NABCEP PV System

Inspector Job Task Analysis

NREL PV Reliability Workshop /

IECRE PV System Certification Workshop

February 26, 2015

Golden, CO

Presented by: Richard Lawrence, NABCEP Executive Director

This presentation contains no confidential information

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 History
• The North American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners (NABCEP) was founded in 2002 as a
non-profit 501  (c)(6)  corporation with a mission “to
support, and work with, the renewable energy and
energy efficiency industries, professionals, and
stakeholders to develop and implement quality
credentialing and certification programs for
practitioners.”
• NABCEP’s  voluntary  credentials  are the most widel

recognized and respected in the US solar industry.

• The NABCEP PV Installation Professional TM and
NABCEP Solar Heating Installer TM certification
programs are accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by ANSI.

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 NABCEP’s  Current Schemes
• PV Installation Professional Certification

• PV Technical Sales Professional

Certification
• Solar Heating Installer Certification
• PV Entry Level Exam
• Solar Heating Entry Level Exam

• PV Installation Company Accreditation

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Job Task Analysis Development

Process Overview

Role Delineation Study

Draft Job Task Analysis (JTA) created by
Committee of SMEs during 2-day meeting

Industry Validation Study

Broad stakeholder input sought via online
survey to refine and validate Draft JTA

Final Job Task Analysis Published

NABCEP Board of Directors approves final
version of JTA developed by the Committee

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 PV System Inspector (PVSI)

Target Audience

• Primary Audience
– Individuals performing inspections of PV systems for an
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), I.E. Town Electrical
Inspector, to ensure code compliance
• Secondary Audience
– Individuals performing inspection services for utilities to
ensure compliance with interconnection requirements
– Individuals performing inspection services for incentive
programs, I.E. State or utility rebate programs, to ensure
quality workmanship and performance
– Individuals performing inspections of systems installed
through a finance mechanism (loan, lease, PPA, utility
program, ..)
– Individuals inspecting systems to the IECRE standard?

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 PVSI Program Objectives

• Increase the quality of PV System

Inspections to improve the reliability of PV
Systems, protect the reputation of the PV
Industry, and ensure safe operations
• Facilitate training of PV System Inspectors by
providing an industry validated Job Task
Analysis upon which curriculum can be based
• Provide employers and customers of PV
System Inspectors with a tool to evaluate
their competence at performing the job
Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence
 PVSI Timeline

• Technical Committee Formed

Q3 14

• Role Delineation Study Performed

Q4 14 • Draft Job Task Analysis Developed

• Industry Validation Study Conducted

Q1 15

• Final JTA Approved and Published

Q2 15 • Examination Committee Formed

• Examination Questions Developed

Q3 15 • Examination Form(s) Created and Passing Score Study Completed

• Credential Scheme finalized

Q4 15 • First Exams Administered

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain I: Inspecting Electrical

Components and Systems

Domain I: Inspecting Electrical Components and Systems

Task 1: Visually verify system labeling meets applicable codes to ensure safety.

Subtask 1.1: Confirm AC interconnection point is properly labeled. Critical

Subtask 1.2: Confirm labels are of sufficient durability to withstand the environment
Critical
involved.
Subtask 1.3: Confirm DC raceways are properly labeled. Important
Subtask 1.4: Confirm DC disconnects are properly labeled. Important
Subtask 1.5: Confirm AC disconnects are properly labeled. Important
Subtask 1.6: Confirm the main service panel is properly labeled. Important
Subtask 1.7: Confirm the inverter or other power conditioning units are properly labeled. Important
Subtask 1.8: Confirm labels pertaining to the ungrounded system are in place (if
Important
applicable).
Subtask 1.9: Confirm the rapid shutdown system is properly labeled (if applicable). Important
Subtask 1.10: Confirm labels are the proper color and in legible print (not handwritten). Useful

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain I: Inspecting Electrical
Components and Systems Cont.
Domain I: Inspecting Electrical Components and Systems
Task 2: Visually and physically verify installed components match those on the approved
plans and adhere to applicable codes and standards.
Subtask 2.1 Verify working clearances on components. Critical
Subtask 2.2 Ensure all components are listed, labeled, and identified for use. Critical
Subtask 2.3 Verify model numbers of components. Important
Subtask 2.4 Confirm the number of PV modules. Important
Subtask 2.5 Verify  the  National  Electrical  Manufacturer’s  Association  (NEMA)  rating  
Important
(indoor/outdoor/hazardous environment).
Subtask 2.6 Confirm the location of components matches the plans. Important

