Allied Schools - Solar Energy Training Course III:

Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation

Build a firm foundation of basic photovoltaic principles from Allied's Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems course and further reinforce your knowledge with the Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation course. Upon completion of the course, you will develop a well-rounded photovoltaic skill set that will serve you well in your green career.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is intended to prepare experienced solar energy professionals (installers, electricians, designers, and project managers) for certification exams, such as that of the NABCEP Certified PV Installer. 

This course will fuse a variety of skills, experiences, and practices into a professional body of knowledge worthy of a certified practitioner working in the renewable energy industry.  It also serves as a study guide for experienced contractors and other technical professionals from other sectors seeking entry to the solar space.

Please Note: This advanced course provides the theory behind your existing practical knowledge and hands-on experience, and is not intended as a substitute for it.

What Will You Learn?

You will learn the details of conducting site evaluations (including sun path readings, shading analyses, and trigonometry), construction (structural, mechanical, electrical) codes, materials, and methods and acquire real-world product knowledge along the way. 

You will also learn about solar energy itself, the electromagnetic spectrum, and how the foregoing elements are incorporated into a site-specific design.  Next the course examines management of PV projects with respect to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC). 

Another benefit of this course is learning the concerns and considerations of delivering a PV project. Skilled project management is vital to the success of the PV industry in terms of credibility and profit margin and to yours within it.  Demand for continuing education in project management is evident in the recently revised NABCEP JTA. 

Lastly, you will learn the steps and strategies for when it is time to turn the power on.  Commissioning and troubleshooting of PV systems rounds out the lesson topics and set the stage for the final exam.

What You Will Receive:

• 8 Lessons with Links to Industry Websites to Reinfoce Discussion Topics
• Online Multiple Choice Quizzes
• Key Terms and Lecture Notes
• Online Final
• Photovoltaic Systems, 2nd Edition, by J. Dunlop
• NFPA 70™ National Electrical Code 2011® International Electrical Code Series by National Fire Protection Association

Course Objectives Include:

• Recall how to work safely with tools and materials.
• Identify site-specific safety hazards (electrical, structural, and environmental) in PV installation and develop emergency prevention and response plans.
• Enumerate and list steps, tools, and deliverables of a site evaluation with emphasis on methods, measurements, and records.
• Name suitable locations for PV array and balance-of-system components.
• Specify the technology of PV modules, inverters, and batteries at the atomic and electronic level.
• Recognize how to perform and explain electrical and trigonometric calculations.
• Select and configure a site-specific design, including sizing of PV arrays and overcurrent protection devices, conduit and conductors, etc.
• Estimate schedules, work breakdown structures, materials and equipment required for engineering, procurement and construction of PV systems.
• Enumerate and list steps, tools, and deliverables of residential PV system commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Continuing Education

Allied's Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation course is approved by the USGBC for 45 GBCI CE hours toward LEED Accredited Professional recertification. The course also counts as continuing education credit for NABCEP-certified PV installers who haven't yet taken this course to fulfill their original qualifying education requirements. Additionally, Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation has received IREC's ISPQ Continuing Education Accreditation. Please call for further details.

NABCEP PV Certification Exam

Allied's Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation course satisfies the requirements for board-recognized training to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Certification exam. In addition to fulfilling educational requirements, you must meet NABCEP work experience requirements in order to qualify to take the PV Installer certification examination. Learn more about how to become a certified pv installer.

Reinforce your photovoltaic installation knowledge and pursue a rewarding career in a growth-driven industry that really needs you! Call 800-732-7410 - you can start today!

What You Get from Green Job Training

Allied supports your endeavors to create a "green" and earth-friendly career. As you enroll in your solar, renewable energies and energy management courses, you will receive the guidance and assistance you need to have a successful educational experience. With access to timely, professional courses and personalized, one-on-one student support, you will have the tools you need to create an ideal career for the 21st Century.  

Emerging Technologies

Allied has researched course offerings for the school and implemented a line of courses that support the efforts to sustain and improve our planet. You will find courses that cover today's emerging green technologies – from renewable energy options to green energy management programs. These green practices will serve to provide you with opportunities to build and maintain careers in environmentally sound positions nationwide.  

100% Online Course

The online format of Allied's green job training courses enable you to be in charge of your learning experience. You don't have to travel to a classroom or sit for hours on end listening to an instructor – you can create an education that works for you. Learn in the comfort of your home with the flexibility and convenience that fits with your life. Maintain your current schedule, while building your knowledge base.

Live Student Support

Throughout your online course, you are never alone. You have access to live student support every step of the way. You can call during regular business hours and receive one-on-one assistance from a helpful representative. We can help with your course questions and technical issues as well as provide support and encouragement.

• Educational Support Department (888) 751-2303
• Student Services Department (800) 925-4282

Superior Course Materials

Allied Schools continually strives to provide the best educational materials available. Industry professionals and educators work together to create professional courses that cover practical skills and knowledge. The solar, renewable energies and energy management courses emphasize relevant and timely topics in today's green industry – providing students with the information and training to impart solutions and ideals that help the environment.

Nationally Accredited

Allied Schools is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting organization.

Financial Assistance Available

Don't have the money to pay for all of your course costs upfront? Allied offers financial assistance to help with the costs of your education. You do not have to hold off on your training – enroll in the solar, green building or energy course you need with a financing option that works with your budget. Call (800) 732-7410 to find out what options are available to you. A helpful representative will address your specific needs.

Start your education with a school that supports you every step of the way.

Start Your Career in the Photovoltaic Industry

From single family homes to national businesses in every industry, there’s a common goal: shrink excessive budgets and increase efficiency by using cost-effective, clean energy.  Photovoltaic technology makes this goal possible – and Allied will help you make it reality.

What is the career outlook for the photovoltaic industry?

All sectors of the photovoltaic (PV) market are undergoing impressive growth.  In fact, the worldwide PV market has increased at a rate well over 35% in the last 5 years and is expected to approach $40 billion by 2015! 

Significant state and federal incentives are also helping the domestic market grow substantially.  Whether you’re a high school graduate, a college student, or a degree holder, you can be sure to find a ‘green collar’ career very satisfying and rewarding.

The Renewable Energy Economy is Growing  

Complete your Intro to Photovoltaic Systems Course, pass the NABCEP Entry Level Certification exam and pursue a fulfilling ‘green’ collar career in the renewable energy sector - your expertise will be in high demand.  Just look at the facts:

• 29 states have already adopted renewable energy goals
• The renewable energy industry grew more than three times as fast as the U.S. economy in 2007
• President Obama said the U.S. will double its supply of renewable energy by 2012
• Largest growing sectors include: solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, biofuels and fuel cells

          (Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts)

Pursue more than a job – train for an in-demand career that will touch generations to come. Take Allied’s Intro to Photovoltaics Systems Course – you can start today! 

Call now toll free: 800-732-7410