Basic SPARE
4-day course
Our 4-day Basic Photovoltaic Installer Course is board-recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). In this course participants will learn the basics of how to site, design, and install photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course includes sizing systems for both grid-connected and off-grid PV systems. Also, the solar resources and the problems associated with shading, orientation and tilt will be reviewed. Basic sizing and system design in relation to electrical load will be discussed. Safety practices for installers and the study of the electrical code for PV systems will be covered in some detail. Participants will learn about various mounting systems for PV arrays and how they affect roofs. As part of the class, participants will build a working PV system.

Basic SPARE Prerequisites
The successful SPARE participant should have either a high school diploma or a GED. Men and women in the HVAC, electrical and ironworker trades are particularly encouraged to explore this value-added training.

Course Hours
The 4-day course has been approved for 21 PDHs (Professional Development Hours) for engineers and 28 hours of classroom instruction. This course, coupled with a passing score on the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, result in 18 hours of prescribed hours applicable towards certification.