Info Session Photovoltaic Associate Credential Training, Funding, and Certification

Info Session Photovoltaic Associate Credential Training, Funding, and Certification 
Date & Time: October 24  from 6:30 – 7:30pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Zoom
Partners: Cook County Local Energy Project and Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Are you seeking a job in the solar industry? Come join in on an info session with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association to learn about the NABCEP PV Associate Program training. Learn about how this training can be achieved while living in Cook County and what funding options may be available.  

This training/credential is intended for people working in or seeking employment in the solar industry. This credential is ideal for students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage 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 your NABCEP PV Associate Credential through the MREA, you will be required to complete a minimum or three courses that are available online any time or through our Solar Training Academies starting in January 2022.

Once you have successfully completed these three courses, you are eligible to take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. This exam is available year-round as a computer-based test both in your home or at a Scantron-approved testing facility (CCHE in Grand Marais)

What is a Photovoltaic Associate Credential (PVA): This is a first-level achievement that demonstrates your knowledge of fundamental principles of design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic energy systems.

What is NABCEP? North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners 

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PVA Credential Progression:
Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101) - Online (Roughly 1 Month) 
This 8-hour course uses a combination of lecture and classroom activities to teach the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Participants will learn how PV systems work, diagram the four PV system types, describe, and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads, and understand the basics of PV site assessment.

PV Site Assessment (PV 201) - Online (Roughly 1 Month)
This 8-hour course uses classroom discussion, exercises, and activities to demonstrate how to perform a PV site assessment for a home or small business. Students are provided with the MREA PV Site Assessment Report Template and the MREA’s PV Cost Modeling tool. Topics covered in this course include load profiles and consumption history, energy efficiency and fuel switching opportunities, site-specific shade analysis, array and balance of system location recommendation parameters, and client financing options. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing solar resources, perform site-specific PV system sizing, determine energy production of a recommended PV system size, estimate system costs, and evaluate existing infrastructure on the site.

PV System Design (PV 202) - Online (Roughly 1 Month) 
This 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.

Working with Electricity (G 108) - In Person in Cook County
This eight-hour course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work, and how to stay safe when working with or near electricity. Also includes hands-on labs to reinforce and solidify the learning objectives of the course.

PV Labs & Design Scenarios (PV 304) - In Person in Cook County
This eight-hour course is designed to demonstrate PV system design principles through the construction of two portable lab systems. Participants will work from line diagrams and component specification sheets to build a grid- interconnected PV system and a battery-based PV system. After assembly, students will verify proper mechanical and electrical connections and commission each system. In addition, students will work in small teams to develop PV system designs that meet site analysis, system sizing, and configuration requirements given in several design scenarios.

NABCEP PV Associate Exam - In Person in Cook County 
The NABCEP Associate Program is a credential program intended for people who are currently working in – or seeking employment in – the renewable energy industry, including: students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage in their renewable energy career, experienced professionals who have just begun offering renewable energy products or services, or those in renewable energy jobs for which there is no professional certification. As a Registered NABCEP Associate Provider for PV, the MREA delivers training that covers NABCEP PV Associate Job Task Analysis. Individuals interested in the NABCEP Associate Program should review the NABCEP Associate Handbook.