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This course provides 60 cumulative hours of training, that may be used towards NABCEP certification purposes

Learn more about designing and installing an NEC code compliant solar electric (photovoltaic) power system without leaving your home. A six-week, Internet-based, online course of instruction with text, online reference materials and Internet resource links. The course is self-paced and there is no set time to be online. Individuals have six weeks to complete all course requirements and can work on the course material whenever they have time. Assignments can be submitted day or night and during the weekends, etc...

This course is designed to follow the PV Design & Installation workshop or the PV Design Online course with the next level of design criteria and maintenance issues. Participants must have completed SEI's Online PV Design course or the hands-on PV Design & Installation workshop or have permission of the instructor. This course heavily emphasizes the United States National Electrical Code as it pertains to PV systems, and is especially useful for people who currently work in, or plan to be employed in the PV industry. This course also specifically provides information that is helpful in preparation for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Installer Certification exam.

After successful completion, students should be able to:

• Estimate and evaluate grid-tied system production based on given system parameters
• Determine the number of modules taking into account roof size, obstructions, and money restraints
• Determine inter-row shading and lag bolt calculations
• Perform advanced wire sizing with NEC & voltage drop calculations
• Size overcurrent protection and appropriately place disconnects
• Design location for combiner boxes, junction boxes, and series fusing boxes
• Perform busbar calculations with given system parameters
• List appropriate safety concerns and OSHA regulations given a job description
• Produce proper labeling required by the NEC

Course materials include a copy of the National Electric Code book.

The Consortium for Education in Renewable Energy Technologies (CERET) offers certificates in Renewable Energy to provide students with the theoretical knowledge necessary to begin a career in energy management and renewable energy technology. Certificates are granted through Madison Area Technical College (MATC). SEI's online courses qualify for college credits through MATC and towards a Renewable Energy Certificate. Click here for more information on CERET's Renewable Energy Certificates."

Topics Include

• Basic PV System Review
• PV/Generator Hybrid Systems
• Grid-Tie PV (with and without battery backup)
• Sizing Examples
• In-depth Look at Component Selection
• National Electrical Code
• Mounting and Trackers
• Evaluating PV System Performance
• In-depth Wire Sizing for NEC Compliance
• Safety, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Related Reading

Photovoltaics: Design & Installation Manual by SEI

2008 National Electric Code by the National Fire Protection Agency

• PV Design and Installation
• PV Design Online
• Grid-Tied PV
• Advanced PV: Design Criteria and NEC Compliance
• Advanced PV: Design Criteria and NEC Compliance (online)
• PV Lab Week
• Solar Water Pumping

The most valuable PV training course I have experienced. Organized, personal, and extremely informative.
-- April 2007 Advanced PV Online participant

It exceeded my expectations. I was worried that there would be overlap between the PV Design course and the Advanced PV Design course, but that was not the case. It really takes you to the next level. It also incorporated NABCEP study materials seamlessly.
-- April 2007 Advanced PV Online participant

Workshops begin at 9 am unless otherwise noted. Please show up at 8:30 am the first day.