approved providers for nabcep® pv entry level certificate of

121 Pages·2014·1.11 MB·English

by  Peter Sheehan

REGISTERED TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR THE NABCEP® ENTRY LEVEL
PHOTOVOLTAICS AND SOLAR HEATING (THERMAL) EXAMS
Please Note: This list is in alphabetical order BY STATE/Territory
USE CNTRL+F TO SEARCH FOR “ONLINE”

Please contact the provider(s) for more information about any course(s) listed below.

FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
ALABAMA – Auburn Solar Photovoltaics The Entry Level Objectives for
Solar water heating
Smart North America This course will provide 40 hours of introduces students to the basics of
training covering the NABCEP water heating in homes, commercial
570 Devall Drive Suite 303
required learning objectives in buildings, pools, space heating and
Auburn, AL 36832
preparation for the Entry Level other applications through capturing

Exam. Participants will get hands- the heat from the sun, storing and
Contact: Ruth Page-Nelson
on and classroom training. transferring it for designated
Email:
Completion of this course will applications .This course covers
[email protected]
result in students who are prepared Learning Objectives required by
Tele. [phone] to enter the field and obtain further NABCEP:
training and experience needed to 1. Conducting a site analysis ,
www.smartgridnorthamerica.com become proficient installers. including load analysis
2. Identifying SH safety
practices, standards, codes
and certification
3. Identifying systems for
specific climates and
applications
4. Identifying proper orientation
and installation methods
5. Identifying proper use of
balance of system
components and materials
6. Identifying common SH
maintenance items
The student will be prepared to
take the NABCEP Solar Heating
Entry Level Exam. Achieving a
passing score on the entry level
exam is an indication that the
candidate has demonstrated a basic
knowledge of the fundamental
principles of the application,
installation, design and operation of
Solar Heating Systems.
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 1 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
ALABAMA – Decatur REN 115
This course covers basic principles
Calhoun State Community College and design of photovoltaic (PV)
systems. Upon completion of the
Department of Renewable Energy
course, students should have
P.O. Box 2216
demonstrated a basic understanding
Decatur, AL 35609-2216
of PV markets and applications,

safety basics, electricity basics,
Contact: Jerry W. Adams, Director
solar energy fundamentals, PV
ACECET/Renewable Energy
module fundamentals, system
Email: [email protected] components, PV system sizing and
Tele. [phone] electrical and mechanical design,
and performance analysis,
www.calhoun.edu maintenance and troubleshooting.
The course prepares the student to
take the NABCEP PV Entry Level
Exam. Though highly
recommended, taking the exam is
not a mandatory requirement of the
course.

ARIZONA – Flagstaff Photovoltaic System Installation

Coconino Community College This course will provide an
overview of the basic PV system
Community & Corporate Learning
design and application. The goal is
2800 S. Lone Tree Rd.
to bridge the understanding of
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
electrical load (from utility bill) and

the PV technology with an
Contact: Alex Wright
emphasis on utility-connected
Email: [email protected]
residential PV system. Topics for
Tele. [phone] this course: Basic electrical
principles, introduction to
www.coconino.edu photovoltaic systems, solar
radiation, site survey and
preplanning, balance of system,
cells, module, array, system sizing,
array mounting, utility requirements
(net metering), renewable energy
tax incentives, safety, tools, and the
National Electric Code. In addition,
off grid PV system topics include:
load analysis, balance of system,
charge controllers, batteries,
parallel and series wiring, operation
and maintenance.
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 2 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
ARIZONA – Mesa Photovoltaic System Design and
Installation
Arizona State University
The 40 hour course will provide an
College of Technology and
overview of the basic PV system
Innovation:
design and application. The goal is
The Collaboratory
to provide an understanding of
6075 S Williams Campus Loop W
electrical loads and the ability to
Technology Center Room 147
offset this with solar power. The
Mesa, AZ 85212
emphasis will be on utility-
connected residential PV systems
Contact: Collaboratory Coordinator along with a basic understanding of
Email: [email protected] off-grid systems. Topics: basic
Tele. 480-727-1312 electrical principles applied to PV,
intro to PV systems, solar radiation,
site survey and pre-planning, utility
www.collaboratory.asu.edu/home
requirements, safety, specialized

tools and the National Electric
Code. Additional topics: cells,
modules, arrays, system sizing,
array construction, balance of
system part, load analysis, charge
controllers, batteries, selection of
proper materials, operation and
maintenance. Lab exercises
include: electrical & site survey
tools, module measurements,
effects of temperature and shading,
and system commissioning. After-
class homework assignments will
all students to further practice what
was learned in class.

