NABCEP PV Associate case studies
NABCEP PV Associate · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NABCEP PV Associate credential is an entry-level credential offered within NABCEP's Associate Program, which sits alongside the organization's Board Certifications and its newer Operations & Maintenance Associate Technician (OMAT) credential. It is aimed at people who are entering or adjacent to the solar photovoltaic field - installers building foundational knowledge, sales and customer-service staff, inspectors, inspectors-in-training, career changers, and students in renewable energy programs - who want an industry-recognized signal of basic PV knowledge before pursuing full Board Certification. The NABCEP PV Associate case studies are 5 cases and about 2,496 words.
1String Current Mismatch on a Partially Shaded Array
A 6.4 kW residential array uses sixteen 400 W modules wired as two strings of eight into one MPPT. Module data: Isc 10.9 A, Imp 10.2 A, Vmp 34.2 V, Voc 41.0 V, and Voc temperature coefficient −0.29%/°C.
521 words, about 3 min2Inverter Clipping and Service Panel Interconnection
A 9.6 kW DC residential array uses twenty-four 400 W modules and a 7.6 kW AC inverter at 240 V single-phase. The main service panel has a 200 A busbar and a 200 A main breaker.
542 words, about 3 min3Conductor Ampacity and String Overcurrent Protection
A 10 kW DC array has two parallel strings of twelve 415 W modules. Each string's Isc is 13.5 A, Imp is 12.8 A, and the module maximum series fuse rating is 25 A.
479 words, about 2 min4Fall Protection and Ladder Setup on a Two-Story Roof
A crew is installing a 6 kW PV system on a two-story dwelling with a gable roof. The eave is 20 ft above grade, the roof pitch is 7/12, and there is no parapet or permanent anchor.
505 words, about 3 min5Soiling Loss Versus Cleaning Cost on a Commercial Array
A 50 kW commercial rooftop array has 120 modules rated 415 W. The site's specific yield is 1,500 kWh per kW-year, and energy is worth 0.12/kWh.
449 words, about 2 min