1. NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysiswww.nabcep.org Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 1

2. NABCEP PV Technical Sales Examination SpecificationsN Items Content Domain Job Description: 15 QualifytheCustomer APVTechSalespersonisasolarelectricprofessional 10 SiteAnalysiswithdemonstratedexpertiseinthesiting,design, 14 ConceptualDesignanalysisandperformanceofPVsystemswhogathers 5FinancialCosts,Incentives,andSavings sitespecificinformation,analyzescustomerneedsand 4FinancialBenefitAnalysisandFinancing energyusageforthepurposeofadvisingandprovid- 3Non-financialBenefitAnalysis ingcustomerswiththemostappropriatesolutionfor 5PerformanceAnalysis theirsituation. 4PrepareProposals 60(total) NABCEP PV Technical Sales Content OutlineA. Qualify the Customer Determineshading 1. Analyze electric bill Evaluateobstructions Inquireabouttypeandconditionofroof Gatherbills Determineownershipstatus Lookforseasonalpatterns Determinetypeofproperty(residential Lookatdifferentfuelsourcesbeingusedcommercial,non-profit) Reviewutilityrates ExplainwhysolarmaynotbeappropriateKnowledge of: - Howsiteconditionsimpactfeasibility 2. Perform remote site assessmentofsolarsystem - Internettools Determinehouseorientation- Thelimitationsofremotetools Determinerooftilt/angle,availablearea- Magneticdeclination 2 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 3. 3. Identify customer needs 5. Identify jurisdictional issues Askaboutreasonsforgoingsolar Determinezoning Evaluatefutureenergyusage Determinefiremarshalawareness Determinedesiredtimeframe Determinereservationissues Determinewhethercustomerneeds Checkcity,countyandutilityrequirements financialassistance Identifyutility Determineelectricusagepattern,timeofday Identifyhomeownerassociation Discusspros/consofbatterybackup vs.generator Knowledge of:- Zoningissuesforyourarea Knowledge of:- Codesforyourarea- Basicsalesskills- Utilitiesprocess,interconnection- Financialtools procedures,rules- Theuseelectricratesfunction- Lawsrelatingtohomeownersassociations- Batteries- Insurancelimitations- Electricalterminology- Correlatingusagetospecificappliances6. Manage customer expectations4. Perform ball park estimate Advisecustomerthatsystemdoesntprovide backuppower;whengridisdown,itwontwork EstimatearraysizebasedonkWh Explaindifferencesbetweenbatteryand consumptionandavailablearrayareanon-batterysystems Pricearraysizebasedonaverage$/watt ExplainthatPVdoesnotheatwater, Evaluatepotentialpriceadders space,orpools Factorinincentives ExplainthatPVgenerateselectricity,doesnot offsetgasloads Developpricerange Explainseasonalvariationsinoutput Developsavingsestimate Explainrequiredlevelofroutinemaintenance Developpreliminaryeconomicanalysis Explainsystemequipmentmanufacturerwarranties Present(verbally/brief)initialballpark proposalandbenefits Reviewlifeexpectancyofequipment Discusscustomerbudgetlimits Discussaesthetics DiscussROI Knowledge of: Explainemergingvs.existingtechnologies- Priceadders Explainexpectedoutputvs.systemcapacity- Rooftype Explaininstantaneouspowervs.annual energyproduction- Licensingrequirements Explaininstallationwarranties- Howtheheightofbuildingimpacts installationcosts Explainmanufacturerwarranties- Impactoflongrunsofconduit, Explaininsuranceissues,workerscomp,liability wiringoncosts Explaineffectsonhomeownersinsurance- Steepness Explainpotentialimpactonroofwarranty- Distancefromloadcenter ExplainperformancevalidationmethodsSmall Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 3 4. Knowledge of: Knowledge of:- Basicsolarsystemknowledge - NECandmanufacturer- Generalfinancialunderstanding