Task 3: Visually and physically inspect conductors and raceways to ensure safety and
compliance to applicable codes.
Subtask 3.1 Verify conductor ampacity is appropriate for circuit current. Critical
Subtask 3.2 Verify the conductor type is suitable for the location and environment. Critical
Subtask 3.3 Verify the conductor voltage rating for the circuit. Critical
Subtask 3.4 Verify installation of conduit expansion joints based on length. Critical
Subtask 3.5 Ensure raceway connections are suitable for the location and environment. Critical
Subtask 3.6 Verify conductor color is correct. Important
Subtask 3.7 Verify conduit size is suitable based on conduit fill. Important
Subtask 3.8 Verify raceway type is suitable for the location and environment. Important
Subtask 3.9 Ensure raceways are secured and supported properly. Important

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain I: Inspecting Electrical

Components and Systems Cont.

Domain I: Inspecting Electrical Components and Systems

Task 4: Assess conductor terminations for integrity and compatibility of components to
ensure safety.
Subtask 4.1 Verify conductor size and type are appropriate for the terminal. Critical
Subtask 4.2 Verify the conductor and terminal materials are compatible. Critical
Subtask 4.3 Verify the connection is secure. Critical
Subtask 4.4 Verify the termination device is rated for the voltage and current of the circuit. Critical

Task 5: Ensure the integrity of the grounding system by visually and physically verifying
continuity to ensure safety and compliance with applicable codes.

Subtask 5.1 Ensure all non-current carrying metallic components are grounded. Critical
Subtask 5.2 Ensure the grounding electrode is properly installed. Critical
Subtask 5.3 Check the inverter or power conditioning unit for ground fault error when in
Critical
operation.
Subtask 5.4 Ensure the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) is appropriately sized. Important
Subtask 5.5 Ensure the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) is continuous and
Important
appropriately sized.

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain I: Inspecting Electrical

Components and Systems Cont.

Domain I: Inspecting Electrical Components and Systems

Task 6: Visually and physically inspect the point of PV system interconnection with the
utility grid for compliance with applicable codes, following standard electrical safety
practices.
Subtask 6.1: Verify the interconnection devices are appropriate for use. Critical
Subtask 6.2: Verify the maximum current fed to the busbar does not exceed code limitations. Critical
Subtask 6.3: Verify the proper installation of the overcurrent protection device for the
Critical
supply-side interconnection.
Subtask 6.4: Confirm the location of interconnection devices. Important

Task 7: Verify proper sizing and ratings of overcurrent protection devices per applicable
codes and standards to ensure safety.
Subtask 7.1: Confirm voltage limitations of the overcurrent protection devices. Critical
Subtask 7.2: Confirm circuit current calculations. Critical
Subtask 7.3: Confirm characteristics of existing electrical distribution system. Critical
Subtask 7.4: Confirm the allowable interrupting current ratings of overcurrent protection
Critical
devices.
Subtask 7.5: Confirm the selection of overcurrent protection enclosures. Important
Subtask 7.6: Confirm current limits of overcurrent protection devices. Important

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain II: Inspecting Energy Storage

Components and Systems

Domain II: Inspecting Energy Storage Components and Systems

Task 1: Verify PV array design and control per applicable codes and standards to ensure safety.
Subtask 1.1: Verify conductor sizing is appropriate for array and charge controller ampacity. Critical
Subtask 1.2: Verify the size and rating of overcurrent protection devices (OCPD) for array and
Critical
charge controller conductors.
Subtask 1.3: Confirm the charge controller is suitable for the type of storage used. Important

Task 2: Verify the energy storage system design and installation adheres to applicable codes
and standards to ensure safety.
Subtask 2.1: Verify the mechanical enclosure is sufficient to support the weight of the battery
Critical
bank.
Subtask 2.2: Verify the grounding of any metal structures. Critical
Subtask 2.3: Verify proper working clearance around batteries. Critical
Subtask 2.4: Verify the battery enclosure has appropriate ventilation when required. Critical
Subtask 2.5: Confirm the battery conductors and terminals are compliant and conductor
Critical
insulation is appropriate.
Subtask 2.6: Verify seismic structural requirements meet applicable codes and standards. Important
Subtask 2.7: Ensure the provision for the containment of battery acid if appropriate. Important
Subtask 2.8: Verify the battery disconnect location. Important
Subtask 2.9: Verify the battery overcurrent protection device(s) (OCPD) are appropriate for
Important
inverter output.
Subtask 2.10: Verify code-compliant labeling. Important

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain II: Inspecting Energy Storage

Components and Systems Cont.

