NABCEP Associate Package - ONLINE | Midwest Renewable Energy Association

NABCEP PV Associate Program

We help students go from Basic PV (PV 101) to NABCEP Associate Exam in a series of online courses!

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 offer through our online training platform. Once these three course are completed students are eligible to take the NABCEP Associate Exam. This exam is available via computer-based testing at a NABCEP approved site in your area.

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

Attendees who have taken MREA online classes have a 100% pass rate for the NABCEP Associate Exam!

PV 101 – Basic PV Online

This self-paced, online course uses a combination of presentations, assignments, quizzes, and webinars 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.

Participants should expect to spend a minimum of eight hours completing this online course, as it uses the same presentations and follows the same learning objectives as it does in the one-day (classroom) version of the course.

PV 201 – PV Site Assessment Online

This self-paced, online course uses a combination of presentations, exercises, quizzes, and live webinars to demonstrate how to perform a residential PV site assessment, using a template created by the MREA. This is an eight-hour course.

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 Online

This 16-hour online course uses a series of presentations, exercises, calculators, tools, quizzes, and live webinars 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.