New Course Announcement: 30-Hour 2023 NEC PV, Energy Storage, Building and Fire Codes Sean White and Bill Brooks are back with the new 30-Hour 2023 NEC PV, Energy Storage, Building and Fire Codes training. This course is full of all the latest insights, interpretations and comparisons of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: 30-Hour 2023 NEC PV, Energy Storage, Building and Fire Codes”
Troubleshooting a String Inverter Functioning inverters are absolutely key to a successfully operating residential solar system. In the event there’s an issue with the string inverter onsite, the system downtime means the homeowner can’t use any of their own solar energy during that period.… Continue reading “Troubleshooting a String Inverter”
The Ultimate Guide to the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification NABCEP’s PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification is considered the gold standard for solar PV professionals. It’s intended for folks who have been in the industry for a while and find themselves often (if not always) in a decision-making role that… Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification”
New Bundle Announcement: Residential Solar Service Technician Training Package The need for experienced and knowledgeable solar service technicians is growing quickly to keep pace with residential solar deployment. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the residential solar market experienced its 6th consecutive record year in 2022, growing… Continue reading “New Bundle Announcement: Residential Solar Service Technician Training Package”
2023 NEC Article 706.15 – Clarifying ESS Emergency Shutdown In 2022, the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) released the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). Updating the code every 3 years allows for clarification and correction of unintended consequences or gaps in the regulations. Article 706.15 in the 2023 NEC… Continue reading “2023 NEC Article 706.15 – Clarifying ESS Emergency Shutdown”
Many Companies Already Meet the Requirements for NABCEP Company Accreditation – Here’s the Guide on How to Get It Done As the U.S. continues to install more solar than any other new generation source, the role of quality solar installation companies cannot be overstated. With the growing demand, the need for skilled and qualified professionals in the industry has become… Continue reading “Many Companies Already Meet the Requirements for NABCEP Company Accreditation – Here’s the Guide on How to Get It Done”
New Free Webinar + NABCEP CEU: 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) Updates for the Solar Industry Every 3 years, the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) publishes the latest National Electrical Code (NEC). Like clockwork for each code cycle, HeatSpring instructors Sean White and Bill Brooks review the code changes, update their book on PV and the… Continue reading “New Free Webinar + NABCEP CEU: 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) Updates for the Solar Industry”
OSHA 10 and Other Safety Courses Now Available with HeatSpring Safety training is often required – and arguably should always be required – to work on construction job sites. It’s also essential to qualify for most NABCEP professional certification exams. The HeatSpring community asks us all the time where to… Continue reading “OSHA 10 and Other Safety Courses Now Available with HeatSpring”
UL 3741: Photovoltaic Hazard Control and the 1000V System This is part 2 of Sean White’s explanation of UL 3741, also known as photovoltaic hazard control and otherwise known as rapid shutdown. The UL 3741 listing came out in 2020 and it takes time for manufacturers to come up… Continue reading “UL 3741: Photovoltaic Hazard Control and the 1000V System”
The 2023 National Electrical Code is Now Available Online for Free Becoming familiar with the National Electrical Code (NEC) is an absolute requirement for anyone planning on advancing in residential and commercial solar installation, design, or operations. It’s created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to safeguard persons and property… Continue reading “The 2023 National Electrical Code is Now Available Online for Free”
Changing Standards for the PV Industry: UL 61730 for PV Modules and UL 3741 for PV Hazard Control (Rapid Shutdown UL Listing) Codes and standards are regularly updated for the constantly evolving solar and storage industries. Sean White and Bill Brooks recently updated their advanced codes courses on HeatSpring to include information on UL 61730 and UL 3741. Here’s some information on… Continue reading “Changing Standards for the PV Industry: UL 61730 for PV Modules and UL 3741 for PV Hazard Control (Rapid Shutdown UL Listing)”
The Importance of Surge Protection on PV + Energy Storage Systems Chris LaForge has been in the solar and storage industry for over 30 years. You can imagine he’s seen it all when it comes to operations and maintenance on solar and energy storage systems. We wanted to know what is… Continue reading “The Importance of Surge Protection on PV + Energy Storage Systems”
Solar Job Highlight: Executive Leadership in Construction As a part of HeatSpring’s free Solar Career Pathways course, professionals from across the solar industry provide students with an inside look at their careers through short interviews. Professionals share the details on what their jobs entail, their day-to-day activities,… Continue reading “Solar Job Highlight: Executive Leadership in Construction”
Addressing Common Hazards on Solar Installation Projects Safety should always be the top priority on solar installations. Running a safe jobsite means properly managing the risk that your team faces each day. In solar installation work, your installation team regularly faces what the Occupational Safety and Health… Continue reading “Addressing Common Hazards on Solar Installation Projects”
The Importance of Commissioning and Testing on Utility Scale Projects Utility scale solar projects are years in the making from inception to completion. The process typically includes land development, interconnection studies, environmental evaluations, securing financing, materials procurement, and construction. The final step before a system is fully operational is commissioning… Continue reading “The Importance of Commissioning and Testing on Utility Scale Projects”
Photo Contest Giveaway: Fluke Solar Irradiance Meter Thanks to our partners at Fluke, HeatSpring is giving away two Fluke Solar Irradiance Meters! Fluke was founded in 1948. Ever since, they have been making quality testing and troubleshooting tools for a variety of manufacturing and service industries. Solar… Continue reading “Photo Contest Giveaway: Fluke Solar Irradiance Meter”
Overcurrent Protection and the 25-Foot Feeder Tap Rule Sean White gave an NEC training at this year’s ASES Convention. Video from that presentation is included in our updated free course, “Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation and Code“. But there was some content that was too advanced for… Continue reading “Overcurrent Protection and the 25-Foot Feeder Tap Rule”
How Can Fast-Moving Solar Companies Adjust to Growth? It’s no secret the solar industry is growing quickly. In fact, 2020 set records for the industry. The fourth quarter exceeded the quarterly records set in fourth quarter 2016 by 22%, and the year ended with 19.2 GW installed, 43%… Continue reading “How Can Fast-Moving Solar Companies Adjust to Growth?”
GRID Alternatives’ Heller & Valdez Win Genius Grant for Their Leadership in Solar Job Training Please join us in congratulating Brittany Heller and April Valdez from GRID Alternatives Colorado, winners of our latest Genius Grant Award. Brittany and April don’t talk about solar jobs – they make them happen. HeatSpring Genius Grants are cash payments… Continue reading “GRID Alternatives’ Heller & Valdez Win Genius Grant for Their Leadership in Solar Job Training”