About
The Advanced PV Power Package combines 3 courses to provide a full blended learning experience – onsite, online, and online live lectures & support from the ImagineSolar instructors.
This is the best choice for contractors and entrepreneurs who want to fast-track their company into the solar industry as well as individuals who want to accelerate a career in the solar industry and to become NABCEP PV Associates.
You receive a discounted bundled price of $1490 (Compared to $1690 if purchased separately)
Includes:
- PV201e Online Course: Principles of Solar PV System Design & Installation
- PV330 Advanced Solar Course and Workshop in Our Austin Solar Lab Facility
- Bonus Online Course: Short Course Technical Sales
PV201e: Principles of Solar PV Design & Installation
PV201e explains the specifications and operations of solar PV system technologies including both grid-tie and battery-based PV systems. It covers many of the concepts, design principles and formulas that you need to know for the NABCEP certification exams. The course has more than 40 formulas, 57 videos, and 220 exam questions.
- $695
- 12 Months of Self-Paced Access
- Includes the Photovoltaic Systems textbook by Jim Dunlop
- Course completion time: 40 hours of study
- Eligibility to purchase and take the NABCEP Associate Program Exam
PV330: Advanced Solar Course and Workshop
This workshop uses a blended-learning approach that combines onsite hands-on training with online live lectures both before and after the hands-on day in our solar lab in Austin Texas. Our instructors have years of experience as solar industry professionals and have all achieved NABCEP recognition.
- $995
- 18 Advanced Training Hours
- Technologies: microinverter battery-based systems, string inverters, dc optimizers, multiple mounting systems for residential and commercial installs
- Site Assessments
- Inspections per the National Electrical Code
- Personal protective equipment provided: KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, eye protection, and gloves
PV330 Detailed Schedule
Access Online Lecture Videos and Course Materials as soon as you Register
Attend Online Live Interactive Sessions, Saturdays 1-2pm (Austin time): Starting in December 2024;
Attend Hands-On Lab Day
Follow-Up Online LIVE Interactive Sessions: TBD
Online Video Lectures and Course Materials
Photovoltaic System Configurations
Safety: procedures & personal protective equipment (PPE)
Install manuals, BOMs, lab procedures, schematics
Elements of a Successful PV Project Implementation
Site assessments
Drawing Sets
Topics and Labs for the Onsite Lab Day
Review Safety: procedures & personal protective equipment (PPE)
Tools and Meters
LAB: Rail-Based Flashing & Mounting Lab with Microinverters for Residential Shingle Rooftops
Flashing, Mounting, & Wire Management
Microinverter Installation Process
Option 1: Soltection RU-1 for Q-Cable to Conduit
Option 2: Soltection Residential Transition Box Model RJ-1 for Attic Runs
LAB: Site Assessment using the Solar Pathfinder
LAB: SolarEdge Install & Commissioning Lab for Commercial Flat Rooftops
SolarEdge dc Optimizers
Soltection RF-3 Combiner Box
Ecolibrium EcoFoot Ballasted Mounting System
Mission Solar 72-Cell Modules
DEMO: Enphase Energy IQ8 Ensemble Battery-Based Microinverter PV System with Load Controller and Rapid Shut-Down Switch
Commissioning Process
Wi-Fi connection
Installer Toolkit: verification and troubleshooting of system operation
Battery Modes: grid-tied and off-grid, whole house versus backup load panel
Design Tools and Services
Online live webinar topics after the onsite lab day
Day and Time TBD
Typical Permitting & Inspection Process Working with Utilities and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction
Field Inspection Guidelines for PV Systems
Inspection Checklists with NEC references
Real-World Inspection Results (photos of the good, the bad & the ugly)
Step 1: Start your Principles of Solar PV System Design & Installation online course as soon as you register. You can also start the short course on Technical Sales.
Step 2: You will have access to the course resources for one year and can complete the course at your own pace.
Step 3: Plan to attend our next advanced workshop in Austin, Texas.