clearancerequirements- Productknowledge- Solarexposure- Knowledgeofreturnoninvestment- Hazards(e.g.,powerlines,gaslines,meters)- Productlimitations- ThedifferencebetweenAC& DCdisconnects- Voltageratingsonfuses,AC&DCswitches - Utilitydifferencesonrequirements B. Site Analysisfordisconnects- Tapemeasure- Laserlevel 1. Inspect electrical service Determineserviceratingcurrentandvoltage 3. Assess mounting location Identifybussbarandmainbreaker Identifylinetapvs.panelupgrade Identifyroofingmaterial Determineavailablebreakerspace Identifyframing Determinegrounding Identifyspacingandspans Identifymanufacturerofpanel Determineifthereisanatticspacevs.flatroof Determinemethodofinterconnection Assessstructuralintegrityofroof Determinelimits(maxbackfedbreaker)based(lookatunderside)onlocalelectricalcode Documentconditionofroof(photos,notes,etc.) Informcustomerofpotentialadditionalcosts Determinesoilcompositionforrelatedtoutilityhardware,transformers ground/polemounts Discussfindingswithcustomer Identifyundergroundobstructions(septic,gaslines) Knowledge of: Determinesolarexposure- Electricalsafety Measureroofareaorgroundarea- OSHA- Electricalprinciples Knowledge of:- Electricalcodes - Roofingmaterials- Basicframing- Standardbuildingpractices(spacing) 2. Identify locations for system components- Roofingterminology- Risksoffalling Identifyinverterlocation- Walkingonroofswithoutcausingdamage Identifyarraylocationoptions- Readingblueprints IdentifyAC&DCdisconnects- Anglegauge Identifyjunctionbox- Safetyharness Locateconduitruns Identifyutilitydisconnectifapplicable Determinelengthsofconduitruns 4 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 5. 4. Perform shade analysis2. Determine equipment location Identifyexistingshadingobstructions Avoidlocationsthatwillexposemodules Considerfutureshadingobstructionstosaltwater Performinter-rowshadinganalysis Complywithmanufacturerspecifications forinverterlocation Completeshadestudy Discusspotentialsitesforinverter Analyzeannuallossfromshadingwithcustomer Analyzeseasonal/dailyvariationsinshade Askcustomeraboutlongtermplansfor Determinewhetherrooftopanalysisisnecessary renovations,etc. Ifsafe,proceedwithrooftopanalysis Considertypeofmonitoringsystem, Ifnecessary,bringincrewforrooftopanalysisbroadbandvs.wired Ifrooftopanalysisisnotfeasible, Discussconduitruns incorporatebuffer CalculatewithinacceptablelimitsofKnowledge of: third-partyaudit,3-5% - Noiselevelgeneratedbyequipment Preparethereport- Risksofdamagetoequipment - NECrequirementsandlocalcodes(AHJ) Knowledge of: - Coolingrequirements- Theimpactofshadeonsolarsystems- Manufacturersclearances- Theproperuseoftheavailabletools - FiredepartmentrequirementsC. Conceptual Design 1. Select appropriate equipment Explainmoduleaestheticoptionstocustomer Explainefficiency,cost,aestheticdifferences Considergeographiclocation,climate Selectthemodule(s) Matchinvertertoarray Matchinvertertoservicevoltage Knowledge of:- Product- Voltagewindows- Websitesthatprovideinsolationdata Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 5 6. 3. Plan system layout 6. Determine mounting methodand tilt angle Determinemodulelayout Determineelectricallayout Evaluaterooftypeandmaterial Determinewhichfacesofrooftouse Evaluateroofpitch Sketchsystemlayout Evaluatestructuralmembers(wood,steel,trusses,rafters) Determinespacerequiredundermodules Knowledge of: Considerimpactonroofingwarranties- Stringlayout Selectracking- Roofsetbacks Determinenumberandtypeofroof- Geometrypenetrations,flashing- Computerskills Evaluateperformanceandaestheticimpact- Spacingbetweenmodulesofvarioustiltangles