Advanced Solar PV Engineering: Design, Installation, and NABCEP Certification Prep

Module 1: Solar Resource Analysis and Site Assessment

ü  Understanding Sun-Earth geometry and Solar Azimuth/Altitude.

ü  Evaluating peak sun hours and irradiance data.

ü  Shading analysis using Suneye or Pathfinders.

ü  Structural roof integrity and electrical service capacity evaluation.

ü  Practical Session: Using shading tools to determine optimal array placement on a sample roof.

Module 2: PV System Components and Selection Criteria

ü  PV module technologies: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin Film.

ü  Inverter types: String, Micro-inverters, and Power Optimizers.

ü  Balance of System (BOS) components.

ü  Data sheets interpretation and STC (Standard Test Conditions) vs. NOCT.

ü  Practical Session: Comparing efficiency and temperature coefficients of different module brands.

Module 3: Advanced System Sizing and Design Principles

ü  Determining load requirements and system derate factors.

ü  Voltage string sizing calculations (Temperature adjustments).

ü  Oversizing inverters (DC-to-AC ratios).

ü  String layout and wiring configurations.

ü  Practical Session: Calculating the maximum and minimum modules per string for a specific inverter.

Module 4: Battery Storage and Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

ü  Battery chemistries: Lead-Acid vs. Lithium-Ion.

ü  Coupling strategies: AC vs. DC coupling.

ü  Sizing backup loads and autonomy periods.

ü  Charge controller technologies and integration.

ü  Practical Session: Programming a hybrid inverter for peak-shaving and backup modes.

Module 5: Electrical Integration and NEC Compliance

ü  NEC Article 690 (Solar PV Systems) and Article 705.

ü  Conductor sizing and ampacity correction factors.

ü  Overcurrent Protection Device (OCPD) selection.

ü  Grounding and Bonding requirements.

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a three-line electrical diagram for a 10kW commercial system.

Module 6: Mechanical Integration and Structural Requirements

ü  Roof attachment methods and flashing.

ü  Ground mount racking and soil considerations.

ü  Wind and snow load calculations.

ü  Thermal expansion of rails and array ventilation.

ü  Practical Session: Assembling a sample rail system and module clamp torque test.

Module 7: System Commissioning and Grid Connection

ü  Pre-startup inspections and safety checks.

ü  Interconnection agreements and Net Metering.

ü  Rapid Shutdown requirements (NEC 2017/2020).

ü  Testing sequences: Voc, Isc, and Insulation Resistance.

ü  Practical Session: Using a multimeter and clamp meter to verify string output before commissioning.

Module 8: Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Performance Monitoring

ü  Monitoring platforms and data acquisition systems (DAS).

ü  Common failure modes: Hotspots, PID, and bypass diode failure.

ü  Preventative maintenance schedules and cleaning.

ü  IV Curve Tracing and Thermal Imaging.

ü  Practical Session: Using a thermal camera to identify faulty cells in a simulated array.

Module 9: Safety Standards and OSHA Requirements for Solar

ü  Fall protection and ladder safety on rooftops.

ü  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for DC and AC work.

ü  Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) procedures.

ü  Arc-flash and shock hazard mitigation.

ü  Practical Session: Setting up a rooftop safety perimeter and harness inspection.

Module 10: NABCEP Exam Strategy and Technical Review

ü  NABCEP JTA (Job Task Analysis) review.

ü  Deciphering exam questions and calculation shortcuts.

ü  High-yield focus areas (NEC, Safety, and Design).

ü  Time management during the proctored exam.

ü  Practical Session: Full-length mock exam followed by a collaborative answer analysis session.

About Our Trainers

Our lead instructors are NABCEP Certified Solar PV Professionals and licensed Electrical Engineers with over 15 years of field experience. They have overseen the installation of over 500MW of solar capacity across residential, commercial, and utility sectors. Our trainers serve on regional energy boards and are experts in navigating the evolving National Electrical Code (NEC).

Quality Statement

Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training is committed to technical excellence. Our Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Design and Installation: NABCEP Prep Course Training Course is updated quarterly to ensure it reflects the latest technological advancements and regulatory changes. We use only the highest-grade testing equipment and instructional tools to provide a premium learning environment.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202