NABCEP SHSI study guide
NABCEP SHSI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NABCEP Solar Heating Installer (SHI) certification is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners credential aimed at professionals who design, install, commission, and maintain solar thermal systems - domestic hot water, space heating, and pool heating. It is intended for working installers and technicians who want independent verification of their competence in solar heating rather than photovoltaics. The NABCEP SHSI study guide has 5 sections and about 1,703 words.
01Solar Heating System Design and Sizing
The design domain tests turning a domestic hot-water (DHW) or space-heating load into a collector array, storage volume, and hydraulic loop that performs at design conditions. Questions target load calculation, solar fraction, SRCC-rated collector output, storage ratios, freeze/overheat strategy, and code-compliant design limits.
366 words, about 2 min02Solar Heating System Installation
The installation domain tests physical execution: collector mounting and roof penetrations, piping and air removal, insulation and UV protection, and controls/electrical work. The exam expects you to know the sequence and details that prevent leaks, air locks, freeze damage, and unsafe roof conditions.
369 words, about 2 min03Solar Heating System Commissioning and Troubleshooting
Commissioning proves the loop moves heat safely; troubleshooting finds why it does not. The exam covers flush/purge, flow balance, differential-controller setpoints, expansion-tank behavior, pressure relief, sensor verification, and a logical diagnostic sequence.
336 words, about 2 min04Solar Heating System Operation and Maintenance
O&M questions test scheduled inspection, glycol condition, freeze-point and pH testing, collector cleaning, sensor calibration, and component wear. The goal is to preserve heat output and prevent freeze, corrosion, and scald failures over a 20-year life.
321 words, about 2 min05Safety, Codes and Standards
This domain tests safe work and code compliance: roof/fall protection, electrical safety, pressure and scald protection, glycol handling, and the standards that govern solar thermal equipment. Expect questions on SRCC OG-100/OG-300, plumbing and mechanical codes, NEC, and permit/inspection requirements.
311 words, about 2 min