This is a bundle of these 2 courses
About this course
NABCEP's PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Board Certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of PV system designers. This Board Certification demonstrates your proven ability to configure the mechanical and electrical design components of PV systems.
This NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification Prep Course gives you the advanced hours and knowledge required to earn NABCEP PVDS Certification.
The PVDS Practice Exam is included with the prep course - it's a great way to prepare and get comfortable so you can pass the PVDS exam on your first try.
Note: Some people have requested a 'speedier' version of this course that includes fewer hours of advanced training. We've made it available here, but still recommend the 40-hour version as the best way to pass the exam.
Subjects covered
Solar
NABCEP
Design and Installation
Certification Prep
Bundle outline
2 courses
40 hours to complete
5 minutes
of video lectures
Course 1 •
6
modules
40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs
Course 1 •
6
modules
40-Hour NABCEP Advanced PV Certification Training and CEUs
Welcome • 19 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 19 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.
- 2017 NEC is what NABCEP uses for all PV exams
- NEC Information and Purchase Options-NABCEP Adoption of the 2017 NEC
- Important: Purchase a copy of "Solar PV Engineering and Installation: Preparation for the NABCEP PV Certification Exams" (.pdf)
- Photovoltaic Systems and the National Electric Code Book by Sean White and Bill Brooks
- Optional: "The Science Behind How We Learn New Skills"
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
- Announcement regarding NABCEP Certification Exams and the NEC Adoption
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
- Feedback from an highly knowledgable student after taking and passing the NABCEP PVIP exam
- Introducing Bill Brooks! (14:40 minutes) Preview
- Announcement: All NABCEP Exams can be taken at home
- Go-At-Your-Own-Pace
- Live Online Proctoring (LOP) for All NABCEP Exams!
- Calculator and NEC Codebook Rules from Scantron Testing Centers (currently Meazure Learning) for NABCEP Certification Exams
- Books and resources
- Free Additional Practice Exam
- A Quick Look at the Video Player Controls (27 seconds)
Module 1 • 55 assignments
Introduction and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
Module 1 • 55 assignments
Introduction and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
In this opening module you will get to know your instructor, explore various solar resources, do some foundational reading, learn about important terms and concepts that you'll need to memorize or at least familiarize yourself with, and do an in-depth review of the sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) that relate to solar PV design and installation.
- Introduction (11:48 minutes)
- Read: Chapter 1 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Memorize and Familiarize
- Resources Part 1 PV Labs (07:59 minutes)
- Resources Part 2 PV Watts (26:00 minutes)
- Resources Part 3 Design Software and solarabcs (18:37 minutes)
- Resources Part 4 NABCEP PVIP Information (26:49 minutes)
- Resources Part 5 Other NABCEP Certifications and Prices for all Certifications (20:17 minutes)
- Resources Part 6 Solar Websurfing (27:08 minutes)
- Markets and Getting Up To Speed (13:08 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 1: Memory Techniques (05:45 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 2: NEC Articles 100 Definitions and 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations (10:12 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 3: NEC Articles 200-250 including 230 Services, 240 Overcurrent Protection and 250 Grounding and Bonding (10:11 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 4: NEC Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials, including the 310 Tables and different Articles on installing Conduits, such as EMT or Cables (11:09 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 5: NEC Chapters 4, 5 & 6. 4 is Equipment for General Use and includes 480 Storage Batteries, 5 is Special Occupancies and 6 is Special Equipment and includes 690 PV! (20:50 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize - Video 9 Useful Information (19:37 minutes)
- Memorize and Familiarize Video 10: More Useful Information (25:13 minutes)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #1
- Read: Chapter 2 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - The National Electric Code
- Presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
- Free Access to the National Electrical Code (NEC) - NFPA (Registration required)
- Audio 2020 NEC Article 690 Reading - Radio 690! (.m4a)
- NEC Notes
- NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 1 (29:57 minutes)
- NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 2 (16:35 minutes)
- NEC Article 100 Definitions Part 3 (17:55 minutes)
- NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 1 (19:39 minutes) Preview
- NEC Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations Part 2 (19:49 minutes)
- NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 1 (16:40 minutes)
- NEC Article 200 Grounded Conductors Part 2 (16:44 minutes)
- NEC Articles 210 Branch Circuits, 215 Feeders and 230 Services (20:47 minutes)
- NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 1 (22:47 minutes)
- NEC Article 240 Overcurrent Protection Part 2 (19:51 minutes)
- NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (26:36 minutes)
- NEC Article 250 Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (21:14 minutes)
- NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 1 (15:06 minutes)
- NEC Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials Part 2 (21:46 minutes)
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 1 (14:57 minutes) Preview
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 2 (18:53 minutes)
- NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring Part 3 (21:11 minutes)
- 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 1 (15:19 minutes)
- 320 to 358 Common Wiring Methods like EMT Part 2 (17:27 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 1 (15:38 minutes)
- NEC Chapter 4 Featuring Article 480! Part 2 (16:30 minutes)
- NEC Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8 (10:42 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)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #2
- Informational Annexes (11:16 minutes)
- Reference: NABCEP PV Installation Professional Resource Guide (.pdf)
- Reference: "Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems" (.pdf)
- NABCEP Certification Exam Fees (new in 2020) (.png)
- Updating Course Material - If you completed a module and later it says you did not, you can just click on if you want it to show as completed.
