About this course

This bundle includes courses that allow for candidates to sit for the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam.

Note: You must have an active PV Associate credential to meet the required number of advanced training hours to be eligible to take the exam. 

Subjects covered

Bundle outline

4 courses
Course 1 • 5 modules
Energy Storage Associate Boot Camp
Welcome • 9 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • Energy Storage Presentation (.pdf)
  • Book: Energy Storage Basics
  • Welcome!
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
  • Books and resources
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
Module 1 • 7 assignments
History of Energy Storage, Markets and Applications for ESS's, and Safety Basics

This week you'll learn about the beginnings of solar PV technology, current markets and applications for the technology, and the basic safety considerations and requirements for solar PV installers. Topics include: different types of PV systems, OSHA, National Electrical Code (NEC), arc flashes, overcurrent protection devices, fall protection, and lockout-tagout (LOTO).

  • Welcome! Plus AC and DC Coupling (27:43 minutes) Preview
  • Energy Storage Systems Overview (12:33 minutes)
  • Electrochemistry and History of Batteries (14:37 minutes)
  • Electricity Basics (13:35 minutes)
  • ESS Uses (26:42 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 1 Quiz
  • Quiz 1 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 2 • 8 assignments
Energy Storage Fundamentals

This week covers concepts, definitions, terminology, and formulas related to electricity. It also lays out the science, data, and principles you must understand to grasp how solar energy is collected. Topics include: Ohm's Law, power, energy, voltage, current, batteries, multimeters, measurement, types of DC connections, transmission, insolation data, solar time, sun paths, shading, and solar radiation.

  • ESS Units (25:58 minutes)
  • ESS Chemistries Part 1 (21:08 minutes) Preview
  • ESS Chemistries Part 2 (22:26 minutes)
  • Lithium Chemistries Deeper Dive Part 1 (15:00 minutes)
  • Lithium Chemistries Deeper Dive Part 2 (21:44 minutes)
  • Series and Parallel Wiring (11:29 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 2 Quiz
  • Quiz 2 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 3 • 15 assignments
Common components for Energy Storage Systems

For small and large scale energy storage systems, we will cover some of the top brands, how they work and how they are designed.

  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (1 of 2) (20:40 minutes) Preview
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (2 of 2) (31:15 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (1 of 2) (25:14 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (2 of 2) (21:25 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (1 of 2) (18:05 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (2 of 2) (15:26 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 4 (1 of 2) (16:41 minutes)
  • Common Components for Residential Energy Storage Systems Part 4 (2 of 2) (28:43 minutes)
  • Common Components for Utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (27:35 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (1 of 2) (16:41 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (2 of 2) (20:46 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (1 of 2) (18:39 minutes)
  • Common Components for utility and Commercial-Scale Energy Storage Systems Part 3 (2 of 2) (21:00 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 3 Quiz
  • Quiz 3 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 4 • 11 assignments
Various Energy Storage System Topics.

In this module we cover virtual power plants, C-rates, supercapicitors, lithium vs. lead-acid batteries, battery discharging, state of charge, 3-phase power, grounding and off-grid systems.

  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP) (13:48 minutes) Preview
  • C-Rates, Supercapacitors, and more (19:36 minutes)
  • C-Rates Continued, Battery Basics, and more (19:43 minutes)
  • Lithium-Ion Batteries vs. Lead-Acid Batteries (30:51 minutes)
  • Battery Discharging Graphs Part 1 (24:59 minutes)
  • Battery Discharging Graphs Part 2 (19:14 minutes)
  • State of Charge (28:17 minutes)
  • 3-Phase Power, System Grounding, and Off-Grid Systems Part 1 (22:19 minutes)
  • 3-Phase Power, System Grounding, and Off-Grid Systems Part 2 (20:02 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 4 Quiz
  • Quiz 4 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
Module 5 • 31 assignments
More ESS!

  • Line/Load Side Connections, IPC's, grounding, and more! Part 1 (24:18 minutes)
  • Line/Load Side Connections, IPC's, grounding, and more! Part 2 (21:45 minutes)
  • NEC Update for IPCs effective 1/1/23 even for the 2020 NEC.
  • Different ESS Technologies Part 1 (19:14 minutes) Preview
  • Different ESS Technologies Part 2 (19:51 minutes)
  • Flywheels Part 1 (13:02 minutes)
  • Flywheels Part 2 (21:08 minutes)
  • Gravity (12:40 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Markets Part 1 (22:30 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Markets Part 2 (17:35 minutes)
  • Energy Storage Tech Comparisons including Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid, Sodium Sulfur, UL 9540 and UL 1973 Part 1 (19:27 minutes)
  • Energy Storage Tech Comparisons including Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid, Sodium Sulfur, UL 9540 and UL 1973 Part 2 (21:01 minutes)
  • NEC and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) including Article 706 Parts I and II (1 of 2) (23:35 minutes)
  • NEC and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) including Article 706 Parts I and II (2 of 2) (20:59 minutes)
  • NEC Article 706 Energy Storage Systems part III to end (1 of 2) (15:28 minutes)
  • NEC Article 706 Energy Storage Systems part III to end (2 of 2) (16:08 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Code in the NEC besides Article 706 ESS Part 1 (22:23 minutes)
  • Energy Storage System Code in the NEC besides Article 706 ESS Part 2 (16:13 minutes)
  • NEC 4- Chapter 6, 7, 8 and 9 (21:18 minutes)
  • NEC 5 - Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 1 (21:33 minutes)
  • NEC 5 - Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 2 (17:52 minutes)
  • Backfeeding the grid with a Tesla Model S (02:01 minutes)
  • International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (27:36 minutes)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (16:21 minutes)
  • International Fire Code (IFC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (07:42 minutes)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (BB) (18:12 minutes)
  • ESS Boot Camp Module 5 Quiz
  • Quiz 5 Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
  • ESS Boot Camp Final Exam
  • Final Exam Answers and Explanations (.pdf)
  • New Information Version 2
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn if you have not already
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 2 • 10 modules
Selling & Developing Commercial-Industrial Solar
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Considerations for the Facility Owner and Operator

