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 References

The primary reference for the NABCEP® PV installer certification exam is the 2008 National Electrical Code®, NFPA 70 (NEC®). This is the only reference permitted in NABCEP® examinations and is supplied by test administrators.

The purpose of the Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. The NEC® establishes the installation requirements for PV systems and other electrical equipment, and is adopted into law by most local jurisdictions throughout the for electrical systems safety and code compliance. The NEC® is widely available for purchase on-line and locally at electrical supply houses and construction book stores. The associated 2008 National Electrical Code® Handbook contains the complete text of NFPA 70, and in addition includes supplemental commentary and illustrations that provide useful and clarifying information; however this material is not officially part of the Code.

Additionally, a list of supplemental references is provided. These resources include the NACBEP® PV installer task analysis, OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, textbooks, guidelines, websites and other relevant materials. These references are highly recommended for study and preparation for the NABCEP® examination, and for use in development of curriculum for education and training programs.  

PRIMARY REFERENCE:

2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC®), NFPA 70 or 2008 National Electrical Code® Handbook, National Fire Protection Association®: www.nfpa.org

SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES:   

 

 

 

 

  1. Objectives and Task Analysis for the Solar Photovoltaic System Installer, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners®: www.nabcep.org  
  2. Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 29 Part 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration: www.osha.gov 
  3. Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E, National Fire Protection Association: www.nfpa.org  
  4. Photovoltaic Systems, 2007. ISBN 978-0-8269-1287-9, National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and American Technical Publishers: www.go2atp.com
  5. Photovoltaics Design and Installation Manual, 2007, ISBN 978-0-86571-520-2, Solar Energy International: www.solarenergy.org
  6. Photovoltaic Power Systems and the 2005 National Electrical Code: Suggested Practices, SAND2005-0342, February 2005, Sandia National Laboratories: www.sandia.gov/pv  
  7. Roofing Construction and Estimating, 6th Printing, 2006, ISBN 978-1-57218-007-9, Craftsman Book Company: www.craftsman-book.com  
  8. Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, 2nd Edition, 2004, ISBN 0-8493-1793-2. CRC Press LLC: www.crcpress.com  
  9. Soares Book on Grounding and Bonding, 10th Edition, 2008, ISBN 1-890659-47-9. International Association of Electrical Inspectors: www.iaei.org  
  10. A Guide to Photovoltaic System Design and Installation, California Energy Commission Consultant Report 500-01-020, June 2001: http://www.energy.ca.gov/reports/2001-09-04_500-01-020.PDF  
  11. Battery Service Manual, 12th Edition, Battery Council International: www.batterycouncil.org 
  12. Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems: A Handbook of Recommended Design Practices, SAND87-7023, Sandia National Laboratories: http://www.sandia.gov/pv/docs/PDF/Stand%20Alone.pdf  
  13. Maintenance and Operation of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems, Sandia National Laboratories: http://www.sandia.gov/pv/docs/PDF/98TLREF13.pdf   
  14. Working Safely with Photovoltaic Systems, January 1999, Sandia National Laboratories: http://www.sandia.gov/pv/docs/PDF/workingsafely.pdf  
  15. Solar America Board for Codes and Standards: www.solarabcs.org  
  16. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Website: www.nrel.gov  
  17. Sandia National Laboratories Photovoltaics Website: http://photovoltaics.sandia.gov/  
  18. Southwest Technology Development Institute, PV Codes and Standards Website: http://www.nmsu.edu/~tdi/Photovoltaics/Codes-Stds/Codes-Stds.html  
  19. Interstate Renewable Energy Council Website: www.irecusa.org  
  20. IAEI News, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, http://magazine.iaei.org  
  21. PHOTON International Magazine : www.photon-magazine.com/   
  22. Home Power Magazine: www.homepower.com  

 

 AVAILABLE FROM NABCEP:

 PV Study Guide

The PV Study Guide is an excellent resource for those planning to take the NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification Exam.  

2008 PV Study Guide (Revised August, 2008 rev. 1)


Inspector Guidelines for PV Systems

This work, Inspector Guidelines for PV Systems (v. 2.1, March 2006) is part of the Renewable Energy Technology Analysis Project of the Pace Law School Energy Project and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, was prepared by Endecon Engineering.  These guidelines provide a framework for the permitting and inspection of safe PV systems at a minimum of cost and effort for the inspector and the installer. The guidelines were written from the viewpoint that all PV systems installed for residential or commercial use should fundamentally include proper documentation, proper structural attachments, and proper wiring methods. These guidelines were developed using the practical experience of many quality installers and inspectors throughout California and the rest of the nation. 

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