Description
So how does the solar course work?
Online Self-Paced Study: Registered students will have access to the 46-hour online Residential Solar Installation & Design course. This course tracks with the provided textbook (Understanding Photovoltaics), and is organized into 11 chapters, 71 major topic areas – with 11 review quizzes, 25 lab projects, over 550 narrated slides, dozens of integrated videos, links to online resources and materials for added comprehension and more.
Upon registration, each student will be given access to this program and can begin studying at their own pace. But most people need a bit of structure – so that will be provided as well with weekly Zoom sessions. While this session is designed to begin September 3rd – you can start earlier if you like or even join us a bit later and catch up.
Instructor-Led Study Sessions: Beginning September 3rd instructor-led sessions via Zoom will be held to walk through each chapter and session, clarifying difficult concepts and reviewing the most important highlights. These sessions will take place once a week for six weeks (Tuesdays at 1 pm eastern).
Instructor Availability via E-mail: Often questions arise and can’t wait for the next Zoom meeting. An instructor is available to answer questions via e-mail throughout the course.
Hands-On Labs: On October 19th we will host the course hands-on labs, that provide opportunity to work directly with actual PV systems and also fulfills the hands-on requirements of the ETA PV Level 1 certification. The hands on labs take a full day to complete. The student can choose which day best meets their schedule. Students will work in small groups and follow appropriate COVID-19 protocols (if that is still an issue).
Certification Examination: We will host an examination session on October 20th in Marietta, OH for those who prefer the pencil an paper option. We we hold a comprehensive review session in the morning, followed in the afternoon with a proctored exam. Remote proctoring is also available at a time scheduled by you if you cannot attend the in-person examination.
Remotely Proctored Certification Examination: ETA now offers remote proctoring of their examinations through ExamRoom AI. In this way you can take the examination from your own computer, with a live remote proctor monitoring the process. We will help you through the process of registering for the examination. The certification examination fees ($155 to ETA and $14 to ExamRoom AI are included in the course registration fee).
The examination consists of 75 multiple choice questions (with a 2-hour time limit). You must achieve a score of 75% to pass.
This course content includes:
• Basic Principles and Concepts of Power
• Basic Principles and Concepts of Photovoltaics
• The Economics of Photovoltaics
• Photovoltaic System Options and Components
• Standard system configurations
• Site assessment
• Designing a PV system
• Battery Systems
• System Installation
• Permits and Required Agreements
• Testing and Commissioning the System
• System Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This course prepares you to sit for the ETA Photovoltaic Installer (PVI) Level 1. It is the first level of ETA’s certifications designed to assess renewable energy professionals. It is also a great first step for those seeking to enter the PV industry, and perhaps later prepare to sit for the ETA Photovoltaic Installer Level 2 or NABCEP PV certification programs.
The fee for this six-week course is $599 and includes: Instruction, hands-on labs, textbook and lab material, ETA examination. This course may be eligible for VA and Americorps funding. Scholarships may also be available based on need. Contact us at 740-674-4300 for further details regarding the management of fees.
This course has been approved for 35 hours of LA CES health, safety, and welfare Professional Development Hours. It appears to comply with the AIA definition of Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) – related training. While the Engineering organizations do not pre-approve courses, this structured course also appears to meet the qualification requirements for 35 hours Continuing Professional Development Education hours as defined by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.