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Solar
Design and Installation
NABCEP
Certification Prep
Safety

Solar PV Boot Camp + NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep

by Sean White • Last updated 11/2022

4.7/5 (view ratings)
2368 students
6 modules
CEUs
19:44 hours
133 assignments

Course description

Pass your NABCEP exam the first time - Guaranteed We specialize in preparing students for the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) exam and our 95% student success rate proves how valuable this course is in helping you pass on your first try. In fact, we guarantee that you'll pass on the first try and if you don't we will refund your exam fee or let you take the exam again at no charge.

Electricians, contractors, or career-changers: learn the fundamentals of solar PV systems and get expert help prepping for and passing the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Associate Exam. You'll have access to an expert instructor, lecture videos, useful resources and practice quizzes to help you pass the NABCEP PV Associate exam and earn this well recognized industry credential.

The instructor for this course, Sean White, is one of HeatSpring's most popular and highest rated instructors. He is available to answer questions on the discussion board while you work through the course materials. He is extremely responsive and answers questions in great detail. He is an IREC Master Trainer, was named 2014 Clean Energy Trainer of the Year, travels around the world to teach seminars on solar technology, served on the NABCEP technical committee, and recently published two books on solar design and installation.

HeatSpring is a NABCEP Registered Provider, a NABCEP PV Associate Exam provider and the official NABCEP PV Associate training partner of the NABCEP 2021 CE Conference.

When you finish this course, you will be eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. The exam can now be taken at home via Live Online Proctoring on your own computer or at any of the 1,350 Scantron testing centers in the world. Learn more about NABCEP Exams.

Not Included - Exam Fee
The NABCEP PV Associate Exam fee is a separate fee charged by NABCEP when scheduling your exam after you have completed the course. After completing the course and earning a certificate of completion, students can optionally submit a NABCEP application and $150 exam fee in the last module of the course. We guarantee that you will pass the exam on your first try, if you don't we will refund the $150 exam fee or let you take the exam again at no charge.

To earn 18 Advanced NABCEP credits, you will need to complete the course AND pass the NABCEP PV Associate Exam.
This only applies you are planning to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification exam or other NABCEP PV Certification exams, AND you need the 18 hours of Advanced PV Training credit for this course. If that is the case then you must pass the PV Associate Exam in order for the 18 hours to be valid with NABCEP.

To get the most out of this course, you should also buy a copy of Sean White's book: Solar Photovoltaic Basics: A Study Guide for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. The book covers the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and focuses on preparation for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. You can buy the book online for about $35, we provide a link in the course for some options.

Get your NABCEP credential the easy way.

The sooner you get your NABCEP credential, the sooner you are on your way to a lucrative career. We can help you pass the NABCEP PV Associate and get you on your way to a NABCEP PV Certification. Not to mention delivering to you the important professional grade knowledge you need to be successful in the industry.

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

Preview the course material

Check out a free preview of the course by clicking the button below. This is a live assignment from the course and will give you a good sense for what the course will be like.

Free course preview!

Continuing Education Units

Approved for: 18 NABCEP PV Training Hours (passing score on the PV Associate exam required).

Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
NABCEP Credential Advanced Hours for Exam Recertification CEU Hours NEC JTA RE Elective Building or Fire Code
18 0 0 0 0 0
NABCEP Registered Provider

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

Get the NABCEP PV Associate Credential

Full course outline

Welcome - 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.

  • What to Expect: NABCEP PV Associate Exam Prep (04:12 minutes) Preview
  • PVA Practice Exams in Module 6 and you can skip around in this class if you want. You have HeatSpring on-demand Freedom!
  • Purchase the book for this course: "Solar Photovoltaic Basics: A Study Guide for the NABCEP Associate Exam 2nd Edition"
  • NABCEP PV Associate Candidate Eligibility Form (.pdf)
  • Important Note on 18 Advanced NABCEP Credits
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • Audio versions of lectures are located in: Optional Materials
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Discussion Board Request from Sean
  • 2017 NEC Free Download
  • Solar Market Report Summary (.pdf)
  • Go-At-Your-Own-Pace
  • Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
  • PV Boot Camp Presentation Slides
  • To view your test results
  • Books and resources
Module 1 - 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).

  • Review: NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam Job Task Analysis (JTA)
  • Read Chapter 1 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV Markets and Applications
  • History of Solar PV (13:56 minutes) Preview
  • PV Markets and Applications Part 1 (14:46 minutes) Preview
  • PV Markets and Applications Part 2 (19:03 minutes)
  • PV Markets and Applications Part 3 (20:00 minutes) Preview
  • AC-Coupling, DC-Coupling and Inverter Types, including Multimode Inverter, Stand-Alone Inverter and Interactive Inverter
  • Required Discussion Board Post #1
  • PV Price Per Watt
  • Read Chapter 2 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Safety Basics
  • Safety Basics Part 1 (24:02 minutes)
  • Safety Basics Part 2 (24:38 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #2
  • When asking questions about test questions
  • Module 1 Quiz
Module 2 - 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.

  • Read Chapter 3 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Electricity Basics
  • Electricity Basics Video 1 (29:46 minutes)
  • Electricity Basics Video 2 (21:20 minutes)
  • PV Math Quiz (20 questions)
  • PV Math Quiz (20 question) With answer and explanations (.pdf)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read Chapter 4 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Solar Energy Fundamentals
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 1 (27:29 minutes)
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 2 (29:43 minutes)
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 3 (21:42 minutes)
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 4 (28:45 minutes) Preview
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Video 5 (30:49 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #2
  • Solar Energy Fundamentals Quiz
Module 3 - 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.

