Updated Course Launches September 28th
Content includes the 2026 NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis and Exam
This course is designed for participants who are new to solar technology and will take participants through the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and then work through advanced concepts and principles.
Upon completion of the course, participants may register for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) 2-hour, 70 multiple choice question exam.
Waivolt is an Accredited NABCEP Continuing Education Provider.
This is the students’ opportunity to garner the NABCEP PV Associate credential. NABCEP’s PV Associate credential is a regarded and recognized credential within the solar industry. The PV Associate credential establishes a base for students to build upon their careers in the renewable energy field.
Upon completion of the course, participants may register for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) 2-hour, 70 multiple choice question exam.
Waivolt is an Accredited NABCEP Continuing Education Provider.
This is the students’ opportunity to garner the NABCEP PV Associate credential. NABCEP’s PV Associate credential is a regarded and recognized credential within the solar industry. The PV Associate credential establishes a base for students to build upon their careers in the renewable energy field.
Unit 1: Solar Application
What is NABCEP and why this test is important. Industry Standards. Candidate eligibility. Intro to PV, What is Photovoltaics? PV History, Harvesting Energy from Sunlight, Solar Jobs, Environment, The Utility Grid. Sustainability, Solar Modules, Direct Current. Power, Energy. Basic PV designs. Best Practices. Day in the life of a solar installer.
Unit 1: Available Here Free!
Unit 1: Available Here Free!
Unit 2: Solar Design
PV System Types, PV Modules, Types of PV Modules. PV Components and balance of systems, Inverters, Micro-Inverters, Optimizers. Charge Controller, Solar + Storage. Solar Resource. Peak Sun Hours. Loads. Common PV measurements. Designing to meet customer expectations/requirements. General system sizing. Physical location. System configuration. Electric codes. Fire codes. Building codes. Series, parallel. Ohms law. AC vs DC. Single phase AC, multiple phase AC. System grounding. Roof mounts. Ground mounts. Inverter operation, inverter operating window.
Unit 3: Solar Installation
Ladder safety, PPE. Fall Safety. Wind loads, live loads, dead loads. Site hazards. Required Documentation, Site plan. One line diagram, Three Line Diagram. Permits. Permitting. Authority having jurisdiction. Equipment manuals. Waterproofing, flashing, weather sealing. National Electric Code. Working clearances. Labeling requirements. Battery types, battery chemistry. Structural considerations. Common hand tools. Standoffs. Wiring best practices. Commissioning.
Unit 4: Solar Sales, Operations & Maintenance
Solar Sales and Finance: Cost of Solar energy systems. Financial Benefits. Usable lifecycle. Levelized cost of Solar Energy. Solar Incentives and Grants. Utility rate structures. Energy Charges, Demand Charges, Basic Financial terms, Return On Investment, basic economic performance measurements. Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC), Solar lease, cash purchase. Warranties. Maintenance costs.
Maintenance and Operation: Solar Monitoring. Solar Metering. Test Conditions. Equipment upkeep, Equipment Replacement, Lock out / Tag out. Production losses. Typical faults. Multimeters, Electric shock, Inspection, Visual Inspection and documentation, safety regulations, OSHA, Irradiance Meter, OHM’s law, Batteries, Battery Voltage. Roof access. Equipment staging.
Maintenance and Operation: Solar Monitoring. Solar Metering. Test Conditions. Equipment upkeep, Equipment Replacement, Lock out / Tag out. Production losses. Typical faults. Multimeters, Electric shock, Inspection, Visual Inspection and documentation, safety regulations, OSHA, Irradiance Meter, OHM’s law, Batteries, Battery Voltage. Roof access. Equipment staging.
Unit 5: Preparing for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam
5 Main Concepts Review, Test taking, Psychometrics. Practice Tests. Practice Test Review. Filling out your NABCEP PV Associate Candidate Eligibility Form, Scheduling your exam date.
