PV201

PV System Design & Installation

ImagineSolar’s intensive 5-day hands-on PV201 workshop on photovoltaic system design & installation based on NABCEP Task Analysis & Learning Objectives. Click here to go to download the NABCEP Learning Objectives.

This workshop is available to all.

Prerequisite: Before participating in PV201, participants are required to complete our online Pre-Work Module. Our Pre-Work Module allows time to cover more information in our on-site workshop. You will receive access information to our online material after registration. We will send you the textbook in advance to use with the Pre-Work Module.

The Task Analysis
We will cover the task analysis as defined by NABCEP – the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (www.nabcep.org). Training modules include the following:

• The Photovoltaic Industry and the Qualified Solar Pro
• Basics of Electricity
• The Solar Resource
• Site Assessments
• Tools for the Solar Professional
• System Components and Configurations
• Cells, Modules, and Arrays: Specifications, Technologies, Vendor Comparisons
• Batteries and Charge Controllers
• Inverters: Types and Specifications
• System Sizing and Design
• Mechanical Integration
• Electrical Integration: National Electric Code, Voltage Drop
• Utility Interconnection
• System Installation and Commissioning
• Performance and Troubleshooting

Participants will conduct hands-on exercises as well as a grid-tied installation outside. Hats, sun block, and appropriate clothing for the weather are recommended.

Price includes the following:

• Textbook entitled “Photovoltaic Systems” from American Technical Publishers, Copyright 2010 by National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC). (Note: The textbook is sent to you in advance upon registration to use with the Pre-Work Module.)
• Supplemental Material and Workbook compiled by ImagineSolar
• CD-ROM of solar resource material

The CD-ROM features interactive resources for independent study and to enhance learning, including Quick Quizzes®, an Illustrated Glossary, Media Clips, several solar resources, and Reference Material.

The solar resources are electronic resources for evaluating potential installation sites and for sizing PV systems, and include the following:

• Solar Radiation Data Sets

• Sun Path Charts

• Solar Time Calculator

• Forms and Worksheets

  • including a sample site survey form and a set of sizing worksheets, all in PDF format.

  • The sizing worksheets are also included in a spreadsheet file that automatically performs sizing calculations.

After successfully completing ImagineSolar’s PV201 workshop, you will be eligible to sit for the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. ImagineSolar and NABCEP recommend an additional 80-120 hours of self study or additional solar PV courses prior to sitting for the Entry Level Exam.

When you are ready, you can either take the exam with ImagineSolar, or at any one of the many Pearson VUE exam centers across the USA. Contact NABCEP for details of the requirements and recommendations for sitting for exams, www.nabcep.org.

ImagineSolar proctors the NABCEP Entry Level Exam approximately once a month.