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Notice: Suggested Prerequisite.Installing Photovoltaic Systems



A Training Program for Contractors, Utilities, Engineers and Code Officials




IMPORTANT Course Information

 

  • The registration fee for this course is $1300
    (starting Jan. 2010).

  • The registration fee is non-refundable.
  • All materials needed are included.


  • Registration form is at the bottom of the page.

 

Course Description

This week-long course covers the design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and involves actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. This program is intended for contractors, electricians, utilities, engineers and other practitioners, with an overall goal of developing "system-knowledgeable" professionals to help ensure the safety and quality of PV system installations.

The course format includes a balance of classroom instruction and student-interactive exercises. These exercises include hands-on and demonstration laboratories that simulate the process of designing, installing and commissioning grid-connected PV systems, and are intended to develop the participant's working knowledge of PV systems and equipment. An emphasis is placed on code compliance and accepted state-of-the-art industry design and installation practice.

Case studies that exemplify a grid-tied photovoltaic installation are presented. The case studies explored rely heavily upon the National Electrical Code and what is considered to be best practice. Attendees should be aware that some of the rules and procedures allow for varying interpretations. Additionally, local or state codes vary from site to site. As a result, the case studies represent a common interpretation of the rules and methods, but may not meet all NEC compliances and other code compliances and standards in all cases. When conducting your own installation and related activities, it is advisable to understand the local interpretation of these rules.

In addition to the course manuals provided to all participants, the following two references are recommended for this course, and are available from most local electrical supply houses and construction/technical bookstores:

1. 2008 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 29 Part 1926) U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, D.C. 20013-7535 http://www.osha.gov

2. 2008 National Electrical Code Handbook, NFPA 70, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 (2008 National Electrical Code is acceptable substitute; The Handbook is recommended for its explanatory and supplementary information and worth the additional cost.) http://www.nfpa.org

Participants successfully completing this one-week course will be awarded a certificate of completion from the Florida Solar Energy Center.


NABCEP Certification

FSEC has been approved by the North American Board of Certified Practitioners (NABCEP) as a provider of the NABCEP Photovoltaic Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge examination. The exam is provided on a voluntary basis to those attending the FSEC workshop. The examination will be conducted on the afternoon of the last day of the FSEC workshop. The examination fee is $100 per person and to be paid separately from the workshop fee. Interested participants will be able to sign up on-site for this exam. For further information on the NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Program, please see the NABCEP Student Information Page


Objectives

Specific objectives of this course include developing the participant's ability to:

  • Determine the available solar resource and conduct site assessments for PV installations.
  • Characterize the performance and operating characteristics of PV system and components.
  • Determine appropriate code-compliant configurations for PV systems and equipment.
  • Plan and prepare for PV system installations, including customer relations, developing performance expectations, responsibilities and schedule.
  • Implement and modify, as required, mechanical designs for PV systems that meet the performance, architectural and structural requirements for given applications.
  • Implement and modify, as required, electrical designs for PV systems that meet the safety, code-compliance and functional requirements for given applications.
  • Conduct acceptance tests and inspections, and commission PV system installations.
  • Evaluate, troubleshoot, and maintain PV systems.


What You Should Bring

This course involves the outdoor installation of grid-connected solar electric power systems, and working with electrical equipment. Participants are encouraged to plan and prepare accordingly, and to bring appropriate clothing and foot wear, work gloves, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen as required. They should also bring a simple calculator, notepad and pen or pencil. All PV systems, test equipment and tools will be provided.


Workshop Location

This workshop is offered at the Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL, located approximately 45 miles east of Orlando International Airport and 3 miles east of I-95.

Directions to the Florida Solar Energy Center

Local hotel information


Tentative Agenda

A sample course agenda (pdf, 75kb) is provided for information on schedule and content. Due to the weather-dependence of many of the outdoor activities, adjustments to this agenda may be made during the course.


FSEC Training and How It Relates to Installer Certification

This course offers participants training in PV system installation, related design issues, and valuable hands-on experience. However, any testing or learning assessment associated with this course should not be confused with national testing and certification offered by NABCEP, or with construction trade licensing offered by state and local jurisdictions. Although some states and municipalities may require that installers receive some form of a certification of completion from a training institution (such as FSEC), these certificates do not provide a national certification or license of any kind. They are merely intended to recognize successful completion of this training course. The test we give are used to assess learning and enhance future training courses.

The Institute of Sustainable Power (ISP) has accredited the Florida Solar Energy Center as an energy training institution. Although FSEC is one of a very few organizations to hold this distinction, completion of training from ISP-accredited institutions does not imply NABCEP or any other type of national certification. If your state requires some form of training, we strongly recommend you check with the regulating body to make sure FSEC's training and course completion certificate will be adequate for your needs. Although many states recognize FSEC's course as an acceptable forum for this training, each state's requirements vary.

Click here for our Training Position Statement: Training Position Statement

For the latest on NABCEP's national certification efforts, please visit: http://nabcep.org


Registration

The registration fee for this workshop is $1,300 per registrant (starting January 2010) and includes all course materials, lunches and refreshments. Payment will be collected immediately and is payable only by credit card or an electronic check draft submitted through FSEC's payment collection gateway. The course registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the course for which you originally registered, we will move your registration to a future course offering once, after that, your registration fee is forfeited.

 

       
Date Location Price  
Dec 07, 2009 - Dec 11, 2009 Cocoa, FL $1000 * Course filled *
Jan 11, 2010 - Jan 15, 2010 Cocoa, FL $1300 * Course filled *
Feb 01, 2010 - Feb 05, 2010 Cocoa, FL $1300 * Course filled *

*If there is not an active link showing, no courses are currently available for registration. Registration is done through the Web site only.*

No waiting list is available for this course.

DBPR CEU Information

Provider number for ECLB: 859
Course number: 0008242
ECLB Credits: 17(T)
                        1(S)

Please check with your particular board on their requirements for renewal of your license.

Accreditation of Photovoltaic Training Programs and Instructors

In July 2001, FSEC received the first ever accreditation of photovoltaic training programs in the United States from the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP). View our accreditation page to learn more or visit our training position statement to learn what course completion means to you.