Completion Criteria:
▪ Duration - 15 weeks
▪ 120 questions assessment exam - minimum 80% score
▪ Capstone Project – minimum 80% score
Overview:
The PV Associate program provides comprehensive training in photovoltaic (PV) systems, covering system design, installation, maintenance, and safety standards. This program is designed for
individuals seeking to enter the solar energy industry, offering practical and theoretical knowledge aligned with NABCEP certification requirements.
Developed in collaboration with Michigan Solar Solutions, the program combines instructorled video sessions, 3D demonstrations, e-learning modules, and virtual reality (VR) simulations to provide real-world, hands-on skills applicable to PV system installations. We are proud to be a NABCEP-approved Associate Exam Provider, and the program is now officially listed in the NABCEP Course Catalog.
The program concludes with a capstone project and a 120-question program completion exam. Graduates who successfully complete the capstone and exam will be qualified to sit for the NABCEP Associate Exam and can take the entire exam directly through us. They will be well-prepared for careers in solar installation, system design, and maintenance, with abundant opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector.
Bonus:
Introduction To Corrugated Metal Solar Panels
Installation Process
Features
Specifications
Applications
Virtual Reality Simulations (Available in Meta App Store)
1. Solar PV Module
2. Rapid Shut Down Device
3. DC Wires
4. DC Breaker
5. Charge Controller
6. Battery Storage
7. Deep Discharge Protection
8. AC Wires
9. Inverter & AC Breaker
10. Grid-Interactive Systems Without Storage
11. Grid-Interactive Systems With Storage
12. Stand-Alone Systems
13. Common Conductors
14. Insulation Types
15. Types of Common Raceways
16. Types of Common Multi-Conductor Cables
17. Functionality of Components in PV Systems
18. Reading Symbols
19. Use of Multimeter
20. Fall Hazard Protection Systems
21. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
22. Battery Safety
23. Common Hand Tools
24. Common Power Tools
25. Types of Racking Systems
26. Components of Different Mounting Systems
27. Types of Charge Controllers
28. Common Electrical Fittings
29. Commonly Used Electrical Test Equipment
30. Types of Roofing Materials
31. How to Install Solar Panel Flashing, L Feet, and Railing
32. Enphase IQ Microinverter Installation
33. Using a Megohmmeter
34. Using a Clamp Meter individuals seeking to enter the solar energy industry, offering practical and theoretical knowledge aligned with NABCEP certification requirements.
Capstone Project:
The Capstone Project is a vital component of the PV Associate Program, designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills they acquire during the program. This hands-on assessment is conducted using a virtual reality (VR) environment, allowing students to complete a series of real-world procedures within an immersive and interactive setting. By the end of the capstone project, students will validate their competency in critical areas of photovoltaic (PV) systems and demonstrate theirreadiness to work as skilled PV associates.
Objective: The primary goal of the Capstone Project is to assess students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge and VR-based training to execute key technical procedures related to PV systems safely and efficiently in a real-world scenario.
Capstone Project Structure: Students will be required to complete a sequence of tasks in a
VR environment, covering key modules from the program:
1. Identifying and assembling components of grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid PV systems.
2. Differentiating and selecting the appropriate PV module types based on given system
requirements.
3. Identifying the components of inverters, charge controllers, and battery storage
systems.
4. Understanding and applying National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for PV
installations.
5. Conducting a site assessment, including shading analysis and orientation
considerations.
6. Identifying different racking and mounting systems for residential and commercial PV
installations.
7. Executing proper safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and grounding
techniques.
8. Performing system commissioning, including voltage and current testing.
9. Diagnosing and troubleshooting common PV system issues.
Evaluation Process: Students will complete the simulations as part of the Capstone Project in a VR environment. Upon completion of each simulation, their performance will be scored and recorded in the LMS. An average score comprising of all simulations will be taken into consideration for the program completion criteria.