About this course

This course covers Photovoltaics combined with Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC).

In this class, Sean White and Bill Brooks explain the NEC in a way that is as fun as possible for a large, very technical book. This course is jam-packed with NEC insight, interpretation, and comparison to past versions. It is an excellent way to understand how the NEC applies to Solar + Storage.

Course outline

7 modules
24 hours to complete
19:40 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 10 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.

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Module 1 • 35 assignments
NEC Overview

Before we dive deep into NEC articles specific to PV and ESS, we are going to get more familiar with the rest of the NEC, from a PV and ESS point of view.

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Module 2 • 21 assignments
NEC Article 690 PV Systems

Article 690 was first put into the NEC in 1984.

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Module 3 • 18 assignments
Module 3 Energy Storage Systems (706) and Interconnections (705)

Article 706 ESS was new in the 2017 NEC and much of it came out of Article 690. It was originally meant to replace Article 480 Storage Batteries, however 480 was kept in the NEC. Article 690 points us to 706 when using energy storage systems and not 480. Different AHJs interpret this differently and the NEC can sometimes contradict itself as we will learn.


Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources is very important for both PV and ESS and is definitely a part of the NABCEP certification exam.

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Module 4 • 12 assignments
More NEC and some Building Codes

Here we have some extras.

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Module 5 • 6 assignments
2020 NEC Practice Exam

The assignment following this practice exam is a pdf download with answers and detailed explanations for each exam question. It is a great study tool, plus if you are puzzled about a question, the explanation is here! Sometimes the explanation is 2 pages long, so there is great study material here.

It is not cheating if you want to look at the answers first. This is all for you!

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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!

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

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

NABCEP Registered Provider

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

Instructors

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...

Bill Brooks

Principal, Brooks Engineering

Bill Brooks PE, of Brooks Engineering LLC, has over 30 years of experience designing, installing, and evaluating grid-connected PV systems. More than 12,000 installers and inspectors have attended his courses throughout the U.S. and abroad. His field troubleshooting skills have been valuable in determining where problems occur to focus training on those issues of...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
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$895

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Reviews

4.8
Based on 6 reviews
9
students have taken this course
06/26/2025

The course makes complicated ideas easy to understand. Sean keeps things light and fun I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about solar energy.

Sofia Smith
02/15/2025

Sean White did a great job explaining things in a clear and engaging way, with just the right amount of humor to keep it interesting.

Noah Cromwell
02/07/2025
Zach C
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