About this course

Even the best solar installers started with no experience. This is a series of foundational, free courses for new solar installers. Our goal is to give you an understanding of the basics of the industry, electricity, solar construction, and energy storage that lays the groundwork for a career in solar.

Subjects covered

Solar Design and Installation

Bundle outline

4 courses
4 - 6 hours to complete
Course 1 • 2 modules
Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation and Code
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Introduction to Sean White, HeatSpring, NABCEP, and this Course

Let's get started! In this opening module you'll meet Dr. Sean White, the lead instructor for the course (you will also meet Bill Brooks later in the course).
Here we talk about the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and why it is so relevant today. You will learn how to get a NABCEP Certification and how to study for and pass the NABCEP exams.
One of Sean's learning techniques, is making sure everyone has fun and that the class information is memorable. These classes are definitely upbeat!
Enjoy!
Sean

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Module 2 • 10 assignments
Introduction to Solar PV Design

Becoming a great solar PV and energy storage sage takes a deep understanding of electricity, engineering, and construction. We don't cover all of those things here - but we give you just enough to be dangerous. Work your way through this series of assignments, and you'll be on your way to becoming a solar PV and energy storage guru.

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Course 2 • 1 modules
5 Things You Should Know About Silicon PV Panels
Module 1 • 7 assignments
5 Things You Should Know About Silicon PV Panels

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Course 3 • 8 modules
IronRidge’s Installing on Pitched Roof – Comp Shingle – Course
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.

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Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction to Solar PV

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Module 2 • 6 assignments
Introduction to Roofing Systems

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Module 3 • 13 assignments
Rail-Based Racking

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Module 4 • 6 assignments
Marking Array Dimensions

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Module 5 • 11 assignments
Installing Attachments

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Module 6 • 9 assignments
Flush Mount Racking

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Module 7 • 5 assignments
Wire Management

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Module 8 • 7 assignments
Module Installation

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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 so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

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Course 4 • 1 modules
Battery Capacity - The Basis of Storage
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Video, Resources, Call-In Information, and Questions

In this module, you'll watch the video lecture, check out the supporting resources, and download an MP3 recording of a 1-hour Q+A call with Christopher LaForge.

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

  • NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
  • NABCEP NEC
  • NABCEP JTA
  • NABCEP RE Elective
  • NABCEP PV Associate Renewal
  • IronRidge Solar PV Installation Certification

NABCEP Registered Provider

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

Authors

Dr. James Rand

Core Energy Works

Dr. James Rand has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing, research, and development of solar energy products. His work spans the entire value chain, from raw materials to system level performance. His recent technical projects focused on testing and evaluation of solar modules for performance and long-term reliability. This work led to the formation of Core...

Whether you’re a new entrant to the solar industry, training your crew, or just refreshing your credentials, the IronRidge Installer Certification Program was built for you.

Christopher LaForge

Certified Master Trainer (IREC), NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Professional - Emeritus , Great Northern Solar

Christopher LaForge is the CEO of Great Northern Solar and a NABCEP certified photovoltaic installer-emeritus. He has been designing, specifying, and installing systems since 1988. He has been an instructor with the MREA since 1993 teaching Advanced Photovoltaic design and installation and is an ISPQ Affiliated Master Trainer. In 2016 he was named IREC's Master Trainer...

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?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. 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?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
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, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 4254 reviews from the 4 courses in this bundle
10/08/2025
Pranav P
10/08/2025
Om W
10/07/2025

I am impressed by the comprehensive curriculum and hands on training in solar energy systems. The program equipped me with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to start a career in renewable energy. Osman khalid kamara.

Osman Khalid Kamara
Electrical/Solar Technician , Aptech Africa SL

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