Upon completion participants will be able to:
- Register and take the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam; upon passing the exam you will be a credentialed NABCEP PV Associate;
- Implement solar PV projects from assessment to planning to installation to commissioning to inspection;
- Understand the design differences among string inverter PV systems, DC-optimizer based PV systems and microinverter PV systems;
- Understand the advantages and the design parameters of the new battery-based PV systems;
- Install rail-based PV system mounting technology;
- Implement PV installation best practices including wire management;
- Use online PV system design tools and calculators;
- Understand licensing and certification requirements for PV industry professionals;
- Entrepreneurs, Contractors, Builders, Roofers, and Remodelers
- PV System Designers and Installers
- Solar Industry Employees
- Electricians and others skilled in the Construction Trades
- Business Owners and Facility Managers
- Engineers and Architects
- Project Managers, Sales & Marketing Professionals
- DIY Homeowners
- Everyone else who wants to become a Solar Industry Professional
“This is one of the best courses I have ever taken (30+ years as an engineer and thermographer with lots of continuing educations classes). Lots of practical information and examples – all the instructors are knowledgeable and have tons of experience in the industry.”
“The course provided a complete ‘snapshot’ of how to work and install solar. Great presentation! Mike Kuhn’s love for solar came through his explanations, and allowed for open discussions among the class participants.”
“Valuable real-life experiences conveyed to the class. Online resource is very helpful. I liked the discussions regarding application to actual installation situations.”
“Wonderful instructors with great information and insight into the solar industry.”
“I enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and especially the time taken (by each instructor) to provide a thorough response. I also like that multiple people taught the class – this allowed different perspectives to be appreciated.”
“Verbal and written material was very exemplary, well organized! Good mix of reading, video, problems, lab, exercise, lecture, etc.”
“All the instructors were very knowledgeable in all aspects of the industry. The hands-on approach was very important!”
“All questions answered, logical order, love the handouts; I was curious as to how the industry has changed in twenty years – I think it is time to jump in!”
“The workshop was very good overall. It was much more intense than I anticipated, but was also very helpful and extremely intellectually stimulating!”
“ImagineSolar provided not only a pathway to the NABCEP Certification Exam, but also in-depth installation experience on cutting-edge solar technology including AC-coupled bimodal systems, micro-inverters, dual-axis trackers, and cylindrical CIGS modules as well as traditional solar technology.”
“I thought the workshop was very informative. I would recommend it to everyone that is interested in learning more about solar power.”
“The workshop is very intensive and instructive. Considering the amount of material, it seemed like it was a two week workshop. The book is very explanatory and I will continue to use it for further learning.”
“I found the workshop very informative. There was a lot of info that was presented and it was in a way that was easy to learn and understand.”
“I feel much more confident with theory and application after this week. I had already read a good portion of the textbook previous to class, but the classroom instruction and hands-on training really helped to reinforce learning.”
“I’ve had the chance to attend the 40-hour solar training program for Imagine Solar ( http://imaginesolar.com ) They have a great course/training program that prepares you for the NABCEP Exam which certifies you to install solar panels. The course is thorough and I’d recommend it to anyone. High stars!”
“The class was certainly a lot more than I expected. I really liked the way we were introduce to the science of solar power in that we covered mathematics, theory, electrical calculation brush up, solar system layout pertaining to the earth and the sun, the advances in solar power especially in other countries (Germany, Japan) and the need to take advantage of such an abundant source. I really appreciated the opportunity to do the hands on portion with the knowledgeable instructors around especially with equipment new to us. The breaking up into groups to perform the difference phases of installations, calculations and equipment introduction was an excellent idea. All three instructors did a great job and seemed really enthused with their work. I really think that the NJATC needs to look closely at inserting some solar power training into the apprenticeship program as I can see the need for qualified and safety orientated personnel being of great demand in the future if not now.”
“I had studied PV quite a bit before this workshop. However, I learned so much more in one week that I will gain the cost of the workshop back in a very short time as I ramp my business into solar.”
“Thorough. Instructor [was] knowledgeable and I understood concepts quickly with watching videos.”
“With a [megawatt] already under my belt , this course was still very informative and I learned that you can never know enough about a subject. Thank you very much. I look forward to taking the entry-level test and advanced class in the spring.”
“It was an amazing experience taking this course online. I am very confident to be successful in PV installation and design market. Thanks.”
“Had an excellent follow-up interview last Thursday, and a KEY item that impressed him was the Foundations of
Solar PV System Design & Installation course [from ImagineSolar]. Thanks again!”
“I chose the ImagineSolar online course because of the availability of their solar field lab training. Their labs were spot-on!”