Solar PV


The U.S. Solar industry achieved another record year in 2014, growing by 34% over 2013 to install nearly 7,000 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity. Within the photovoltaic (PV) sector, over 6,200 MW of capacity was installed, led by the residential and utility segments, which grew by 51% and 38%, respectively. The concentrating solar power segment enjoyed its largest year ever with 767 MW of capacity installed. Together, the solar industry istalled 32% of all new electricity generating capacity in the U.S. – second only to natural gas. This growth is expected to continue, with an additional 20,000 MW of solar capacity projected over the next two years.

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Studying for the Gold Standard NABCEP Exam with More Laughs, Less Caffeine and More Certification Options

Sean White promises that studying for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) exam with his “40-hour Advanced Solar PV Training” course won’t be tedious or boring.

“When I’m talking to the class, I try to make it like it’s in a classroom–not just stiff and formal and boring,” says White. He tells jokes and throws in […]

February 5th, 2018|Categories: Certification, NABCEP, Solar Design & Installation||
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Inspiring Others to Create Bigger, Impactful Solar Projects

Randy Batchelor was inspired by a high school science teacher to follow a career path in engineering, and his passion for the environment led him to work in the solar industry.

Now, as instructor of HeatSpring’s Megawatt Design course, along with Ryan Mayfield, his goal is to spark passion in his students the way his teacher […]

February 4th, 2018|Categories: Megawatt Design, Solar Design & Installation, Solar miscellaneous||
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When, Where, and How Can I Take the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification Exam?

As you may have heard, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has changed the options for taking their PV Installation Professional certification exam. In past years, the exam was offered twice a year (April and October) at various testing locations around the United States. A computer-based option was not offered.

This year, NABCEP […]

January 30th, 2018|Categories: Certification, NABCEP, Solar, Solar Design & Installation|Tags: , , , , , |
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Why You Should Embrace Solar Financial Modeling and Avoid Guesswork

“People often have a tendency to make decisions based on unverified instincts and outright guesswork – because it’s quick,” says Chris Lord, instructor of HeatSpring’s Financial Modeling For Solar PV Projects class.

Too often, those instincts and guesswork land developers in less-than- ideal financial situations.

A Cautionary Tale about Failing to Model

For example, one developer told Lord that he […]

January 22nd, 2018|Categories: Solar Business Growth, Solar Design & Installation, Solar Finance||
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Avoid These Mistakes When Developing Solar Projects

It’s easy to make mistakes when developing solar projects—and just one goof can lead to other goofs, extra costs, and wasted time.

That’s the word from Keith Cronin and Chris Lord, instructors for HeatSpring’s Solar Executive MBA Training course, which is designed to help you plan well, avoid mistakes and create the most cost-effective projects possible.

Goofing […]

January 21st, 2018|Categories: Megawatt Design, Solar Business Growth, Solar Design & Installation, Solar Finance, Solar miscellaneous, Solar Plus Storage||
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