March 2014

Need Training?

The next application deadline for all NABCEP certification exams is July 18, 2014. We accept applications on an ongoing basis, but only offer the certification exams twice a year.
To qualify for certification, applicants must meet experience AND education requirements. All candidates for the NABCEP PV Installation Professional exam must have at least 58 hours of PV design and installation training, in addition to a minimum of 10 hours of OSHA Construction Industry coursework. At least 40 of the 58 hours of training must be advanced level PV design and installation coursework from an accredited or otherwise recognized college or technical training program (see the NABCEP Certification Handbook for details). Often this means signing up for a multi-week, or even semester long class. Now is the time to start looking into training near you. All coursework must be completed by the application deadline.
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TECH TIP

From

By Greg Smith

Senior Technical Trainer

SMA Solar Academy

The 2014 NEC includes a new article directed at fire safety: 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV System on Buildings. The article states that PV systems installed in or on a building shall include a rapid shutdown function to de-energize "specific conductors." It is becoming known as the 10-foot-radius rule. While the industry scratches its collective heads to find a sensible and cost-effective way to comply with this new directive, SMA has a proposed solution for commercial rooftop applications.

The new Sunny Tripower has the ability to be mounted at a 15-degree angle above horizontal. This is the first SMA inverter with such a low mounting angle and it makes for a convenient and Code-compliant solution for rooftop applications. When the Sunny Tripower is installed next to the array, it can easily comply with the 10-foot shutdown radius requirement when the main service entrance breaker is opened. The inverters will detect a loss of AC on their terminals and immediately stop producing power. All the AC lines coming down from the roof will be de-energized and pose no danger to firefighters.

A BUSY MONTH AHEAD!

The SOLD OUT 3rd Annual NABCEP Continuing Education Conference begins later this week in Denver Colorado. Over three hundred PV installation and technical sales professionals will gather for three days of in-depth technical workshops from many of the industry's top manufacturers and subject matter experts. Participating companies include: SMA, Rolls Battery, Mitsubishi Electric, Schneider Electric, Quick Mount PV, Solectria Renewables, Power-One/ABB, OnGrid Solar, Renewable Energy Associates, Bill Brooks Engineering, Century Roof and Solar, Burndy, DPW Solar, Enphase, SolarEdge, Magnum Energy, Advanced Energy, Ameresco Solar, IronRidge, Clean Power Finance, Certain Teed, eGauge, ISA, Morningstar, MidNite Solar, Stion, OutBack Power, Sunmodo, Magnum Energy, Renesola, SpecTech, and Solar Energy International.

We look forward to seeing those of you who registered early and were able to get tickets before they sold. Those of you who are going to miss this unique training opportunity, we'll look forward to seeing you at next year's event.

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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

NY Solar PV Forum by Rexel Energy Solutions

March 19, Huntington NY - Learn about the NABCEP Company Accreditation Program from NABCEP Executive Director, Richard Lawrence, along with trainings from Solectria and Enphase.

Intersolar Summit New Jersey

March 20, Edison NJ - A unique opportunity to get together with your industry peers, establish valuable new business contacts and listen to top-level keynote speakers, such as New Jersey State Senator Bob Smith, New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, Honorable New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, BPU Commissioner Jeanne M. Fox and NY Green Bank President Alfred Griffin! Earn 3 NABCEP CEUs (20% Discount for Certificants)

New York Solar Energy Society Solar Thermal Conference

March 21-22, Malta NY - A rare opportunity for solar heating technical training in the Northeast. NYSES has put together a fantastic speaker line up. (NABCEP CEUs pending)

Solar O&M North America

March 25-26, San Francisco, CA - The first conference in the United States dedicated solely to solar operations and maintenance and asset management. Program topics include performance improvement, component issues, maintenance strategies, plant owner perspectives, data and performance analysis, standardization, grid integration issues, legal O&M issues and asset management strategies. Earn up to 9 NABCEP CEUs (10% Discount for Certificants)

Featured Benefit for NABCEP Certificants:

Discounts on Industry Events

NABCEP has arranged for special discounts at many of the solar industry's top events throughout the year:

Intersolar Summit New Jersey - 10% off
Solar O&M North America - 10% off
PV America East - 15% off
Intersolar North America

20% off Conference Admission
10% off Technical Workshops
Free Trade Show Passes

Solar Power International - 15% off

Visit our Benefits of Certification page to see all of the benefits available to NABCEP certificants.

If you are a company that would like to offer a special promotion or discount to NABCEP Certificants, please contact us at [email protected].

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Thank you to our Platinum Champion Sponsor,

SMA America.

About NABCEP: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized national certification organization for solar professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP is a volunteer board of representatives who are chosen based on their experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. To learn more visit www.nabcep.org.