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Solar PV References

The primary reference for this study guide and 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 United States 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 REFERENCES:

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

SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES:

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.

2009 PV Study Guide (Revised April, 2009 version 4.2)

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.

Solar Thermal References

Solar Thermal Study Guide

The Solar Thermal Study Guide presents some of the basic cognitive material that individuals who install and maintain Solar Thermal systems should know and understand to help individuals better prepare for the NABCEP solar thermal installer examination. It does not provide all of the materials needed for completing the certification examination. Knowledge of the information presented, knowledge of pertinent sections of the International Plumbing Code and appropriate experience and qualifications are generally required of those applying for and completing the NABCEP certification process. The Study Guide, based on a task analysis for the solar thermal system installer, which includes the eight major job/task areas when installing solar water heating and solar pool heating systems, also contains sample exam questions with an answer key.

PRIMARY REFERENCES:

The following reference list identifies training materials, reports, and codes and standards associated with the design and installation of solar thermal systems. Many of the sample questions come from these references. Please refer to the NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification Study Guide for additional direction on preparing for the NABCEP examination.

  • Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual, Design and Installation & Repair and Maintenance, January, 2006. Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922-5703. www.fsec.usc.edu
  • 2005 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 29 Part 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, D.C. 20013-7535. http://www.osha.gov
  • SRCC Document OG 300, Operating Guidelines and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Water Heating Systems, May 2002, Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. http:/ www.solar-rating.org/
  • The Copper Tube Handbook, Copper Development Association, 260 Madison Avemue, New York, NY 10016. www.copper.org
  • Residential Solar Water Heater with Heat Exchanger. Provided by solar water heater manufacturers upon purchase of the unit.
  • Uniform Plumbing Code, 2006. International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials, 5001 East Philadelphia Street, Ontario, CA 91761-2816. http://www.iapmo.org
  • Planning and Installing Solar Thermal Systems: A guide for installers, architects and engineers. James & James (Science Publishers) Ltd. www.earthscan.co.uk .

SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES:

  • Solar Thermal Systems, Successful Planning and Construction.  Felix A. Peuser, Karl-Heinz Remmers, Martin Schnauss. Solarpraxis,  published by James & James (Science Publishers) Ltd. www.earthscan.co.uk .
  • Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems, by Bob Ramlow with Benjamim Nusz. Published by New Society Publishers. www.newsociety.com .
  • Solar Hot Water Systems Lessons Learned 1977 to Today, 2004. Tom Lane Energy Conservation Services, 6120 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608 http://www.ecs-solar.com/lessons_learned.htm
  • Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, Cratftsman Book Co., 6058 Corte Del Cedro, P.O. Box 6500, Carlsbad, CA 92018 http://craftsman-book.com/products/index.php?main_page=cbc_product_book_info&products_id=147Energy Conservation Services, Note: The National Roofing Contractors Association’s Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, 5th Edition is a good resource for those replacing a current roof surface.

The examination reference list is updated periodically, and may include new editions, new references, or removal of references from prior lists. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the references effective for the examination date for which you are scheduled. The Board has approved these references for the examination, and answers to the questions are based on the editions listed.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners provides these resources for your use. Please Contact us for further information on these topics, or to let us know about other resource information on these topics, or to let us know about other resource information which you would find beneficial.