NABCEP test [RE-wrenches]

[Daryl DeJoy]

    I,too, took the first NABCEP test and was one of those veterans (16
years installing at that time) who did not pass. I,too, was humbled by
the amount of calculation necessary, but understood why it was there
and appreciated the test. I am now seeing guys passing the test who
have little installing experience and no design experience.
    I would also like to hear from a NABCEP board member about this.
    We also have one NABCEP certified installer in my state who does not
work in the industry but is more than happy to "sign off" jobs for
people for a fee. I know we've talked about this before but it is
troubling to me.
Daryl DeJoy
NABCEP Certified PV installer
Certified Advanced PV Design
Penobscot Solar Design




>
> 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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