ARIZONA – Phoenix Solar Technology
This program is designed to provide
The Refrigeration School Inc. students with basic knowledge of
photovoltaic systems (PV), suitable
4201 East Washington Street
for a supervised, entry level
Phoenix, AZ 85034
position within the PV industry.

This program gives participants a
Contact: Sherry Jones, Executive
greater understanding of solar
Director
technology and the:
Email: [email protected] • Safety Basics
Tele. [phone] • Electricity Basics
• Solar Energy Fundamentals
www.refrigerationschool.com • PV Module Fundamentals
• System Components
ONLINE Option • PV System Sizing
• PV System Electrical
Design
• PV System Mechanical
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 3 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
Design
• Performance Analysis and
Troubleshooting

Fundamentals of Solar (Hands-
on)
This module provides an overview
of photovoltaic (PV) science and an
introduction to the fundamentals of
solar energy. Through a
combination of lecture, problem
solving and hands-on lab exercises,
students will learn the concepts and
processes of photovoltaic systems,
including their design and
installation. The module covers the
scope of solar energy systems
conceptual, mechanical and
electrical design, with an emphasis
on wiring and electrical issues. 100
hours.

ARIZONA – Prescott Small-scale Energy Solutions &
Photovoltaic System Design:
Prescott College ENV41310

Environmental Studies
This course investigates the role
220 Grove Avenue
that small-scale energy systems can
Prescott, AZ 86301
play in addressing sustainability on

the global energy front. An
Contact: David Hanna, Instructor
overview of energy sources will be
Email: [email protected]
discussed with focus on readily
Tele. [phone] available technologies such as
photovoltaic (PV), wind and micro-
www.prescott.edu hydro energy systems. We will
compare and contrast the attributes
of grid-tied systems and
independent, off-grid, energy
systems. Students will
quantitatively evaluate their
personal energy consumption
patterns and apply this knowledge
to assess conservation strategies.
This information will be applied to
developing skills in designing a
small-scale photovoltaic energy
system. Students will develop an
understanding of the necessary
components of a PV system,
installation design strategies, code
requirements and currently
available state and federal incentive
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 4 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
programs.
ARIZONA – Scottsdale Based upon the NABCEP learning
objectives, this program provides
Sonoran Desert Institute basic knowledge of photovoltaic
systems, suitable for a supervised,
10245 East Via Linda, Suite 110
entry level position with a PV
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
industry company. Topics include

the key NABCEP topics of:
Contact: Pam Rogers

Email: [email protected]
• Safety Basics
Tele. [phone]
• Electricity Basics

• Solar Energy Fundamentals
www.sdi.edu • PV Module Fundamentals
• Systems Components
• PV System Sizing
• PV System Electrical
Design
• PV System Mechanical
Design
• Performance Analysis and
Troubleshooting

ARIZONA – Tucson TEC 198T5: Photovoltaic
Installation Training: Introduction
Pima Community College to photovoltaic energy and
photovoltaic (PV) systems
2202 W. Anklam Road
installation. Includes markets and
Tucson, AZ 85709
applications, safety basics,
Contact/Instructors: Lazaro Hong,
electricity basics, energy efficient
Ph.D, Chien-Wei Han, Ph.D
appliances, solar energy
Email: [email protected],
fundamentals, PV materials,
[email protected]
module fundamentals,
Tele. [phone]
concentrators, system components,

system sizing, electrical design,
www.pima.edu mechanical design and performance
analysis and troubleshooting. 3
credit hours, lecture and lab.
Traditional classroom with heavy
hands-on component.

ARIZONA – Tucson Photovoltaic Systems Class:
Apprenticeship training:
Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Introduction to photovoltaic
& Training Program systems; solar radiation; site
1949 W. Gardner Lane surveys and preplanning; system
Tucson, AZ 85705 components and configurations;
cells, modules and arrays; batteries;
charge controllers; inverters;
Contact: Karen King, Training Director
mechanical integration; electrical
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 5 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
Email: [email protected] integration; utility interconnection;
Tele. [phone] permitting & inspection. Traditional
hands-on application and course
www.tucsonelectricaljatp.org curriculum. Held on Saturdays.

