Solar Photovoltaic Installer
The Solar Photovoltaic 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.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
Module ID 57101-11: Covers the basic concepts of PV systems and their components, along with general sizing and electrical/ mechanical design requirements. Provides an overview of performance analysis and troubleshooting. Successful completion of this module will help prepare trainees for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Exam.
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