The Center for Sustainable Energy offers a 40 hour Photovoltaic Installation Class based on the NABCEP Task Analysis.  This class is the first step toward becoming a certified solar installer.  The training program is funded by a generous NYSERDA grant.

Upon completion, the student will be able to recognize and identify all components of the stand alone and net metered, grid inter-tied PV system and understand the interlink between design criteria and the economic impact of various options.  Hands on skills will be taught and representative installations will be visited, discussed, and analyzed.

Each 40 hour class is preceded by a 10 hour Math/Electricity Basics module for people with little or no familiarity with electrical concepts.

Preparation is offered for the NABCEP Entry Level Exam and job search support is available.     (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).  This voluntary exam, 60 multiple choice questions and problems, tells a potential employer that the holder of this certification has mastered an important body of knowledge and would make a good entry level employee in a solar installation company. It is recognized across the country.

The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction- PV History/Future, Applications
• Electric Principles- AC, DC, Energy, Power, Current, Voltage, Resistance
• Solar Resource- Irradiation, sun path, effects on different surface orientations, shading
• PV Principles- Photo effect, cells, modules, types, characteristics
• ON Grid System Component Fundamentals- Inverter, disconnects, combiners
• Electrical On Grid System Design- Component sizing, Grid interconnections, NEC 690, Grounding, Equipment locations
• Off Grid System Component Fundaments- Charge controller, Off grid inverters, Batteries, BOS
• Electrical Off Grid System Design- Component sizing, Load analysis, NEC 690, Hybrid off grid systems
• Structural Design Aspects- Types of mounting systems, Design considerations for mounting systems, Building codes
• Safety Issues- During installation, Normal operation, emergencies and system trouble shooting
• Installation- Planning, good workmanship, inspections, common mistakes to avoid
• Maintenance of PV Systems- trouble shooting, maintenance
• Course review and test preparation
• Solar Field Trip
• Hands on Workshop

Prerequisites: Familiarity with electricity basics and algebra
Textbook:  Photovoltaic Systems, American Technical Publishers, Homewood, Illinois , ISBN # 978-0-8269-
1287-9   http://www.go2atp.com/stores/1/product1.cfm?Product_ID=298