ARIZONA – Yuma Course description pending

Arizona Western College
PO Box 929
Yuma, AZ 85366-0929

Contact: Daniel Barajas, Dean of
Career & Technical Education
Division
Email: [email protected]
Tele. [phone]

www.azwestern.edu

BAHAMAS, Nassau Solar Electric Design Installation
& BATTERY BASED
Bahamas Technical & Vocational FUNDAMENTALS

Institute
This course is designed to provide
Old Trail Road, PO Box n-4934
an overview of the three basic
Nassau, Bahamas
photovoltaic (PV) system

applications, primarily focusing on

grid-direct systems.
Contact: Elva Carey
Email: [email protected]
Tele. 242-502-6380

www.btvi.edu.bs

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS- Renewable Energy Training
Paraquita Bay, Tortola Programme
In response to the recently passed
Energy Policy by the Government
H. Lavity Stoutt Community
of the Virgin Islands in 2013, the H.
College
Lavity Stoutt Community College
Paraquita Bay, Tottola, British Virgin
provides training through a
Islands, VG1120
Renewable Energy Training

Programme with the following

objective or goal in mind:
Contact/Instructor: Dana Lewis- “To train and certify practitioners in
Ambrose the fields of construction,
Email: [email protected] architecture, and electrical
Tele. 1(284) 852-7035 installation with the skills to install
photovoltaic systems in support of
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 6 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
the reduction and usage of
www.hlscc.edu.vg/cpd traditional power generation
methods.”

CALIFORNIA
Entry Level Solar PV Design &
Sean White Solar Installation

IREC/ISPQ Independent Master
Course covers the NABCEP PV
Trainer
Entry Level Learning objectives

and the NABCEP PV Installer Task

analysis. Sean White has been
Contact/Instructor: Sean White
teaching PV full time since 2008
Email: [email protected]
and received the Interstate
Renewable Energy Council's 2014
Tele. [phone] Clean Energy Trainer of the Year
Award. His course can be taught
anywhere for anyone instructor
direct. Sean has also written a book
"Solar Photovoltaic Basics".

CALIFORNIA – Aptos Photovoltaic Design &
Installation - CEM162PD
Cabrillo College
This is a “hands-on” course for
6500 Soquel Drive
training students and preparing
Aptos, CA 95003
them for field work.

Contact/Instructor(s): Chuck
Mornard, Joe Jordan, Steve Murphy
Email: [email protected]
Tele. [phone]

CALIFORNIA – Bakersfield Course Title: Solar Photovoltaic
Entry-level Technician Training
Kern Community College District
This training program is designed to
2100 Chester Avenue
introduce the prospective students
Bakersfield, CA 93301
to the international photovoltaic

market, which has been growing at
Contact: David Teasdale, Director,
more than 30% each year. We
Southern Sierra Clean Energy
provide a modern, interesting
Cooperative
approach to learning by mixing
Email: [email protected] hands-on classroom participation,
Tele. [phone] self-directed e-learning online, field
trips, and real-world labs that fit the
www.kccd.edu needs of today’s busy students.
Successful participants will have
been provided the information
necessary on safety & electricity
basics, solar energy & PV module
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 7 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
fundamentals such as wiring,
inverter, & panel mounting
techniques, as well as components
and system sizing. We also provide
necessary concepts in site
surveying, grid-tie and off-grid
installations, electrical and
mechanical design, and instruct the
student in system performance
analysis and troubleshooting. The
skills and knowledge gained
through this training will prepare
the participant to sit for the
NABCEP PV Entry-Level Exam
and for an entry-level job with solar
energy related businesses and
integrators.

CALIFORNIA – Bakersfield PV 101: Entry Level Solar
Photovoltaic Installation
Solar Seminars, Inc. Using NABCEP’s ten learning
objectives for the entry level PV
4303 E Brundage Lane
installer, PV 101teaches students
Bakersfield, CA 93307
how to safely and efficiently design,

situate, and install a solar electric
Contact: Anne Markward, Registrar
system.
Email: [email protected]
We teach PV 101 in two different
Tele. [phone]
formats: either a traditional 5-day,
classroom and practice based
www.solarseminars.org environment, or a blended format
that combines the best of on-line,
interactive learning with two days
(16 hours) of hands-on installation
experience.

CALIFORNIA – Blythe Solar PV Theory and
Applications
Palo Verde College This course will examine the
theoretical and technical
One College Drive
dimensional of solar power
Blythe, CA 92225
systems, focusing on solar

photovoltaic technologies. Students
Contact: George Walters, Associate
will learn how solar photovoltaic
Dean
cells work and how they are made.
Email :
The basic electrical theory and
[email protected] calculations of electrical
Tele. [phone] capacity/requirements for
photovoltaic systems will be
reviewed. Topics will include
materials and manufacturing,
system components, codes, tools
and safe work practices. PV system
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 8 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
efficiency and payback potential
will be analyzed to better
understand its viability as an
alternative energy source. The
course will also provide an
introduction to solar thermal
systems.

