NABCEP PV Associate study plan

Explain how photons, band gap, and semiconductor doping produce current in a PV cell

Distinguish irradiance from insolation and convert between W/m² and peak sun hours

Trace the I-V curve and label Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, and Pmax on a hand-drawn plot

Compare series and parallel array wiring effects on voltage and current

Identify the four main PV system architectures: stand-alone, grid-tied, grid-tied with battery, and hybrid

Calculate daily energy demand in Wh for a sample load list

Size a battery bank from days of autonomy, depth of discharge, and system voltage

Select an inverter rating from continuous and surge load requirements

Determine array tilt and azimuth for a given latitude and roof orientation

Compute wire voltage drop for a DC home-run circuit

Compare roof-mount, ground-mount, and ballasted racking for wind uplift and waterproofing

Specify module clamping zones and torque values from a manufacturer datasheet

Identify shade sources and describe bypass diode and string-level mitigation

List the steps of a structural and roof-condition site assessment

Describe commissioning checks: torque, insulation resistance, polarity, and open-circuit voltage

Apply NEC Article 690 requirements for rapid shutdown and labeling

Calculate conductor ampacity with 690.8(A) and 690.8(B) factors

Size overcurrent protection and disconnects for a PV source circuit

Distinguish grounding electrode conductor from equipment grounding conductor roles

Apply 705.12 interconnection rules for supply-side and load-side connections

Draw a single-line diagram for a grid-tied system with string inverter and AC disconnect

Select string size limits from module Voc temperature coefficient and inverter window

Apply the 125 percent continuous-load rule to inverter output conductors

Identify utility interconnection requirements: net metering, anti-islanding, and IEEE 1547

Explain the purpose of the 690.12 rapid shutdown boundary

Apply OSHA 1926 Subpart M fall protection thresholds and anchorage rules

Select PPE for arc flash, shock, and chemical hazards per NFPA 70E

Describe lockout/tagout steps for inverter and combiner servicing

Identify 1926 Subpart E and Subpart K electrical safety requirements for construction sites

Explain the hazards of DC arc faults and the role of string-level rapid shutdown

Build a preventive maintenance schedule with inspection intervals for modules, inverters, and racking

Describe safe cleaning methods, water quality limits, and acceptable soiling thresholds

Diagnose common performance losses: soiling, shading, mismatch, and connector degradation

Interpret monitoring data to distinguish a string outage from a gradual degradation trend

Explain thermal imaging and insulation resistance testing for fault detection

Complete a timed 60-question practice exam and score at least 80 percent

Review every missed item and write the governing concept for each error

Recompute string sizing, voltage drop, and battery sizing from memory

Recite NEC sections 690.8, 690.12, and 705.12 from a blank sheet

Rehearse safety scenarios covering fall protection and arc flash response