Identifytrenchingconsiderations4. Perform string sizing Determinelocalheightrestrictions SelectstringsizingmethodKnowledge of: Considermin,maxtemperatures,site- Roofing Standoffdistance(re:airflow)- Product Matcharrayvoltagetoinvertervoltagewith - Mountingsystemsapplicabletemperatureconditions ConsidermodulevoltagedegradationovertimeD. Financial Costs, Incentives, Knowledge of: and Savings- Applyingtemperaturecoefficients- Correlationbetweentemperatureandvoltage 1. Explain types of incentives and net cost 5. Determine breaker size orsupply side connection Explainlocalnetmeteringpolicies Explainfeed-intariffs Determinemaxinverteroutputgivenbussbar Identifyutilityfinancialmodels Evaluatewhetherthereisroomforabreaker Explainstate,cityandfederaltaxcredits,treasurygrants,depreciation,propertytax Evaluatetheserviceamperageexemptions,RECs,PBIs,rebates,taxdeduc- Determinewhethernewelectricaltions,transfercredits,salestaxexemptionsserviceisneeded Calculatenetcostafterincentives Determinewhetherlinesidetapcanbeused Knowledge of:- Spacingbetweenmodules- Electricalservicesizes- Currentratings- Linesidetap6 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 7. 2. Explain types of utility rates and net Calculateinternalrateofreturn (excludefinancingcosts) electric bill savings Calculatesimplereturnoninvestment Calculateyearstopayback Explaintimeofuse Explainpre-taxandafter-taxbenefits Explaintieredratestructures Calculatetheoreticalresalevalue Explainwhatenergyanddemandchargesare increaseonproperty Explainhowsolarimpactsdemandcharges Explaintocustomerpotentialproperty Explainhowsolarimpactsenergychargesequityimpact Discusspossibilityofswitchingfromonerate Explaindegradationrate structuretoanother Calculatenetsavings Explainpotentialfuturerate Informcustomerthatprojectionsarenot escalations,decreases legallybinding,disclaimer Calculateelectricbillsavings Knowledge of: - Financials - Compoundinterestcalculations2. Evaluate appropriate financing options Cashupfront Homeequityloan Leasing PowerPurchaseAgreement(PPA) Consumerloans Communitybasedfinancing,PACE UtilityloansKnowledge of: - Financingoptions E. Financial Benefit Analysis and Financing F. Non-Financial Benefit Analysis 1. Calculate financial analysis 1. Calculate/quantify environmental benefits proportional to estimated production Calculatecashflowanalysis CalculateCo2avoidance Calculatebillsavings Calculatetonsofcoalsaved Calculatemaintenanceexpenses Calculatewatersaved Calculatereplacement/repaircosts forinverter Calculatemilesnotdrivenincar Developmulti-yeartimelinedetailing Calculateacresoftreessaved costs/benefits Calculatebarrelsofoilsaved Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 7 8. 2. Describe non-financialH. Prepare Proposals non-environmental benefits Articulate/calculateenergyindependence1. Create minimum acceptable proposal Articulatesocialbenefits Articulateothernon-environmentalbenefits Includeproductionestimate IncludeSTCDCsystempowerrating (andCECACorotherratingasapplicable) Includeaveragemonthlyelectricbill G. Performance Analysissavingsestimate Includetotalcost,rebates,taxincentives,1. Calculate production andnetcost Identifyandestimatepermitfees,interconnec-tionfees,taxesandotherforeseeablecosts Considerinsolationdata Identifyvariableorunknowncostsand Reviewtemperaturedatafortheareaprovideestimatedrangeofcost Considermicroclimatedataifavailable Includepaymentschedule Considerimpactofdustanddirt Identifyincentivespaidovertime Modulenameplaterating (PBI,FIT,SRECs) Considertimeofuse Includeconstructiontimelineand Considershading milestonedates Considerwirelosses