- 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced Module 1 Adv. PV Quiz
- 40-Hour NABCEP Advanced Module 1 adv. PV Quiz with Answers and Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
Module 2 • 21 assignments
National Electrical Code - Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Module 2 • 21 assignments
National Electrical Code - Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
This module, you will go through Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Familiarity with this part of the NEC is critical for solar designers and installers.
- Read: Chapter 3 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 690: Solar PV Systems
- 2017 Versus 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- 2017 NEC Video 1 - Introduction to 690.2 (18:42 minutes) Preview
- 2017 NEC Video 2 - 690.7 Voltage (16:59 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 3 - 690.8 Current (22:18 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 4 - 690.9 Overcurrent Protection (14:13 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 5 - 690.10 Stand-Alone Systems and 690.11 DC Arc-Fault Protection (06:00 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 1 (21:12 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 6 - 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Showdown Part 2 (25:23 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 7 - 690 Part III Disconnecting Means (19:32 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 8 - 690 Part IV Wiring Methods (30:06 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding Part 1 (18:01 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 9 - 690 Part V Grounding and Bonding Part 2 (17:04 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 10 - 690 Part VI to End of Article 690 (23:03 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 11 - 691 Large-Scale Photovoltaic (19:10 minutes)
- Grounding electrode schemes and transformers with emphasis on utility-scale (double advanced topic) (21:27 minutes)
- Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 1 Outside of the Array Boundary (14:57 minutes) Preview
- Bill Brooks on Rapid Shutdown Part 2 inside of the Array Boundary (20:17 minutes)
- String Sizing Formula
- News: 690.12(B)(2)(1) Rapid Shutdown UL Listing
- Optional Discussion Board Post #1
Module 3 • 19 assignments
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Other Solar and Storage Related Articles
Module 3 • 19 assignments
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Other Solar and Storage Related Articles
There are many NEC Articles besides Article 690 that are important to know about. This includes:
Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources
Article 706 Energy Storage Systems
Article 710 Stand-Alone Systems
Article 712 DC Microgrids
Article 625 EV Power Transfer Station
And more!
Article 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources
Article 706 Energy Storage Systems
Article 710 Stand-Alone Systems
Article 712 DC Microgrids
Article 625 EV Power Transfer Station
And more!
- Read: Chapter 4 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Article 705: Interconnections
- 2017 NEC Video 12 - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 1 (25:51 minutes)
- 2017 NEC Video 12 - 705 Interconnected Power Production Sources Part 2 (20:46 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 (03:30 minutes)
- Bill Brooks talks EV Power Transfer Station (EV charging and EV to Grid) (05:38 minutes)
- Bill gets excited talking about 705.13 Power Control Systems (08:16 minutes)
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 1 Supply and Load Side Connections (07:44 minutes)
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 2 with ESS Implications and Markets (11:51 minutes)
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 3 More 705.13 PCS and MIDs (08:04 minutes)
- More EV to Grid-Full Circle with Bill Brooks (07:14 minutes) Preview
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 4 Supply-Side Connections and Microgrids (10:16 minutes)
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 5 Wire Sizing and Supply-Side Connections (05:52 minutes) Preview
- NEC Update for IPCs effective 1/1/23 even for the 2020 NEC.
