NABCEP Certification – PV Design Specialist

With the solar market expected to triple in size by 2028, the demand for professionals skilled in solar photovoltaic (PV) design is at an all-time high. This solar design certification course covers a wide range of aspects of solar system design, starting with understanding and assessing customer expectations.

Customer satisfaction is paramount, and you will learn to tailor the design to meet specific customer needs, preferences, and requirements. You will gain expertise in establishing project criteria related to solar system capacity, location, budget, and timeline, and how to create detailed documentation outlining project specifications and objectives to guide your design process.

Master solar system design layouts that maximize energy generation in consideration of available space, orientation, and tilt angle. Throughout this comprehensive course, you will explore mechanical and electrical design principles and learn how to select appropriate equipment, including solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and wiring, to optimize energy production and system reliability. Factors such as system layout, shading analysis, and equipment compatibility are covered to ensure an efficient and effective design.

You will learn how to obtain permits and approvals by complying with local building codes, utility regulations, and interconnection requirements—and gain the skills to prepare and submit the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth approval process. You will also learn how to implement smart technology systems for remote monitoring and real-time tracking and management of system performance, making solar system design even more efficient and effective.

This solar design course, in partnership with Everblue, provides the educational prerequisites to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Board Certification. We are proud to offer a minimum of 24 hours of advanced design training, 10 hours of OSHA Construction Safety training, and 6 hours of National Electric Code training. This package aligns perfectly with the requirements for the NABCEP certification, allowing participants to enhance their credentials and expertise in solar system design.

What you will learn

• Understand customer expectations and preferences to meet their unique needs and ensure customer satisfaction
• Define requirements for solar system design projects, such as system capacity, location, budget, and timeline, to create detailed documentation to guide the design process
• Develop the mechanical and electrical design for the solar system
• Select appropriate equipment, such as solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and wiring, to ensure efficient energy production and system reliability
• Design the overall solar system layout, considering factors like available space, orientation, and tilt angle to maximize energy generation
• Implement monitoring systems and leverage smart technologies to track and analyze system performance
• Navigate the process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals for the solar system design to ensure a smooth approval process

How you will benefit

• Comprehend customer's specific energy needs and objectives to make smarter choices on the job site and during negotiations
• Understand how to analyze a prospective job site and ensure that your designs are appropriately sized and designed for the given space—guaranteeing optimal energy production and system performance
• Stand out to customers and employers with your NABCEP certification
• Incorporate the analysis of their energy bills into your design process to better understand their current energy expenses and provide confidence that pursuing solar is a wise financial decision through your designs

1. Solar Design Training
   1. Customer Expectations
   2. Project Criteria
   3. Assess Project Site
   4. Configure Mechanical Design
   5. Configure Electrical Design
   6. Configure System Monitoring, Controlling and Communications Design
   7. Prepare Project Documentation
   8. Secure Permits and Approvals
   9. Adapt System Design
2. Prep
   1. OSHA 10 Construction Safety
   2. National Electric Code

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to complete the course.

Certification Requirements:

Please review the NABCEP Handbook for information on the certification requirements.

Chris Boggiano

Chris Boggiano is a respected professional known for his expertise in engineering and education. Holding the position of President at Everblue, he leads the organization with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. Chris is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he cultivated strong leadership skills and a dedication to continuous learning. With a solid foundation in engineering, he has garnered extensive experience in the field, contributing significantly to various projects and initiatives.

In addition to his role as an engineer, Chris serves as Everblue's Head Curriculum Developer, showcasing his exceptional ability to design educational programs that inspire and empower. His innovative approach to curriculum development has earned him recognition, making a meaningful impact on the educational landscape. Chris' dedication to shaping future generations through education and his rich background in engineering reflects his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world of learning and professional development.

What is the average solar designer salary?

According to Salary.com, the average solar PV designer salary is $75,650 per year in the U.S., while the salary range for a solar PV designer job is from $65,997 to $84,442 per year.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will be prepared for the NABCEP PV Design Specialist exam. (Exam not included)

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 3 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Hope Training Academy courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

Hope Training Academy courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."