NABCEP Associate Package - IN PERSON | Midwest Renewable Energy Association

NABCEP PV Associate Program

We help students go from Basic PV (PV 101) to NABCEP Associate Exam in four days, and we will bring the training to you!

The NABCEP PV Associate Program will help individuals working in, or seeking employment in the solar industry. This credential is ideal for students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early state in their solar career, professionals who have just begun to offer solar products or services as part of their business, or those who are seeking a job in the renewable energy sector.

To earn a NABCEP PV Associate credential through the MREA, we require a minimum of three courses that we can offer through our network of trained instructors. Once these three course are completed students are eligible to take the NABCEP Associate Exam. This exam is available via paper and pencil or as a computer-based test.

To schedule your training or to discuss training opportunities please contact Greta Ladenthin, gretal@midwestrenew.org, 715-592-6595 ext. 114.

PV 101 – Basic PV

This eight-hour course uses a combination of presentations, discussions, exercises, and activities to teach the basics of solar electricity.

Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, compare and contrast different PV system types, identify necessary components, and understand the best applications for (and limitations of) each system type.

Other topics include evaluating the solar window, investigating energy efficiency recommendations, and researching system costs.

PV 201 – PV Site Assessment

This eight-hour course uses presentations, exercises, activities, and classroom discussion to demonstrate how to perform a residential PV site assessment, using a template created by the MREA.

Topics covered include: load analysis and consumption history, energy efficiency recommendations, mounting options, balance of system location requirements, shade analysis, system sizing, financial analysis and options, and non-financial benefits of PV. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific shade analysis, recommend system size and location, calculate energy production, estimate system costs, and identify available PV rebates and incentives.

PV 202- PV System Design

This two-day, 16-hour course uses a series of presentations, exercises, calculators, and tools to teach the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility interactive residential (or small commercial) PV system.

Participants will use site assessments, manufacturer specification sheets, and case studies to learn about selecting appropriate equipment, sizing a PV system, planning the physical layout, and calculating electrical values of voltage, current, power, and energy.

Not Required, But Highly Recommended Before Taking the Exam:

Safety and Best Practices for PV Installers PV 280 – this two-hour course covers basic safety and ergonomic best practices for those who are, or plan to become a PV Installer. It includes many of the task steps listed in the NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA).

PV Exam Prep PV 220 – this six-hour course has been created for those ready to take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam, or any entry-level exam in photovoltaics. We’ll discuss test-taking strategies, review the logistics of NABCEP exams, and use practice question to prepare you for test day.