Solar Photovoltaic Installer
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.
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
Curriculum Details
Total Recommended Hours
1st Edition |
| Total hours: 220, includes Core |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Instructor Requirements
In addition to our standard instructor requirements, instructors of this craft must achieve the following:
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Possess a minimum of journey-level electrician experience
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Minimum of one year field experience installing solar PV panels