NABCEP test [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Clearwater, Village Power Design]

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Hi Folks,

I also took the first round in '03 and thought it was challenging.  I 
mostly remember case systems - both ongrid and offgrid that really 
tested  my ability to do V, I, and P calcs as well as size equipment, 
know system design issues,  code issues, string sizing, temp calcs, 
know battery charging  as well as a good amount on site surveys, 
mechanical install, etc.

I'm a pretty smart guy, a math brain, physics major, scientist type, 
solar training since '78,  been doing solar all my adult life and I 
studied for two days before the test - confidently thought I might 
ace it and got an 84% if memory serves me right - so I was a bit 
humbled by the test.  I know a few veteran solar guys that didn't 
pass the test.

I have heard it seems to have gotten a bit easier but not to the 
extant of Kirpal's post.  Of course Kirpal is a really smart guy and 
maybe underestimated his abilities and experience at EO.  But no 
electrical calcs?  That doesn't sound right!

I'm strongly in favor of continuing to support NABCEP and keeping the 
standard high.  I know a few local electricians that are sending 
their son to a community college course and then planning to take the 
test.  It worries me that a person studying for a few months can 
pass a test that  should be entry into a bit steeper set of 
experience.

Others thoughts?  Whose still on the Board that wants to chime in 
here as to NABCEPS thinking on testing difficulty now as compared to 
then?

Spring is coming, the season is upon us!

Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design

>This was my first go-round with the exam - I was expecting it to be more
>difficult after all I had heard.  Then again all I had heard may have
>motivated me to study more than I would have otherwise.  I would agree that
>there weren't many in-depth electrical calculations.  There did seem to be a
>lot of practical "physics" calculations regarding an installation (pull-out
>strength, wind loading, roof load bearing,...).  I believe there were three
>questions regarding appropriate point of connection and bus overloading.  I
>thought some of the troubleshooting questions were pertinent, in asking
>"what is the most important safety concern in this situation."  I am curious
>as well to hear the reaction of others, especially Wrenchers who have
>previously taken a NABCEP exam.
>
>cheers,
>P.
>
>Phil Schneider, system engineer
>Creative Energies
>www.CreativeEnergies.biz
>
>
>From: Kirpal Khalsa <solarworks at gmail.com>
>Reply-To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
>Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:23:22 -0800
>To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
>Subject: NABCEP test [RE-wrenches]
>
>Greetings wrenches........any of you sit for the NABCEP test this go
>around......it sure was interesting.....
>no wire sizing calculations!?, no voltage drop calculations!?, no over
>temp output calculations!?, no ampacity calculations!?
>The test was not what i expected... .............any one else have any
>take on the test?
>
>
>--
>Sunny Regards,
>Kirpal Khalsa
>
>
>--
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design
Sustainable Energy & Water Solutions for Home & Village
http://www.villagepower.com
gosolar at villagepower.com
NABCEP (tm) Certified Solar PV Installer

Voice: 413-259-3776
Fax: 413-825-0703
65 Schoolhouse Rd
Amherst, MA 01002
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