Domain II: Inspecting Energy Storage Components and Systems

Task 3: Verify the operation of the multi-mode inverter complies with applicable codes and
standards to ensure safety.
Subtask 3.1: Verify the proper installation and usage of the multimode inverter. Important
Subtask 3.2: Verify the proper interconnection of system components. Important

Task 4: Verify the inverter AC connections comply with applicable codes and standards to
ensure safety.
Subtask 4.1: Verify the proper AC overcurrent protection devices (OCPD) and conductors. Critical
Subtask 4.2: Verify the overcurrent protection device is sized properly for bidirectional
current flow at grid connection. Critical
Subtask 4.3: Verify the installation and rating of the critical load panel. Critical
Subtask 4.4: Verify proper generator sizing and interconnection as required. Important

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain III Inspecting Mechanical /

Structural Components

Domain III: Inspecting Mechanical/Structural Components and Systems

Task 1: Inspect roof-mounted components and systems to verify integrity and compliance
with applicable codes to ensure longevity and safety.
Subtask 1.1: Verify quantity and type of attachment points for racking. Critical
Subtask 1.2: Verify the integrity of structural members. Critical
Subtask 1.3: Verify the proper use of any dissimilar metals to avoid corrosion and deterioration. Critical
Subtask 1.4: Verify ballast weights and placement. Critical
Subtask 1.5: Inspect flashing and weather sealing. Critical
Subtask 1.6: Verify module attachments meet listing requirements. Critical
Subtask 1.7: Verify equipment is installed securely and meets listing requirements. Critical
Subtask 1.8: Verify junction boxes and disconnects are mounted securely and meet listing
Critical
requirements.
Subtask 1.9: Verify the racking system is properly mounted and meets listing requirements. Critical
Subtask 1.10: Inspect modules for physical damage. Critical
Subtask 1.11: Verify the rooftop array configuration meets setback requirements as defined by
Critical
applicable codes and standards.
Subtask 1.12: Verify the location of attachment points. Important
Subtask 1.13: Verify the integrity of attachment points into/on the structure. Important
Subtask 1.14: Verify the array structure is level and plumb. Useful

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain III Inspecting Mechanical /

Structural Components Cont.

Domain III: Inspecting Mechanical/Structural Components and Systems

Task 2: Inspect ground-mounted components and systems to verify integrity and compliance
with applicable codes to ensure longevity and safety.
Subtask 2.1: Verify the proper use of any dissimilar metals to avoid corrosion and deterioration.
Critical
Subtask 2.2: Verify module attachments meet listing requirements. Critical
Subtask 2.3: Verify equipment is installed securely and meets listing requirements. Critical
Subtask 2.4: Verify DC conductors are not readily accessible. Critical
Subtask 2.5: Confirm foundation inspection documentation if applicable. Important
Subtask 2.6: Verify the ground-mounted array location meets setback requirements as defined
by local jurisdictional requirements. Useful

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 Domain IV: Documentation for the

System Inspection

Domain IV: Documentation for the System Inspection

Task 1: Review permit package for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable
codes to ensure a safe and functioning system design.
Subtask 1.1: Verify a site diagram includes the location of major components. Important
Subtask 1.2: Verify the electrical diagram includes information on electrical components, wiring
Important
methods, and electrical connection to the utility service.
Subtask 1.3: Verify string sizing for compatibility with the inverter or other power conditioning
Important
unit.
Subtask 1.4: Ensure the permit package includes the specification sheets for major
Useful
components.
Subtask 1.5: Verify the permit plans identify an array that is mounted on a code-compliant and
Useful
permitted structure.
Subtask 1.6: Verify the permit plans identify a mounting system. Useful

Task 2: Quantify and report deviations of the installed system from design documentation and
applicable codes and standards for various stakeholders.
Subtask 2.1: Report  any  deviation  from  the  manufacturer’s  specifications. Critical
Subtask 2.2: Report any code violations. Critical
Subtask 2.3: Report any deviation from submitted design documentation. Important
Subtask 2.4: Present supporting documentation (e.g., photographs, measurements, technical
Important
documents, code reference).

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence

 PVSI Validation Study

• NABCEP will be conducting an Industry

Validation Study of the Draft PV System
Inspector Job Task Analysis in March/April
2015.
• To access the survey during this time and
provide feedback on the DRAFT PV
System Inspector JTA please visit
www.nabcep.org or e-mail
info@nabcep.org to request an invitation.

Raising Standards. Promoting Confidence