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Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010 NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 • 1
Introduction
This document presents an in-depth Job Task Analysis
(JTA) for solar electric professionals who specify, adapt,
implement, configure, install, inspect, and maintain
photovoltaic (PV) systems, including grid-connected
and stand-alone systems, with or without battery stor-
age, that meet the performance and reliability needs
of customers in the United States and Canada by
incorporating quality craftsmanship and complying
with all applicable codes, standards, and safety re-
quirements. This Job Task Analysis was created by a
committee of subject matter experts representative of
the solar photovoltaic field.
The purpose of this Job Task Analysis is to define a gener- Although the concentration is on PV system design
al set of knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required and installation, the Job Task Analysis also addresses
of Solar PV installers who are responsible for the specifi- maintenance, safety, and troubleshooting issues. Elec-
cation, installation, and maintenance of PV systems. trical codes, safety standards, and accepted industry
practice are central to this Job Task Analysis, and are
A Job Task Analysis is a foundational document for the implicit to nearly every task.
development of certification programs, and helps define
the requirements for the assessment and credentialing NABCEP Certification is not a license to practice, nor
of practitioners. It also helps establish the requirements does it supersede any licensing requirements. NAB-
for accrediting training and educational programs CEP Certificants are expected to comply with all ap-
and in developing curricula. These tasks, or modified plicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
versions thereof, may be used by states or organiza- concerning the profession.
tions that wish to develop requirements for education
or training to qualify existing or new workers to be The tasks in this JTA will not all be relevant to every
involved in the design and sales of Solar PV systems. PV installation, but rather it is meant as a comprehen-
sive list of all tasks that could be applicable depend-
This Job Task Analysis is intended to be all-inclusive of ing on the scope and complexity of the installation. It
the skills and knowledge expected for any qualified PV should also be noted that the tasks under each sub-
system installer of any type of PV system, including grid- section are not listed in a prioritized order, they are
connected or stand-alone systems, with or without bat- simply categorized within the appropriate topic areas.
tery storage. In general, these tasks include fundamental
site analysis and system design skills, as well as the ability
to inspect and maintain all types of PV systems.
2 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
Contents
• DESIGNING SYSTEMS………………………… 4
• INSTALLING ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS………………………………… 8
• INSTALLING MECHANICAL
COMPONENTS……………..………………… 10
• COMPLETING SYSTEM
INSTALLATION………………………………. 10
• KNOWLEDGE ………………………………… 13
Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010 NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 • 3
NABCEP PV Installer
Examination Specifications
A. Designing Systems
4 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
3. Size the System 6. Select System Components
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8. Specify Overcurrent Protection 10. Generate Plan Sets
9. Specify Fasteners
6 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
• Resolve disputes
B: Managing the Project
• Supervise project crews
• Track man hours
1. Conduct Pre-Construction Meetings • Communicate aspects of safety plan
• Conduct toolbox talks
• Assemble workforce, including other • Confirm licensing compliance
trades as appropriate
• Confirm insurance compliance
• Determine daily construction goals
• Communicate construction strategy to customer
• Provide customer orientation 4. Adapt System Design
• Communicate target pull-off time for crew
• Document safety plan • Identify potential conflicts in design
• Determine community issues • Document changes to proposed design
• Determine customer requirements • Submit modification proposals
• Plan weather contingencies • Acquire approvals to change design
• Resolve scheduling conflicts • Submit any change orders
• Verify site conditions match design • Maintain as-built documentation
• Ensure pre-construction commitments by
customer are complete
5. Manage Project Equipment
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• Implement fall protection plan • Ground all non-current carrying metal parts
• Execute electrical safety • Install grounding electrode(s)
• Select PPE • Bond metallic raceways
• Identify access points to site • Install grounding electrode conductor
• Identify site evacuation points • Install supplementary ground electrode
• Post hospital map routes • Install system grounds
• Post emergency contact numbers • Locate underground hazards
• Post contingency plan • Bond all electrical equipment
• Ensure MSDS is onsite • Determine grounding conductor size
• Install DC ground-fault protection
• Apply anti-oxidant material
C: Installing Electrical Components • Prepare surfaces for electrical connections
8 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
• Install utility required disconnects
7. Install System Instrumentation
• Install meter bases
• Install array wiring transition box
• Install communication systems
• Install junction boxes in the attic
• Install power and energy metering
• Select label materials
• Install environmental sensors
• Install inverter
• Install controllers
• Install electrical sensors
5. Install Circuit Conductors • Install inverter interface
• Install power supply