  • Read Chapter 5 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV Module Fundamentals
  • PV Module Fundamentals - Part 1 (30:08 minutes)
  • PV Module Fundamentals - Part 2 (23:57 minutes)
  • PV Module Fundamentals - Part 3 (23:48 minutes)
  • PV Module Fundamentals - Part 4 (29:18 minutes)
  • PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (.pdf)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read Chapter 6 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - System Components
  • System Components - Part 1 (18:55 minutes)
  • System Components - Part 2 (18:30 minutes)
  • System Components - Part 3 (15:11 minutes)
  • System Components - Part 4 (27:36 minutes)
  • System Components - Part 5 (18:09 minutes)
  • System Components - Part 6 (24:53 minutes)
  • Thin Film PV Manufacturing YouTube Video
  • Required Discussion Board Post #2
  • Module 3 Quiz PV Module Fundamentals and System Components
Module 4 - 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.

  • Read Chapter 7 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Sizing Principles
  • PV System Sizing - Part 1 (30:50 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - Part 2 (15:58 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - Part 3 (21:44 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - Part 4 (16:39 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - Part 5 (19:01 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - PVWatts Part 1 (14:54 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - PVWatts Part 2 (21:28 minutes)
  • PV System Sizing - PV Watts Part 3 (25:49 minutes)
  • System Sizing (Student Request) (23:34 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read Chapter 8 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Electrical Design
  • PV System Electrical Design Part 1 (17:25 minutes)
  • PV System Electrical Design Part 2 (20:27 minutes)
  • PV System Electrical Design Part 3 (13:03 minutes)
  • PV System Electrical Design Part 4 (20:24 minutes)
  • PV System Electrical Design Part 5 (17:31 minutes)
  • IV Curves with Bill Brooks (11:02 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #2
  • Module 4 Quiz-System Sizing
Module 5 - 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!

  • Read Chapter 9 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - PV System Mechanical Design
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 1 (17:04 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 2 (19:34 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 3 (20:43 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 4 (20:45 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 5 (20:44 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 6 (19:03 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 7 (19:20 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 8 (18:09 minutes)
  • PV System Mechanical Design - Part 9 (19:30 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #1
  • Read Chapter 10 in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics" - Performance Analysis, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
  • Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting Part 1 (24:32 minutes)
  • Performance Analysis, Maintenance and Troubleshooting Part 2 (30:00 minutes)
  • Required Discussion Board Post #2
  • Module 5 Quiz
Module 6 - Voltage Temperature Calculations + Practice Exams

In this module, you'll learn about voltage temperature calculations, review some useful resources and take 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! Note: Since 2019, NABCEP has not had any voltage temperature calculations on their PVA exams.

  • Read Special Section - Voltage Temperature Calculations in "Solar Photovoltaic Basics"
  • String Sizing no longer on NABCEP PVA exam
  • String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 1 (17:46 minutes)
  • String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 2 (18:12 minutes)
  • String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 3 (26:29 minutes)
  • String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 4 (16:28 minutes)
  • String Sizing - Voltage Temperature Calculations Part 5 (23:24 minutes)
  • String Sizing Quiz
  • Resource: SolSmart Permitting
  • Backfeeding the grid with a Tesla Model S (02:01 minutes)
  • Building Integrated Photovoltaics and Tesla Solarglass (aka Tesla Solar Roof) with Bill Brooks (05:37 minutes)
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 1 - 70 Questions
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 1 - 70 Questions With Answer and Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 2 - 70 Questions
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 2 - 70 Questions Answer with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 3 - 70 Questions
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 3 - 70 Questions With Answer and Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 4 - 37 Questions
  • NABCEP Associate Practice Exam 4 - 37 Questions With Answer and Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
Conclusion - 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!

  • NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam Candidate Information Form (.pdf)
  • Submit Your NABCEP PV Associate Application and Schedule Your Exam
  • Lots of additional optional videos and audio recordings
  • Important Reminder on 18 Advanced NABCEP Credits
  • List of Meazure Learning Test Site Cities
  • NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam Learning Objectives
  • Passing score on a NABCEP Associate Examination
  • PVA exam will be updated someday
  • Introducing Bill Brooks! (14:40 minutes)
  • Entry Level PV Jobs in California-For employers and employees
  • Stay in touch and more learning materials
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructor

Sean White

2014 IREC Trainer of the Year

Sean White was the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Trainer of the Year. He is an ISPQ 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

Ratings

4.7
498 reviews

2,368 students have taken this course

by Andrew Smiley, Project Manager, Energy Development Partner LLC 10/24/2022

Great intro to PV have already used information from this class during meetings and projects at work as a Solar land entitlement project manager.

by Aldo Reighn Barzaga, Technical Account Manager, Raicoon Philippines 10/03/2022

I took this course a total beginner at solar technology. This course helps me a lot to understand the technology on a smoothest way and enjoy it the same time.

by Shaibu Ibrahim, Electrical Engineer I, Pure Power Engineering, Inc 08/22/2022

I would recommend Sean White to anyone who wants to go into the solar industry and energy storage systems. Simply fantastic!

by Adam Tomcheck 07/21/2022

Looking back, I'm amazed at what I've learned. The entire course felt like little effort. I was able to learn each byte one bit at a time.

by Linda McCormick, McCormick, Linda 06/23/2022

“Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”. -Teddy Roosevelt Sean, In the above quote, I think you have the 2nd and 3rd kinds of greatness. Fate placed you at time where your teaching and solar skills are needed to help mankind and the planet (literarily). I am honored to have met you, and to have learned from your super set of solar skills. The Solar Bootcamp was phenomenal. Your solar books helped a lot (good job, well written). The training has the potential to be transformational for the country at a time when this change is critical. Your commitment to making sure we all can learn this science, strategically, make you a national treasure. Thank you.

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$795

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 6 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 Groups page to get a group discount.

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