- Bill Brooks on 705 Video 6 Load-Side Connections (26:10 minutes)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #1
Module 4 • 23 assignments
Safety, Wire Sizing, Building Codes and Fire Codes
Module 4 • 23 assignments
Safety, Wire Sizing, Building Codes and Fire Codes
Always good to be safe, so safely size your wires and to understand some of the building and fire codes. For the NABCEP exam, do not worry so much about Bill's Building Codes and Fire Codes, however it is important information and for those of you looking for NABCEP Continuing Education (CE) this is a requirement.
- Read: Chapter 5 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Safety, Strategy, and Investing Your Time Wisely
- Video Responses to Detailed Questions
- Answer to Question on System Sizing (19:46 minutes)
- Answer to Question on Connecting PV System to a Split Bus Panel (10:14 minutes)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #1
- Read: Chapter 6 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Wire Sizing
- Code-Compliant Conductor Sizing - SolarPro (PDF) (.pdf)
- Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: a 2021 take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 1 (16:41 minutes)
- Code Compliant Conductor Sizing: a 2021 take on a 2011 SolarPro Article Part 2 (18:55 minutes)
- Wire Sizing (Chapter 12 PV and the NEC) Reading Assignment-advanced topic (.pdf)
- Building and Fire Codes with Bill Brooks Part 1- 2020 NFPA 855 Energy Storage Systems, IRC, IBC, IFC, NFPA 1, ICC (08:41 minutes) Preview
- 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)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 1 Part 1 (optional) (14:29 minutes)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 1 Part 2 (optional) (20:53 minutes)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 2 (optional) (23:14 minutes)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 3 (optional) (21:06 minutes)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 4 Part 1 (optional) (21:48 minutes)
- Solar Building and Fire Codes Video 4 Part 2 (optional) (23:51 minutes)
- PV UL Listing 1703 transitioned to UL 61730 (.pdf)
- UL PV Listing 61730 replacing UL 1703 for making the test work around the world and UL 3741 listing for Rapid Shutdown (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)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #2
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Practice Exam for NABCEP PV Certification and Trig
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Practice Exam for NABCEP PV Certification and Trig
Here we have a full practice exam that will prepare you for the NABCEP Certification exams. Be sure to check that you also have access to other NABCEP Certification exams which is organized as a separate course. Also covered in the module are trigonometry concepts you'll need for some solar calculations. The NABCEP certification exams have been known to have 1 or 2 questions that you can use trig to solve.
- Read Chapter 7 in "Solar PV Engineering and Installation" - Solar Trigonometry
- Trigonometry Review Part 1 (19:19 minutes)
- Trigonometry Review Part 2 (14:34 minutes)
- Optional Discussion Board Post #1
- NABCEP Practice Exam - 70 Questions
- NABCEP Practice Exam - 70 Questions Answer with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
- NABCEP Exam Registration and Testing Overview: Certemy, Meazure Learning, and Scantron
- How to Check your Score in NABCEP Exam (01:00 minutes)
Module 6 • 71 assignments
Question-by-Question Practice Exam Review
Module 6 • 71 assignments
Question-by-Question Practice Exam Review
Review each question from the practice exam to understand how to arrive at the correct answer.
