FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation

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Spring Sessions: April 3–7, 2023

Fall Session: September 11–15, 2023

Length: 40 Course Hours / 5 Days

Course Cost: $1,199*

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Course Description: The Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation (FSPV) course covers the fundamentals of design and installation of photovoltaic systems. The 40-hour course is based on NABCEP’s Learning Objectives for NABCEP PV Associate.  A hands-on day installing a fully integrated grid-tied PV system pulls together the classroom knowledge and rounds out the five-day, in-person workshop. An optional hands-on installation day is available to take after completing the online FSPV course.

NABCEP PV Associate Exam: You are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam after completing FSPV.  Please note this is not NABCEP certification, it is simply an indicator of knowledge gained which allows you to sit for the NABCEP Associate Exam. This training counts toward the entry level educational requirement (if other requirements are met) on the journey to becoming a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional.

*Registration fee includes lunch, parking, a textbook, and a notebook!

*Payment plans are available.

ASPV: Advanced Solar PV Design and Installation

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Spring Session: May 15–19, 2023

Fall Session: October 16–20, 2023

Length: 40 Course Hours / 5 Days

Course Cost: $1,499*

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of solar PV; currently working in the solar industry; and/or have taken a fundamentals course such as FSPV

Course Description: The bulk of this week-long Advanced Solar PV Design and Installation (ASPV) workshop covers topics relating to the National Electrical Code® (NEC) requirements for PV systems and prepares the participant for proper code compliance, wire sizing, equipment specifications, permit processing, commissioning and other necessary steps in the design and installation phases of residential and commercial systems. Activities in this workshop include designing a multiple inverter commercial PV system, from choosing equipment to processing forms, and a tour of commercial PV systems.

NABCEP PV Installation Professional: ASPV counts for the 40-hour advanced PV course education requirement  found in SEC 3.5 of the NABCEP Candidate Handbook needed to sit for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam.  

*Registration fee includes lunch, parking, and a notebook!

*Payment plans are available.

Solar Storage

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Fall Session: November 13–15, 2023

Length: 24 Course Hours / 3 Days

Course Cost: $799*

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of solar PV; currently working in the solar industry; and/or have taken a fundamentals course such as FSPV

Course Description: This three-day onsite workshop will cover fundamental principles of battery based systems. At the end of the class, participants will be able to assist in designing and installing a residential PV system with battery back-up. We highly recommend that participants have taken our 40-hour PV fundamentals class, FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation, or equivalent.

Learning Objectives:

  • Using load analysis size a battery bank.
  • Specify and size inverters, charge controllers for battery based system.
  • Define system architecture options and functionality
  • Add battery backup to existing grid direct PV system
  • Understand code implications of these systems.

*Registration fee includes lunch, parking, and a notebook!

O&M: Operations and Maintenance of PV Systems

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Fall Session: November 2–3, 2023

Length: 18 Course Hours / 2 Days

Course Cost: $699*

Prerequisites: Basic solar PV knowledge or experience is strongly recommended for this course

Course Description: This two-day workshop held in Raleigh, NC will cover:

  • evaluating performance of systems, including  specific data collection and evaluation, as well as protocols for collection;
  • arc flash requirements;
  • finding ground faults;
  • thermal imaging;  
  • IV curve tracing; and
  • fuse servicing

Learning Objectives: At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Take measurements to evaluate performance
  • Test insulation resistance and interpret IV curves
  • Find ground faults
  • Find under performing/faulty modules and inverters
  • Design an O&M work plan and protocol for safety

*Registration fee includes lunch, parking, and a notebook!

Solar Policy and Finance Workshop

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Spring Session:  June 28, 2023

Fall Session: 

Length: 8 Course Hours / 1 Day

Individual Course Cost: $499*

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to take this course, although a working knowledge of solar PV is recommended.

Course Description: This day-long class held in Raleigh, NC covers and overview of federal and North Carolina policies, policies that drive global and domestic markets, solar financial modeling, and ownership structures using tax credits.

Credits available include: 8 PDHs

*Registration fee includes lunch, parking, and a notebook!

Hands-on Solar PV Lab

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Spring Sessions: April 7, 2023

Fall Session: September 15, 2023

Length: 8 Course Hours / 1 Day

Course Cost: $299

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of solar PV; currently working in the solar industry; and/or have taken a fundamentals course such as FSPV

Course Description: Held in Raleigh, NC, this day-long session is for those who have taken the 40-hour FSPV online workshop or simply wish to gain more hands-on experience.  This hands-on day begins with an overview of safety, system components, system design, and solar fundamentals.  During the course of the workshop you will be filling out “balance-of-system” worksheets to ensure you understand sound PV system design practices.  You will also be installing a live, grid-tied PV system, from mounting the modules, to wiring the inverter, and finally, to commissioning the system.

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