Solar
NABCEP
Batteries and Storage
Certification Prep
30-Hour 2023 NEC PV, Energy Storage, Building and Fire Codes
About this course
The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) was first adopted in January 2023 and will be adopted by many different states at different times. 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 2023 NEC insight, interpretation, and comparison to past versions.
It is recommended that students also purchase the book PV and the NEC by Sean White and Bill Brooks. This book has been updated for the 2023 NEC. It can be purchased directly from the publisher or other online book sellers.
It also may be helpful for you to get a copy of the 2023 NEC, which you can access digitally online for free.
It is recommended that students also purchase the book PV and the NEC by Sean White and Bill Brooks. This book has been updated for the 2023 NEC. It can be purchased directly from the publisher or other online book sellers.
It also may be helpful for you to get a copy of the 2023 NEC, which you can access digitally online for free.
Course outline
7 modules
30 hours to complete
24:14 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 7 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 7 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.
- Intro to Course!! (03:10 minutes)
- NEC Free Access and Paid Access
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Books and resources other than the NEC (Sean's 9 books)
- Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
- Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 30 assignments
NEC Overview
Module 1 • 30 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. We will save the Bill Brooks segments for the deep dives into the more advanced material.
- Module 1 Organization
- NEC Introduction and Article 90 Introduction (13:58 minutes) Preview
- Article 100 Definitions Accessible to Fault Current (20:23 minutes)
- Article 100 Definitions Feeder to Module System, AC. (AC Module System) (25:51 minutes)
- Article 100 Definitions Neutral Point to Wireless Power Transfer Equipment (end) (30:41 minutes) Preview
- Article 110 General Requirements for Electrical Installations (31:42 minutes)
- Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection (12:27 minutes)
- Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials (22:59 minutes)
- Chapter 4 Equipment for General Use (07:26 minutes)
- Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and Annexes overview (11:08 minutes)
- Upcoming Videos: Exploring Key Topics in Greater Detail
- NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors (16:18 minutes)
- NEC Articles 210 Branch Circuits, 215 Feeders and 230 Services (17:59 minutes)
- NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 1 (24:40 minutes)
- NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 2 (17:19 minutes)
- NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (26:15 minutes) Preview
- NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (20:04 minutes)
- NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 1 (14:56 minutes)
- NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 2 (21:26 minutes)
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 1 (14:41 minutes)
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 2 (18:53 minutes)
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 3 (21:14 minutes)
- 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 1 (15:25 minutes)
- 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 2 (17:27 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 1 (15:13 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 2 (13:36 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 1 (28:19 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 2 (19:32 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 9 Tables Part 3 (15:09 minutes)
- Informational Annexes (11:08 minutes)
Module 2 • 14 assignments
NEC Article 690 PV Systems
Module 2 • 14 assignments
NEC Article 690 PV Systems
Article 690 was first put into the NEC in 1984.
- Read NEC Article 690 PV Systems
- 2017 vs. 2020 vs. 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Podcast listening to 2020 NEC Article 690 - Radio 690! (.mp3)
- 690.1 to 690.6 (42:05 minutes)
- 690.7 (38:51 minutes)
- 690.8 (31:39 minutes)
- 690.9 (30:13 minutes)
- 690.11 and 691.10 (06:46 minutes) Preview
- 690.12 (43:28 minutes)
- 690 Part III (24:01 minutes)
- 690 Part IV (32:28 minutes)
- 690 Part V and VI (37:15 minutes)
- 691 (14:45 minutes)
- 690.12(B)(2)(1) Rapid Shutdown UL Listing
Module 3 • 18 assignments
Module 3 Energy Storage Systems (706) and Interconnections (705)
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 exams.
- Article 705 (13:44 minutes)
- 705.11 to 705.13 (21:03 minutes)
- 705.12 (38:50 minutes)
- 705.13 EMS (21:31 minutes)
- 705 MID and EMS (07:52 minutes)
- 705 ESS implications and Markets (11:25 minutes)
- Article 625 (33:10 minutes)
- Energy Storage Article Scopes (28:41 minutes)
- 706 Part I (21:39 minutes)
- 706 Part II (26:19 minutes)
- 706 Part III and IV (19:32 minutes)
- 706 Part V and VI (18:29 minutes)
- 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 1 (20:04 minutes)
- 2020 National Electrical Code 706 With Bill Brooks Part 2 (16:26 minutes)
- Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems Part 1 (22:29 minutes)
- Bill Brooks talks Energy Storage Systems Part 2 (10:56 minutes)
- Bill Brooks talks Storage Batteries Article 480 (03:24 minutes)
- NEC Update for IPCs effective 1/1/23 even for the 2020 NEC.
Module 4 • 18 assignments
More NEC and some Building Codes
Module 4 • 18 assignments
More NEC and some Building Codes
Here we have some extras.
- Answer to Question on Connecting PV System to a Split Bus Panel (10:46 minutes)
- Code-Compliant Conductor Sizing - SolarPro (PDF) (.pdf)
- Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: an updated take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 1 (16:41 minutes)
- Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: an updated take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 2 (18:55 minutes)
- Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 1- NFPA 855 Energy Storage Systems, IRC, IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, ICC (08:41 minutes)
- Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 2 Roof Setbacks (30:55 minutes)
- Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 3 The ICC i-codes (13:40 minutes)
- PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (.pdf)
- UL PV Listing 61730 replacing UL 1703 and UL 3741 listing for Rapid Shutdown (PV Hazard Control Systems) with Bill Brooks PE (12:08 minutes)
- UL 3741 Rapid Shutdown solution where the PV array can stay up to 1000V using SMA inverters with Sollega or Ironridge racks! (16:53 minutes)
- Grounding electrode schemes and transformers with emphasis on utility-scale (double advanced topic). (21:27 minutes)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (16:21 minutes)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (BB) (18:12 minutes) Preview
- International Residential Code (IRC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (27:36 minutes)
- International Fire Code (IFC) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with Bill Brooks (advanced topic) (07:42 minutes)
- Video 1 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (24:43 minutes)
- Video 2 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (20:04 minutes)
- Video 3 ESS Building and Fire Codes, including 2021 and 2024 IRC and 2023 NFPA 855 (22:21 minutes)
Module 5 • 4 assignments
2023 NEC Code Changes Quiz
Module 5 • 4 assignments
2023 NEC Code Changes Quiz
- Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
- 2023 NEC Code Changes Quiz
- 2023 NEC Code Changes - 20 Questions With Answers and Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
- NABCEP Exam Registration and Testing Overview: Certemy, Meazure Learning, and Scantron
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
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!
- Teach yourself to enjoy studying for success!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
| NABCEP Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 2 | |
| 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 30 | 30 | 28 | 20 | 30 | 2 | |
| 30 | 30 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 2 | |
| 30 | 30 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 2 | |
| 15 | 30 | 0 | 20 | 30 | 2 | |
| 28 | 30 | 28 | 20 | 30 | 2 | |
| 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 FAQHow does this course work?
This 5-module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. 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 can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). 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 page to get a group discount.
