Post-flight Activities, Data Handling & Report Production

The work doesn't stop when you get home... Getting the kit secured, maintained and ready for the next job. Then a look at the various processes, software, etc. to convert flights into cash...

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Module 9 • 5 assignments
Top Tips and Traps for Young Players and Live Fly Practicals

A look at the good, bad and the ugly of commercial drone operations then getting the birds airborne!

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Module 10 • 3 assignments
Evaluation Week

Brace yourself for trials and tribulations from air, sim and ground. Fear not. YOU. ARE. READY!

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Module 11 • 4 assignments
Graduation Week

A chance to catch your breath, celebrate and find a nice frame!

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Module 12 • 3 assignments
Post Grad Work

No resting on your laurels... Keep the work going!

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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!

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Course 3 • 1 modules
NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Practice Exam
Module 1 • 13 assignments
NABCEP PV Associate Practice Exam

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Course 4 • 1 modules
FAA Part 107 Practice Test
Module 1 • 2 assignments
FAA Part 107 Practice Test

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

  • 18 NABCEP PV Training Hours (passing score on the PV Associate exam required)
  • NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
  • NABCEP JTA
  • NABCEP RE Elective
  • NABCEP PV Associate Renewal

NABCEP Registered Provider

This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.

This course fulfills the training requirements to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam and HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered PV Associate Provider.

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...

Keven Gambold

CEO, Unmanned Experts

Keven Gambold (Squadron Leader RAF, Ret.) completed 21 years of active duty service with the Royal Air Force as a front-line combat pilot. After over 1500 hours in Tornado GR4 fast-jets, including active participation in all recent multi-national conflicts, Gambold joined a Combined Predator Task Force logging over 1500 hours of unmanned combat missions and two...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 0 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 1204 reviews from the 4 courses in this bundle
09/29/2025

Fabulous entry level course - strongly recommend taking this course to prepare for your NABCEP PVA certification exam!

Craig Schreder
09/21/2025

This course is a good opportunity to start learning about solar energy and solar panels. It provides a solid foundation and motivates further learning.

Brianna Moran
09/03/2025

i suggest you all to take this course

Qais Gharaibeh

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