  • Considerations for the facility owner and operator (20:00 minutes) Preview
  • PDF Module 1 Slides - Considerations for the Facility Owner (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Site Assessment

In this section, we discuss what makes a building good for solar?

  • Site Assessment - what makes a building good or bad for solar? (42:12 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - Site Assessment – what makes a building good (or bad) for solar? (.pdf)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
The Site Visit

  • The Site Visit - a deep dive into the facility, infrastructure, roof space/access/condition, roof vs ground etc. (25:53 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - The Site Visit - Module 3 (.pdf)
Module 4 • 3 assignments
Initial Design & Permitting

  • Initial Design (sizing, layout) and Permitting - the 'meat' of a solar project (35:05 minutes)
  • Site assessment, initial design and sizing
  • PDF Slides - Design, Sizing and Permitting (Module 4) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Interconnection to the Grid (Behind-the-Meter)

  • Interconnection to the Grid (16:34 minutes)
  • Interconnection to the Grid (.pdf)
Module 6 • 2 assignments
Financial Modeling

  • Financial Modeling (38:54 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - Financial Modeling (.pdf)
Module 7 • 2 assignments
Presenting the Opportunity to Decision Makers

  • Presenting the Opportunity to Decision Makers (37:01 minutes)
  • Presenting the Opportunity to Decision Makers (.pdf)
Module 8 • 2 assignments
Answering Common Questions from Decision Makers

  • Answering Common Questions from Decision Makers (42:50 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - Answering Common Questions from Decision Makers (.pdf)
Module 9 • 2 assignments
Case Studies

  • Case Studies - (41:45 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - Case Studies - sales in real life (.pdf)
Module 10 • 2 assignments
Other Considerations

  • Other Considerations (25:18 minutes)
  • PDF Slides - Other Considerations - Module 10 (.pdf)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 3 • 1 modules
NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Intensive Exam Prep
Welcome • 4 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
Module 1 • 83 assignments
NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Intensive Exam Prep

  • NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Intensive Exam Prep (28:32 minutes) Preview
  • Compounding Interest Part 1 (11:32 minutes)
  • Compounding Interest Part 2 (32:09 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 1 (17:08 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 2 (15:18 minutes) Preview
  • Facts and Figures Part 3 (17:57 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 4 (14:20 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 5 (16:46 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 6 (16:11 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 7 (16:00 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 8 (14:28 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 9 (16:56 minutes)
  • Facts and Figures Part 10 (18:29 minutes)
  • Question 1 Explained (15:03 minutes)
  • Question 2 Explained (06:21 minutes)
  • Question 3 Explained (10:30 minutes)
  • Question 4 Explained (06:21 minutes)
  • Question 5 Explained (23:01 minutes)
  • Question 6 Explained (44:18 minutes)
  • Question 7 Explained (18:41 minutes)
  • Question 8 Explained (16:03 minutes)
  • Question 9 Explained (07:22 minutes)
  • Question 10 Explained (10:38 minutes)
  • Question 11 Explained (08:34 minutes)
  • Question 12 Explained (14:35 minutes)
  • Question 13 Explained (13:51 minutes)
  • Question 14 Explained (10:12 minutes)
  • Question 15 Explained (13:50 minutes)
  • Question 16 Explained (09:42 minutes)
  • Question 17 Explained (16:03 minutes)
  • Question 18 Explained (05:42 minutes)
  • Question 19 Explained (05:00 minutes)
  • Question 20 Explained (10:58 minutes)
  • Question 21 Explained (36:56 minutes)
  • Question 22 Explained (19:32 minutes)
  • Question 23 Explained (07:17 minutes)
  • Question 24 Explained (10:19 minutes)
  • Question 25 Explained (03:20 minutes)
  • Question 26 Explained (08:13 minutes)
  • Question 27 Explained (08:24 minutes)
  • Question 28 Explained (07:26 minutes)
  • Question 29 Explained (14:55 minutes)
  • Question 30 Explained (11:33 minutes)
  • Question 31 Explained (46:55 minutes)
  • Question 32 Explained (13:57 minutes)
  • Question 33 Explained (06:04 minutes)
  • Question 34 Explained (06:01 minutes)
  • Question 35 Explained (09:28 minutes)
  • Question 36 Explained (12:21 minutes)
  • Question 37 Explained (08:51 minutes)
  • Question 38 Explained (07:29 minutes)
  • Question 39 Explained (12:39 minutes)
  • Question 40 Explained (02:10 minutes)
  • Question 41 Explained (06:25 minutes)
  • Question 42 Explained (07:21 minutes)
  • Question 43 Explained (15:52 minutes)
  • Question 44 Explained (08:48 minutes)
  • Question 45 Explained (03:00 minutes)
  • Question 46 Explained (01:47 minutes)
  • Question 47 Explained (17:29 minutes)
  • Question 48 Explained (12:38 minutes)
  • Question 49 Explained (05:18 minutes)
  • Question 50 Explained (08:10 minutes)
  • Question 51 Explained (13:00 minutes)
  • Question 52 Explained (05:21 minutes)
  • Question 53 Explained (04:30 minutes)
  • Question 54 Explained (13:27 minutes)
  • Question 55 Explained (09:52 minutes)
  • Question 56 Explained (06:15 minutes)
  • Question 57 Explained (05:28 minutes)
  • Question 58 Explained (07:40 minutes)
  • Question 59 Explained (03:09 minutes)
  • Question 60 Explained (02:07 minutes)
  • Question 61 Explained (03:06 minutes)
  • Question 62 Explained (03:59 minutes)
  • Question 63 Explained (12:54 minutes)
  • Question 64 Explained (06:12 minutes)
  • Question 65 Explained (09:58 minutes)
  • Question 66 Explained (08:26 minutes)
  • Question 67 Explained (14:55 minutes)
  • Question 68 Explained (05:38 minutes)
  • Question 69 Explained (06:33 minutes)
  • Question 70 Explained (09:07 minutes)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 4 • 1 modules
NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Practice Exam
Module 1 • 10 assignments
NABCEP PVTS Certification Practice Exam

  • Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
  • Taking Your NABCEP Test - Thoughts & Advice from Sean (07:17 minutes)
  • Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
  • NABCEP PVTS Practice Exam 1 - 70 Questions
  • New PVTS Practice Exam 1 with Answers and Detailed Explanations 70 questions (.pdf)
  • NABCEP PVTS Practice Exam 2 - 70 Questions
  • New PVTS Practice Exam 2 with Answers and Detailed Explanations 70 questions (.pdf)
  • NABCEP PVTS Practice Exam 3 - 29 Questions
  • New PVTS Practice Exam 3 with Answers and Detailed Explanations 29 questions (.pdf)
  • NABCEP Exam Registration and Testing Overview: Certemy, Meazure Learning, and Scantron

Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

  • NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
  • NABCEP JTA
  • NABCEP Building or Fire Code
  • NABCEP RE Elective
  • NABCEP PV Associate Renewal

Approved NABCEP CEU Hours

NABCEP Credential Advanced Hours for Exam Recertification CEU Hours NEC JTA RE Elective Building or Fire Code
18 40.5 10 25 34.5 4
0 24 0 0 0 0
18 18 6 18 12 2
18 40.5 10 18 34.5 4
18 40.5 10 18 34.5 4
40.5 40.5 0 40.5 34.5 4
18 40.5 10 18 34.5 4
0 4 4 0 0 2

NABCEP Registered Provider

This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.

Authors

Tim Montague

President, Clean Power Consulting Group

Tim Montague, M.S. is a solar project developer and consultant working on C&I and community solar and storage across the US. He is the president of the Clean Power Consulting Group which is a mission driven solar company helping to speed the energy transition. He holds the NABCEP PV Technical Sales certification and has originated and developed over 50 MW of solar...

Sean White

2014 IREC Trainer of the Year, HeatSpring / White House Energy Inc. / Sean White Solar / Norcal Solar

Sean White was the 2014 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Trainer of the Year. He is an IREC Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar. He contributed to the development of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Job Task Analysis and has been a member of the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Technical Committee. Sean is a...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. This is a self-study, self-paced course and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 228 reviews from the 4 courses in this bundle
02/21/2024

Definitely one of the best courses i have taken online. instructor makes it easy to understand by explaining every detail of the content. the course is done at your own pace, giving you time to take small braakes if needed, and able to have time throughout the day for daily life activities. Definitely recoment to take this course.

Ever Gamboa Garcia
Technician , Molen Services Inc.
02/20/2024

The course was well structured and comprehensive; it tackles energy storage systems from different angles: science, applications, and most importantly the codes the pertain to ESS.

Zeina Abbas
06/01/2023

If you hoping to gain an understanding of what it means to have a PVTS certification, this course will guide streamlines the complex and advance into easier to understand information. This teaches you not how to sell, but how to consult and work with your customers, which is far more valuable.

Douglas Lomont
Business Development, HSI Solar, LLC

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