About this course

Instructor James Nagel has spent years walking commercial solar rooftops, and one problem keeps surfacing in project after project: failing rapid shutdown devices (RSDs). Paradoxically, these safety devices are the #1 cause of commercial rooftop PV system fires known to HelioVolta, an independent provider of renewable field inspections and technical services.

This course aims to help solar teams build and operate reliable PV systems that contain effective safety protections for first responders. Students will learn:
  • What RSDs are and how they work.
  • How RSDs differ from other module-level power electronics like power optimizers and microinverters.
  • How the National Electrical Code's rapid shutdown requirements have evolved over the past decade. 
  • Why RSDs are susceptible to catastrophic failure. 
  • Ways to to manage RSDs in operating assets.
  • Different approaches for rapid shutdown compliance in new projects. 
By the end of this course, students will understand the "what" and the "why" behind RSD failures and gain practical design, installation, and O&M guidance that can be applied today. 

Learning Objectives

  • Explain how RSDs typically work
  • Understand the NEC code history related to these devices
  • Learn best practices for new construction and operating assets
  • Explain What the Rapid Shutdown Function is
  • Become familiar with alternatives to RSDs

Course outline

2 modules
1 - 2 hours to complete
1:00 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Rapid Shutdown Devices and Safety Risks

The course is centered around HelioVolta's Overview on Rapid Shutdown systems, linked here:
HelioVolta's Overview of Rapid Shutdown Systems and Safety Risks

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Conclusion • 2 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!

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Instructor

James Nagel

Co-Founder & CTO, HelioVolta

James Nagel, PE is a licensed electrical engineer with nearly two decades of applied experience that spans the PV and energy storage engineering value chain, including modeling, system and product design, project finance, technical due diligence, quality control and assurance, root cause analysis, technical advisory, and asset management. He specializes in the safety,...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. 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?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
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.

Free

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