• Pull conductors • Establish Ethernet connection
• Label conductors • Program communication systems
• Terminate conductors • Program instrumentation
• Wire the inverter • Test system
• Wire modules • Calibrate system
• Select the correct wire type, color, and gauge • Install battery temp sensors
• Secure conductors • Enroll gateway with offsite monitoring station
• Set up pull stations • Install data communication cables
• Measure wires • Install outlet for monitoring system
• Clear the raceway • Program controllers
• Set up the wire installation • Install kiosks and displays
(tugger, fish tape, rope)
• Test conductor installation
8. Install Battery Components
• Splice electrical conductors
• Test DC source circuits
• Confirm battery bank location
• Test DC currents
• Install battery enclosure
• Install battery enclosure venting
6. Install Utility Interconnection • Install battery spill containment
• Install seismic tiedown equipment
• Coordinate utility shutdowns • Install batteries
• Coordinate with customers and other • Prepare battery terminals (e.g., clean)
regarding shutdowns
• Install battery interconnection conductors
• Install OCPD
• Install battery units
• Install generation metering
• Apply anti-oxidant compounds
• Install disconnects
• Test each unit before placement (voltage,
• Test utility voltage specific gravity, polarity)
• Coordinate AHJ inspection • Terminate fine stranded cables
• Verify fill rates • Calculate ampacity
• Terminate conductors • Install charge controller
• Test conductor insulation • Seal conduit entry to battery box
• Select connection location • Install maintenance disconnect
• Implement lock-out, tag-out procedures • Label battery units
• Evaluate existing service entrance equipment • Label battery enclosure
• Move existing circuits
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• Label battery room • Confirm structural analysis has been performed
• Establish maintenance schedule • Confirm compatibility with existing
• Test final assembled battery polarity and voltage roofing system
• Install safety station • Install structural members
• Plumb array structure
• Level array structure
Components
3. Install PV Modules
10 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
• Verify anti-islanding system
3. Complete System Documentation
• Verify calibration of DAS
• Perform physical inspection
• Record component serial numbers
• Verify conduit fitting tightness
• Deliver as-built documents
• Verify conduit and wiring supports
• File project photographs
• Confirm phase rotation
• File permits
• Verify workmanship
• Record certificates of inspection
• Test for ground fault
• File inspection forms
• File commissioning forms
2. Commission the System • Complete equipment warranty registration
• Complete installation warranty registration
• Verify polarity of energy storage system • Complete O&M documentation
• Turn on system • Compile customer operations manual
• Initiate startup procedures per • File data sheets
manufacturer instructions • File proof of system test results
• Program variable set points • Deliver bill to client
• Measure all electrical parameters
• Note data and time of system startup
• Compare measured values to expected values 4. Orient Customer to System
• Monitor startup process
• Record anomalous conditions • Explain startup and shutdown procedures
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F. Conducting Maintenance and • Document as-found electrical parameters
• Calculate expected electrical parameters
Troubleshooting Activities • Compare expected parameters with as-found
parameters
1. Perform Visual Inspection • Note anomalous conditions
• Test system electrical equipment operations
• Verify equipment grounding • Recommend corrective actions
• Inspect module mounting system • Verify source circuits are connected
• Identify hazards • Measure equipment temperatures
• Inspect weatherproofing systems • Measure terminal temperatures
• Inspect for wiring damage • Verify operation of battery venting systems
• Inspect module integrity • Verify battery auxiliary systems
• Check inverter status
• Inspect electrical equipment
3. Perform Corrective Actions
• Inspect for working clearances
• Identify damage due to corrosion
• Clean arrays
• Identify array shading
• Replace defective modules
• Identify array soiling
• Service ventilation systems
• Inspect cells for discoloration
• Clean batteries
• Verify grounding system integrity
• Check equipment variable set points
• Identify electrical connections damage
• Recalibrate equipment variable set points
due to overheating
• Wipe down power conditioning equipment
• Confirm equipment serial numbers
• Clean heat sinks
• Inspect module backskin
• Schedule manufacturer onsite service call
• Check conduit fitting tightness
• Perform scheduled maintenance
• Look for unsupported wiring
• Replace frayed wires
• Identify damage to module glazing
• Replace blown fuses
• Inspect for evidence of animals
• Replace faulty components
• Identify vegetation growth
• Locate ground faults
• Identify water ponding
• Repair ground faults
• Identify ice damage
• Trim vegetation
• Document findings
• Clear blocked drainages
• Identify mismatched equipment
• Seal compromised weatherproofing systems
• Mitigate negative local conditions
2. Verify System Operation • Perform battery maintenance
• Perform controlled overcharge
• Interview customer • Locate line to line faults
• Document customer’s concerns • Repair line to line faults
• Compare historical kWh performance against • Clean system labeling
expected kWh performance
• Replace system labeling
• Note inter-annual weather variability
• Document corrective actions
• Measure system electrical parameters
12 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
4. Verify Effectiveness of Corrective Actions
Knowledge
The list below outlines a wide variety of subjects that a Certified PV Installer must have knowledge of.
Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010 NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 • 13
Knowledge continued...
• Charging sources • Specialty tools
• Charging equipment • Folding techniques
• Electricity (e.g., power vs. energy) • Electrical drawing symbols
• Safety equipment (e.g., eyewash station, • Local AHJ preferences
fire extinguisher, chemical neutralizer) • Wiring techniques
mitigation factors
• Safety plan
• Weather data
• Timetables
• Temperature coefficients of modules
• Chain of command
• Module electrical characteristics
• Plan set
• Module thermal characteristics
• Flow of project
• Manufacturer’s requirements
• Site access
• Environmental conditions for equipment • Heavy equipment requirements
• Equipment characteristics • Personnel capabilities
• Equipment locations • Zoning requirements
• Wiring methodology • Local requirements
• Electrical equipment • Electrical codes
• Conductor properties • Permit submittal requirements
• Conduit properties • Fee schedule
• Local codes, regulations, and requirements • Inter-agency requirements
• Materials compatibility • Contractor’s safety plans
• Environmental conditions • Crew strengths and weaknesses
• Conduit installation practices • Insurance requirements
• Existing electrical distribution and • Licensing requirements
grounding systems
• Labor codes
• Costs associated with materials and labor
• Site plans
• Inspector’s expectations
• Electrical plans
• Service requirements
• Design of system
• Equipment costs
• Common design conflicts
• Equipment availability
• Electrical best practices
• Metal compatibility
• Actual site conditions
• Dissimilar metals
• Fire and access codes
• Metallurgy
• Customer requests
• Metal properties
• Job requirements
• Building codes
• Site requirements
• Galling
• Customer requirements
• Manufacturer’s instructions
• Capacities of machinery
• Installation methods
• ADA
• Torque values
• WHMIS
• Power tool practices
• Weights and measures of materials
• Structural codes
14 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010
Knowledge continued...
• Local worker safety requirements • Conductor ampacities
• First aid procedures • Ground-fault protection systems
• Ladder safety • Lightening protection systems
• Fall protection equipment • Utility contacts
• Harness self-rescue equipment • Underground locating service
• CPR • Material selection
• Lifting equipment • Local AHJ labeling requirements
• Vehicle hand signals • Identification of utility owned equipment
• Crane signals • Substrate materials
• Journeyman electrical knowledge • Fasteners
• Electrical test equipment • Working clearances
• NFPA 70E • Inverter locations
• Local utility policies • Mounting needs
• PV Installer responsibilities as they pertain • Equipment mounting needs
to hazards • Seismic requirements
• Soil conditions • Terminal torque specs
• Various grounding procedures • Electrical splicing methods
• Soil resistance • Utility contact information
• Underground hazards • Utility interconnection requirements
• Electrical and grounding materials • OEM Instructions
• Electrical and material compatibility • Limitations of existing service
• Aluminum anodizing oxidation clear-coating entrance equipment
• Available fault current
• Connection methods
• Panel box wiring techniques
• Liability and legal issues
• Local area networks
• IT knowledge
• Energy metering
• Proper locations for sensors
• Plenum rating
• Manufacturer’s torque settings
• Battery manufacturer’s instructions
• Venting requirements
• MSDS
• Materials handling
• Electrical test procedures
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Air exchange calculations
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Knowledge continued...
• Concrete • Operational procedures
• Heavy equipment operations • Safety concerns
• Manufacturer specs • Equipment clearances
• Design specs • System layout
• Local conditions • Array installation techniques
• Wood density • Materials properties
• Structural member density • Grounding techniques
• Laser alignment • Electrical knowledge
• Safe handling procedures • Equipment manuals
• OEM commissioning process • Electrical safety
• PV performance characteristics • Normal PV system operation
• Expected system response • Typical problems with PV systems
• Expected performance values • Historical environmental conditions
• Electrical theory • Safety knowledge
• Intermediate mathematics • Expected performance characteristics
• System plans • Warranty procedures
• Typical system performance • Original installer or designer
• Effects of environment on PV systems • Historical manufacturer model flaws
• Test equipment operation • Common installation practices
• Power quality • Common design practices
• Expected system performance • Manufacturer technical notifications
• Jurisdictional requirements • Hospital routes
• Customer expectations • Pre-maintenance values
• Normal operation of system • Post-maintenance values
• Abnormal operational conditions • Corrective actions taken on site
• Environmental effects on system performance
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16 • NABCEP PV Installer Job Task Analysis 07.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 © NABCEP 2010