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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Overview

The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer curriculum helps learners seeking careers as entry level or advanced solar PV installation technicians in this fast-growing field. This one-level curriculum is aligned with the North American Board of Energy Practitioners’ (NABCEP’s) educational standards for technicians.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer supports two unique training pathways and credentials for roof-mounted photovoltaic installers doing residential and commercial installations or ground-mounted installers at commercial or utility scale.

Completion of the first module prepares a learner for the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate™ exam, an assessment that measures demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation and operation of photovoltaic systems.

Coming Soon - Solar Photovoltaic Installer 2nd Edition

To reach the net-zero emissions goal by 2050, as established by the White House, a large-scale transition from fossil fuel-powered household HVACR systems to electric heat pump systems utilizing clean, renewable energy is crucial. The revised Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Second Edition, will feature new heat pump content within sections focused on comprehensive, home-wide efficiency strategies that can be combined with solar photovoltaics. Learn about NCCER's collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in integrating this nationwide change in residential energy performance into the upcoming release.

Craft Snapshot

PUBLISHED
2011, 1st Edition
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Not Available
LANGUAGES
English

Curriculum Details

1st Edition
Total Recommended Hours
Competencies & Objectives Lists
Total hours: 220, includes Core hours Click here
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
40 Hours

Module ID 57101: Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules transform solar energy, sunlight, into electrical energy that powers an electrical load, such as your computer or refrigerator. Using PV modules, the United States and other nations around the world can harness solar energy. Solar energy is being used to reach 2030 and 2050 global climate change initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and decrease the reliance on fossil fuels. Completion of this module helps prepare solar PV trainees for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associates Exam and an exciting career in the solar PV industry.

Site Assessment
10 Hours

Module ID 57102-11: Explains how to determine customer needs, assess site-specific safety hazards, conduct a site survey, and identify a suitable location for the PV array and other system components. Also explains how to acquire and interpret site solar radiation and temperature data.

System Design
25 Hours

Module ID 57103-11: Describes system design considerations, including array configurations, component selection, and wire sizing. Covers bonding, grounding, and the selection of overcurrent protection and disconnects.

System Installation and Inspection
60 Hours

Module ID 57104-11: Explains how to use the information from the site assessment and system design documents to safely install a photovoltaic array and other system components.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
10 Hours

Module ID 57105-11: Covers basic system performance monitoring and troubleshooting procedures, including recordkeeping requirements.

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.