- Question 1 Explained (04:03 minutes)
- Question 2 Explained (05:14 minutes)
- Question 3 Explained (05:38 minutes)
- Question 4 Explained (05:21 minutes)
- Question 5 Explained (03:26 minutes)
- Question 6 Explained (04:29 minutes)
- Question 7 Explained (03:40 minutes)
- Question 8 Explained (05:44 minutes)
- Question 9 Explained (03:02 minutes)
- Question 10 Explained (03:14 minutes)
- Question 11 Explained (15:14 minutes)
- Question 12 Explained (08:37 minutes)
- Question 13 Explained (01:45 minutes)
- Question 14 Explained (02:37 minutes)
- Question 15 Explained (02:49 minutes)
- Question 16 Explained (05:53 minutes)
- Question 17 Explained (02:30 minutes)
- Question 18 Explained (02:05 minutes)
- Question 19 Explained (03:10 minutes)
- Question 20 Explained (02:39 minutes)
- Question 21 Explained (06:33 minutes)
- Question 22 Explained (03:52 minutes)
- Question 23 Explained (01:53 minutes)
- Question 24 Explained (03:02 minutes)
- Question 25 Explained (06:34 minutes)
- Question 26 Explained (04:32 minutes)
- Question 27 Explained
- Question 28 Explained (37 seconds)
- Question 29 Explained (03:03 minutes)
- Question 30 Explained (03:25 minutes)
- Question 31 Explained (02:59 minutes)
- Question 32 Explained (04:44 minutes)
- Question 33 Explained (01:52 minutes)
- Question 34 Explained (03:13 minutes)
- Question 35 Explained (03:43 minutes)
- Question 36 Explained (02:28 minutes)
- Question 37 Explained (02:31 minutes)
- Question 38 Explained (02:47 minutes)
- Question 39 Explained (02:22 minutes)
- Question 40 Explained (11:24 minutes)
- Question 41 Explained (07:11 minutes)
- Question 42 Explained (06:10 minutes)
- Question 43 Explained (03:37 minutes)
- Question 44 Explained (05:01 minutes)
- Question 45 Explained (10:28 minutes)
- Question 46 Explained (02:30 minutes)
- Question 47 Explained (02:05 minutes)
- Question 48 Explained (02:05 minutes)
- Question 49 Explained (02:23 minutes)
- Question 50 Explained (03:03 minutes)
- Question 51 Explained (06:25 minutes)
- Question 52 Explained (07:19 minutes) Preview
- Question 53 Explained (02:37 minutes)
- Question 54 Explained (02:22 minutes)
- Question 55 Explained (02:39 minutes)
- Question 56 Explained (02:16 minutes)
- Question 57 Explained (01:45 minutes)
- Question 58 Explained (02:10 minutes)
- Question 59 Explained (02:15 minutes)
- Question 60 Explained (01:33 minutes)
- Question 61 Explained (03:26 minutes)
- Question 62 Explained (03:00 minutes)
- Question 63 Explained (02:36 minutes)
- Question 64 Explained
- Question 65 Explained (04:34 minutes)
- Question 66 Explained (01:58 minutes)
- Question 67 Explained (02:19 minutes)
- Question 68 Explained (01:38 minutes)
- Question 69 Explained (02:37 minutes)
- Question 70 Explained (04:17 minutes)
- Announcement regarding NABCEP PVIP Exam
Conclusion • 10 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 10 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!
- Lots of additional optional videos and audio recordings
- NABCEP Application: Start your application for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam
- NABCEP Certification Exam Scheduling Email from NABCEP (.pdf)
- NABCEP Practice Exam 1 (70-Question) Questions with Explanations (.pdf)
- Bonus Practice Exam (30-Question) Questions with Explanations (.pdf)
- NABCEP Exam Pep Talk (48 seconds) Preview
- 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 •
1
modules
NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Practice Exam
Course 2 •
1
modules
NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Practice Exam
Module 1 • 12 assignments
NABCEP PVDS Certification Practice Exams
Module 1 • 12 assignments
NABCEP PVDS Certification Practice Exams
- Discussion Board Request from Sean and Notes on Posting Discussion Board Questions
- 2023 NABCEP PVDS practice exam
- 2023 NABCEP PVDS Practice Exam Answers with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
- 2023 NABCEP PVDS Bonus Practice Exam
- 2023 NABCEP PVDS Bonus Practice Exam Answers with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
- NABCEP Practice Exam 1 - 70 Questions
- NABCEP Practice Exam 1 - 70 Questions Answers with Detailed Explanations (.pdf)
- Taking Your NABCEP Test - Thoughts & Advice from Sean (07:17 minutes)
- Connect with your instructor Sean on LinkedIn
- NABCEP Exam Registration and Testing Overview: Certemy, Meazure Learning, and Scantron
- How to Check your Score in NABCEP Exam (01:00 minutes)
- Template letter for documenting experience for NABCEP requirements
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 6 NEC Hours
- NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
- NABCEP NEC
- NABCEP JTA
- NABCEP RE Elective
- NABCEP PV Associate Renewal
- NABCEP Building or Fire Code
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
| NABCEP Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 30 | 8 | 40 | 12 | 6 | |
| 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 20 | 30 | 8 | 20 | 12 | 6 | |
| 40 | 30 | 8 | 40 | 12 | 6 | |
| 40 | 30 | 8 | 40 | 12 | 6 | |
| 40 | 30 | 0 | 20 | 12 | 6 | |
| 40 | 30 | 8 | 40 | 12 | 6 | |
| 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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 FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced 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. 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 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 page to get a group discount.