Includemajorequipmentlist,powerratings, Considermoduleoperatingtemperature, andpartcount regionalambienttemperaturesandairflow Listassumptions,specialfactors,and Considercomponentefficiencieslocationsforequipmentinstallation (e.g.,inverter,DCmodules) Considertilt Knowledge of: Considerazimuth - Readingmanufacturerdatasheets Considerdiodesandconnections- Ratingspecs Considermodulemismatch - Documentsrequiredforcompletingthesale Considersystemavailability Considertracking,dualorsingleaxis2. Include additional elements as Considersystemageordegradation applicable and/or appropriateKnowledge of: Includefinancialbenefitand/orfinancing - Sitesthatcanprovidedata discussionasapplicable - PVWATTSorSAM Includenon-financialbenefitdiscussion - RETScreen asapplicable - Howvariousfactorsimpactproduction Includeenergyefficiencyandconservationdiscussionasapplicable2. Identify factors that degrade system performance over time Moduledegradationovertime Landscapingissues,treegrowth Newconstruction 8 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 9. PV Technical Sales Certification RequirementsEligibility Requirements for the Qualifying Categories for the PV Technical PV Technical Sales Certification Sales Certification ExaminationTobecomecertifiedandmaintaincertification,thea) Aminimumofsixty(60)hourscumulativetrain- applicantmustminimally:ingcoveringthePVTechnicalSalesJobTask Beatleast18yearsofageAnalysis:ANDaminimumofone(1)yearof verifiablesalesexperience;ANDhavesuccessfully Meetprerequisitesofrelatedexperienceand/oreducationasoutlinedbelowpassedtheNABCEPEntryLevelPVExam;ORb) Aminimumofthirty-two(32)hourscumulative Completeanapplicationformdocumentingrequirements trainingcoveringthePVTechnicalSalesJobTask Analysis;ANDaminimumoftwo(2)yearsof Signandagreetoupholdacodeofethics verifiablesalesexperience;ANDhavesuccessfully Payapplicationandexamfee passedtheNABCEPEntryLevelPVExam;OR Passawrittenexam c) Two(2)-yearrenewableenergytechnologyor Completecontinuingeducationandinstallationtechniciandegreefromanaccreditededucationalrequirementswithintherecertificationtimeframeinstitution;ANDaminimumofone(1)yearverifi- ableexperience;ANDhavesuccessfullypassed theNABCEPEntryLevelPVExam;OR Education, Training andd) Four(4)-yeardegreefromanaccreditededuca- Experience Requirements tionalinstitution;ANDone(1)yearverifiablesales experience;OR ToqualifytositfortheNABCEPPVTechnicalSales NOTE: A minimum of 30 hours of additional training in all aspects of the Certificationexamination,thecandidatemustdemon- PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis is strongly recommended.stratethathe/shemeetsatleastoneofthefollowinge) BeaNABCEPCertifiedSolarPVorNABCEP minimumentryrequirementtracksoutlinedatright. InstallerEmeritus;ORNOTE: A minimum of 30 hours of additional training in non-installationaspects of the PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis is strongly recommended. Note: All USA applicants must have OSHA 10 Hourf) HoldJourneymanorlicensedElectriciancreden- Construction Class Card. Applicants from other countries tials;ANDhavesuccessfullypassedtheNABCEP must provide an equivalent safety training credential from EntryLevelPVExam;OR your jurisdiction as a prerequisite for the exam.NOTE: A minimum of 30 hours of additional training in all aspects of thePV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis is strongly recommended.Additionallytraininginsalestechniquesandg) Aminimumoffive(5)yearsverifiable customermanagementisstronglyrecommended salesexperience. forallcandidates.NOTE: A minimum of 30 hours of additional training in all aspects of thePV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis is strongly recommended. Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 9 10. Definition of Verifiable Sales Experience Training Requirement for the PV Technical Sales Certification Forpurposesofthisprocess,verifiablesalesexperi- encesellingPVsystemsrequiresbeinginaresponsibleCandidatesapplyingthroughcategoriesthatrequire roleinsalesandordesignprocessforthejob.Thistraining(AorB)mustdocumentthattheyhave includestitlesincluding(butnotlimitedto),salesreceivedtheminimumhoursoftrainingspecified. manager,siteanalyst,financialanalyst,systemThistrainingmustcoverthePVTechnicalSalesJob designer,technicalsupportperson,etc.TaskAnalysis(JTA).Definition:1yearverifiablesalesexperience=being Whileadditionaltrainingisnotrequiredforeach theleadsalesperson,analystordesignerofamini- qualifyingcategoryitisstronglyrecommended.The mumof4PVsystemsoccurringatsomepointinthe examissuchthatsomeleveloftrainingonallaspects 12monthspriortosubmittinganapplicationforthe ofthePVTechnicalSalesJobTaskAnalysiswilllikely exam*.Atleast2ofthe4PVsystemsmustbelarger benecessaryformostapplicantstoachieveapassing than2kWDC(peak).Atleastone(1)installationmustscore.Candidatesarethereforeencouragedtoseek beasystemthatisgridconnected. trainingclassesasneeded.Allsystemsclaimedmusthaveaccompanyingdocu-Itisrecommendedthatapplicantslookfortraining mentationincludingproposal,electricalpermittingcoursesaccreditedbytheInstituteofSustainable andinspectionrecords,andcustomerconfirmationPowerQuality(ISPQ)ortaughtbyinstructorscerti- thatthesystemsoldmettheirexpectations.Thecandi- fiedbyISPQ.Pleasevisitwww.IRECusa.orgforfull dateisaskedtodescribethescopeofworktheywerelistings.NOTE: The minimum of 10 hours of OSHA or responsibleforoneachinstallation.(Allproposals equivalent training is in addition to the training hours andrelatedproprietaryinformationwillbetreatedas specified for each qualifying category. strictlyconfidential.) NABCEPwillaccepttrainingtomeettherequirements Inregionswhereelectricalinspectionisnotpossible,whenthetrainingmeetsthefollowingoutcomes: theApplicationReviewCommitteewilljudgeexperi- Haveaformaltrainingformat,withateacher-learner encebasedonsupplieddocumentation. structure.Thisimpliesaconnectionbetweenalearner andalearningsource.Itcanincludeclassroomtimeled *Ifapplyingthroughtrack(G),youwillneedtosubmitbyaninstructorand/ordiscussionleader.Itcanalsoin- documentationfor20verifiablesystemsalesorpro-cludeactivitiesinwhichalearnerisengagedinaplanned posalsthathaveoccurredinthelast5years.10ofthe learningeventinwhichhe/sheisseparatedfromfaculty 20systemsmustbelargerthan2kWDC(peak)andatandotherstudentsbutwherethelearnerreceivessome least5systemsmustbegridconnected. sortoffeedbackandthelearnersprogressismonitored. 10 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 11. Examplesincludecomputer-assistedinstruction,interac- credential(s)youholdandattachacopyofyourcertifi- tivevideo/CD/DVDand/orwebsitelearning.Coverscateorotherproofofhavingachievedthecredential(s) corecompetenciesfromthePVTechnicalSalesJob tothisapplication. TaskAnalysis.About the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam Acceptabletrainingprovidersinclude: Requirement Anyinstitutionaccreditedbyanagencyrecog-nizedbythefederalDepartmentofEducation Someofthepathwaystoqualifyrequirethatcandidates(Universities,CommunityCollegesetc.);passtheNABCEPPVEntryLevelexam.PassingthePV DedicatedindependentRenewableEnergyEntryLevelexamshowsthatindividualshaveachievedtrainingprograms(accreditationbyISPQisabasicunderstandingofPVsystemdesignandinstalla-stronglyrecommended);tion.TheEntryLevelexamisnotacertificationexam. ApprenticeshiptrainingprogramsrecognizedbytheDepartmentofLabororequivalent;Forinformationonhowtobecomeeligibletositfor