The course will be conducted
initially as part of a larger program
funded by the California Energy
Commission to prepare workers for
utility-scale solar energy
employment. However, it is
intended to be a comprehensive,
stand alone course as it pertains to
residential/commercial applications
and NABCEP exam preparation.

The course curriculum was modeled
after the Los Angeles Unified
School District curriculum as
recommended by Brian Hurd,
former instructor.

Primary Text: Dunlop, J.,
Photovoltaic Systems, American
Technical Publishers (2007), and
the NABCEP Study Guide.

CALIFORNIA – Calexico Electrical – 900 hours

CCAC International Polytechnic This 900 hour Electrical course has
recently been upgraded to include
Institute
all 10 skills sets identified on the
2320 M.L. King
NABCEP Learning Objectives. (PV
Calexico, CA 92231
markets & applications, PV system

electrical design, mechanical
Contact: Enrique G. Alvarado
design, etc.)
Email : [email protected]
Tele. [phone]

CALIFORNIA – Cotati Entry Level PV Program Entry Level Solar Heating Program
(Online)
Sun Pirate, Inc Sun Pirate’s Entry Level PV Sun Pirate’s Entry Level Solar
P.O. Box 187 Program consists of our IREC Heating Program consists of the
Cotati, CA 94931 accredited, self-paced Photovoltaic completion of our IREC/ISPQ
System Design and Installation accredited, self paced Solar Heating
Contact: Roger Coghlan, President Online Course (60 contact hours), System Design & Installation
Email: [email protected] and our Electrical and Safety Basics Online Course (60 contact hours).
Tele. [phone] for Solar Installers Online Course. The student has the option to add
Students will receive instruction in the Entry Level SH Program which
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 9 of 121 November 7, 2014
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FACILITY/INSTITUTION PV COURSES SH COURSES
solar electrical theory, working includes the initial testing fee and
www.sunpirate.com safely with PV, basic load analysis, administration of the NABCEP SH
system sizing, components, and Entry Level Exam at a Computer
installation and design practices. Based Testing (CBT) center.
These courses are aligned with the The SHSDI online course
10 NABCEP Entry Level Learning concentrates on the basics of
Objectives. Upon completion of installing solar heating systems.
these courses, student can sit and Students will learn practical design
take the NABCEP Entry Level PV criteria, installation guidelines,
Exam at a Computer Based Center safety issues, maintenance, and
authorized by NABCEP. legal considerations. This is a self
paced, instructor mentored online
course. Primary Text Solar
Domestic Water Heating by Chris
Laughton is included. Our
instructor Roger Coghlan is an
ISPQ Certified Instructor.

CALIFORNIA – Eureka A course designed to provide Introduction to Solar Thermal
students with essential information Systems
College of the Redwoods and training to work with
Dept.: Applied Technology residential solar photovoltaic A course designed to provide
7351 Tompkins Hill Rd. systems. Course content includes students with essential information
Eureka, CA 95501 fundamentals of AC/DC, the to work with solar thermal systems
National Electric Code, and including system design & sizing
Contact: Julia Morrison principles of a residential solar residential projects, system
Email: [email protected] photovoltaic systems. Upon components, estimating installation
Tele. [phone] successful completion of the course, costs & return on investments,
students will be given system maintenance & building
www.redwoods.edu the opportunity to take the codes. Students will be given the
NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam opportunity to sit for the NABCEP
(North American Board for Entry Level Exam at the conclusion
Certified Energy Practitioners, Inc.) of the course.
Achievement of the NABCEP PV
Entry Level Exam is a way for
individuals to demonstrate that they
have achieved a basic knowledge of
the fundamental principles of the
application, design, installation and
operation of grid-tied and stand-
alone PV Systems.

CALIFORNIA – Hopland PV 200: PV Design and
Installation Intensive. This
The Solar Living Institute dynamic course is an excellent five
13771 S. Highway 101 day intensive workshop that will
Hopland, CA 95449 immerse you in the ever-expanding
PV market. This course will prepare
Contact: Karen Kallen, Managing you for the NABCEP entry level
Director exam and give you practical hands-
Email: [email protected] on labs to fully understand PV
Tele. [phone] systems. The course covers both on
Registered NABCEP Entry Level Providers Page 10 of 121 November 7, 2014
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