Recommended Prerequisites: This course is suitable for journeymen and all electrician trainees with the prerequisite experience. Prerequisites include completion of Get Wired! 101-102 or equivalent, basic experience with series and parallel connections, series and parallel basic calculations, proficiency with the NEC (National Electrical Code), and at least 6 months of on-the-job experience.
This course introduces the electrician trainee and journeyperson to the basics of electrical code compliance when installing solar photovoltaic systems. The course will explore Article 690 - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems of the NEC using an exciting set of 360° images, photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. An interactive installation simulation, a solar connector wiring lab, and application of the requirements of Article 690 are also included.
This exploration will focus on the PV array and PV array wiring methods leading up to the inverter and system disconnect. The course is only focused on NEC compliance with electrical equipment and wiring methods involved with building the module interconnections, source circuits, output circuits, and raceway systems needed to complete the wiring of an AC or DC array.
Next, an analysis of the three photovoltaic technologies discussed by Article 690 that are presently used and their basic wiring patterns. PV source circuit wire sizing for voltage drop, ampacity, pairing with overcurrent protection, and temperature follows the introduction modules. This includes site survey parameters for wire installations and for choosing the correct free air and raceway methods for an array based upon its location.
Then, an introduction to basic solar electrical equipment installation from where to mount inverters, disconnects, combiners, solar connectors, and more. The topics chosen for the introduction address issues relate to worker safety, common inspection failures, electrical troubleshooting issues, and electrical fires.
Course Lessons Include:
- Article 690 Definitions and Diagrams
- Solar Connector Wiring Lab and Video
- PV Wiring Methods
- PV Source Circuit Wiring, Sizing, and Installation
- Overcurrent Protection Sizing and Compliance
- PV Source Circuit Voltage Drop
- PV System Maximum Voltage Calculation Methods and Conductor Selections
- Conduits and Conduit Bodies
- Subject Indexing the NEC for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
- PV Color Coding and Combiner Installation
- Equipment Markings and Signage
A 2020 NEC book is required for this course.
All course hours must be completed within 90 days of purchase to receive credit. You will not be notified when your self-paced course is about to expire, and it is your responsibility to keep track of your course expiration/due date. The course tuition is not refundable or transferable.
Total class hours available:32
Standard Tuition Fee: $269
Minimum Points and Hours: To earn credit hours for this course, students are required to attend a minimum number of course hours and earn a minimum number of points. Zero (0) credit hours will be awarded if the minimum attendance and/or minimum points are not met. See the
points and hours matrix for specific requirements for this course.
Self-Paced System Requirements: For the WECA eCampus website to run properly on your computer, please make sure to review the
Self-Paced System Requirements. A valid email address is required at the time of sign-up.
Some students choose to take this course on mobile devices including the iPad or iPhone. WECA cannot guarantee course functionality and compatibility with all mobile devices and suggests that students have access to a traditional computer as backup. WECA cannot provide technical support for mobile devices.
Are you already signed up for this class and need to log in? Click here to log into WECA eCampus
This course is included in the
WECA Electrician Trainee Certificate Path. View the path and your options at the link.
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