ThoseapprovedbyStateorProvincialContractor theEntryLevelexamandforthecompletelistofallLicensingBoards;and;currentregisteredEntryLevelProviders,pleasevisit: Vocational/Technicaltrainingprograms. http://www.nabcep.org/entry-level-certificate-program/for-studentsEducation Requirements for the PV Technical Sales CertificationIfqualifyingthroughentrytrack(C)or(D),youmust submitacopyofyourdiplomaortranscriptfroman institutionaccreditedbyanagencyrecognizedbythe federalDepartmentofEducationshowingthatyou haveobtainedatwo-yearorfour-yeardegree.Documentation of Training, Education & Credentials Formaleducationandtrainingareoptionaldepending ontheQualifyingCategoryyouchose,eventhough NABCEPbelievesthatapplicantswillbenefitfrom qualitytrainingwhenpreparingtotakethecertifica- tionexam.IfyourQualifyingCategoryrequirestrain- ing,educationoraspecificcredential,copiesofofficial transcriptsordiplomaswillneedtobeattachedtothe applicationform.Ifqualifyingundercategory(A)or(B),acopyofyour proofofcompletionthecumulativehoursofrequired trainingwillneedtobeattachedtotheapplication.Ifqualifyingundercategory(C)or(D),copiesofofficial transcriptsanddiplomasattestingtoyourattendanceand degreesearnedwillneedtobeattachedtotheapplication. Ifqualifyingundercategory(A),(B),(C),(E)or(F), youwillhavetoindicateintheapplicationwhich Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10 11 12. Documentation of Verifiable Sales ExperiencePleaseviewDefinitionofVerifiableSalesExperienceifrequiredinthejurisdiction,copiesofanyinspection aboveforthedefinitionofverifiablesalesexperiencecertificatesorpermitsinvolved(includingcounty& andsystemrequirements.lot#ifavailable).Allsystemsclaimedmusthaveaccompanyingdocu-NABCEPreservestherighttocontactsystemown- mentationincludingtheproposal,electricalpermittingers/operators,permittingauthorities,andresponsible andinspectionrecords,andcustomerconfirmationcontractorstoverifyworklistedinthissection.The thatthesystemsoldmettheirexpectations.IfpermitsApplicationFormwillpromptyoutoattachcopies arenotavailableawrittenexplanationdocumentingofanypermitsorinspectioncertificatesacquired.In yourroleandresponsibilitiesinthesaleprocessalong caseswherenoinspectionorpermittedprocesswasre- withtheoutcomeofthesalesprocessmaybesubmit-quired,theApplicationReviewCommitteewillmake tedforreview.Applicantsmayalsoattachphotosas decisionsabouteligibilitybasedonsupplieddocu- optionaldocumentation.Whencompletingtheapplica-mentation.Optionaldocumentationincludesanything tion,applicantswillbeaskedtodescribethescopeofthatyoufeelverifiestheinstallationanddemonstrates worktheywereresponsibleforoneachinstallation. yoursuccessfulrole. Allproposalsandrelatedproprietaryinformationwill betreatedasstrictlyconfidential(SeeSection15ofthe CandidatesHandbookfordetailsonconfidentialityofLicensure Requirement applicationdocuments). Ifalicenseisrequiredinthejurisdictioninwhich Inaddition,foreachsystem,applicantswillneedtotheworkisperformed,candidatesmustsubmittheir provide:a)locationofthejobsite,includingsome licensenumberorthelicensenumberunderwhich combinationofthefollowing:datesduringwhichthe theworkwasperformed. jobwasperformed,system-ownercontactinforma- tion,sizeofthetotalsystem,systemcomponents,andNorth American Board ofCertified Energy Practitioners56CliftonCountryRoad,Suite202CliftonPark,NY12065800-654-0021/info@nabcep.org www.nabcep.org12 NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis 09.10Small Wind Resource Guide Rev 1.0 06/07/2010 NABCEP 2010