Contractor Corner

 

 

Resources for Contractors, Consultants and Suppliers

 

 

 

STAY INFORMED

RenewableGenerations often distributes contractor related emails, host conference calls and provides education workshop opportunities. If you are a contractor, consultant or renewable energy industry professional and would like to be notified of upcoming events, workshops and program related updates CLICK HERE to email your contact information and be added to our distribution list.

 

 

The Contractors Corner provides information to help Contractors and Consultants assist their customers with the steps needed to successfully complete the RenewableGenerations incentive program application, installation and incentive claim process.

Learn more about licensing requirements, eligible equipment and how to receive important program updates.

SolarGenerations Solar Electric

Solar Hot Water

WindGenerations

HydroGenerations

SolarGenerations - Electric

SolarGenerations Licensing Requirements

  • System installations must be completed by a licensed Nevada electrical contractor with a C-2 or C-2g certification.
  • Contractor must have a Photovoltaic Installer License.
    The State of Nevada requires all installers of photovoltaic systems to hold an annually renewable PV license requirement. Those who want to apply for the Photovoltaic Installer License should contact one of the offices (listed below) of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Or you can go to: http://dirweb.state.nv.us/OSHA/osha.htm.

Southern Nevada District Office: John Hutchison
1301 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 200
Henderson, NV 89074
Phone: (702) 486-9064
Fax: (702) 990-0360

Northern Nevada District Office: Rich Meier
4600 Kietzke Lane,
Building F-Suite 153
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 824-4602
Fax: (775) 688-1378

Nevada PV Installers License Application

NV Energy is not affiliated with and does not administer the Photovoltaic license program in Nevada. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration is solely responsible for the administration of the photovoltaic licensing program as detailed in NRS 618.

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 Eligible Equipment Requirements

To ensure payment of the highest possible incentive to current applicants, NV Energy will use values from the CEC list of eligible PV modules that was active when the application was submitted.  Current applicants will be eligible for any equipment that was on the CEC list at the time of their application.

CEC approved list of photovoltaic modules.
CEC approved list of inverters
California Energy Commission (CEC) Buyer's Guide
PV Installation Guide

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Solar PV Training Materials and Resources

A Guide to Photovoltaic System Design
Advanced PV System Design and Installation
Seminar Inspectors Training Manual
Boots on the Roof
Core Basics [2.15MB Powerpoint]
Designing and Installing Code-compliant PV Systems
Guide to PV System Design and Installation
Installer Guidelines
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
IREC Training Materials
NABCEP- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
NABCEP Study Guide
NEC 690 [1.78MB Powerpoint]
NREL’s Solar Advisor Model (SAM)
PV Inspector/Installer Checklist
PV Systems and the 2005 NEC
PV System Labels
Shade Monster [6MB Powerpoint]
Solar American Board of Codes and Standards
Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Living Institute

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Industry Related News

Schneider Electric Recalls Xantrex GT Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters Due to Injury Hazard

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 SolarGenerations - Hot Water

Solar Hot Water Licensing Requirements

Program participants are required to use an eligible contractor with a valid Nevada C-1, C-1 (d), C-1(h), C-37, or C-37(a) contractor’s license to install their solar hot water system.

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How to Become an Eligible Contractor

NV Energy's solar hot water incentive program customers are required to use an eligible Nevada contractor to install their solar hot water system. Eligible contractors will assist customers with the incentive program application process, the purchase and installation of the solar hot water system and completing the incentive claim process.

Contractors interested in becoming eligible for the solar hot water incentive program must hold a Nevada State Contractors C-1, C-1 (d), C-1(h), C-37, or C-37(a) license and complete several steps.

Successfully completed a NV Energy sponsored Contractors Eligibility Workshop

The eligible contractors workshop is a one-day class covering all aspects of solar hot water system installation, including; collector systems, OG-300 requirements, site analysis, designing and sizing, component selection, installation techniques and maintenance. NV Energy will also deliver a program training outlining the incentive program details.

Completion of this course by the contractor license Principal and or the Qualified Employee(s) as listed with the Nevada State Contractors Board is mandatory to participate in the NV Energy Solar Hot Water Program. This will satisfy the requirement for the entire company to be eligible as a contractor. Attendance by all other company employees is optional, but is strongly recommended for installers and other personnel involved in the application process.

Upcoming Training Dates:

No training scheduled at this time

The NV Energy workshop does not satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Southwest Gas program. For more information on the Southwest Gas program please call 1-855-743-1603 (toll-free) or visit www.solarwaterheatingrebate.com.

Complete and Submit Eligible Contractor Application:

Download Application

Submit Required Documents:
  • Proof of valid Nevada C-1, C-1 (d), C-1(h), C-37, or C-37(a) license
  • Proof of valid workers compensation insurance
  • Proof of valid general liability insurance
  • Proof of valid business auto insurance

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Solar Hot Water Siting Requirements: See program handbook for complete details.

  • The solar hot water collectors will not face more than 90 degrees from true south.
  • The solar hot water collectors will not have more than 25 percent shading.
  • The system cannot be shaded between the hours of 10 am and 3 p.m. at any time during the year.

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Eligible equipment must: See program handbook for complete details.

  • Be used to heat only domestic hot water (e.g., no pool heaters).
  • Be installed on or after December 1, 2010 in southern Nevada.
  • Be located on property within the Nevada electric service territory of NV Energy.
  • Be installed on a permanent surface for a building which is connected to an existing electric customer of NV Energy.
  • Be installed such that the orientation of the solar collectors is not more than 90 degrees from true south.
  • Consist of solar hot water system components that are new and unused.
  • Be installed in conformity with the manufacturer’s specifications and all applicable codes and standards.
  • Be installed by eligible Program contractor.
  • Have an OG-300 certification that is issued by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC; www.solar-rating.org).
  • Be designed to support the installation of a meter or other measuring device.
  • Meet the kWh offset requirements as determined by SRCC estimates. The required offset is 1,500 kWh annually in southern Nevada.

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Warranty Requirements – See program handbook for complete details.

  • Have a manufacturer’s warranty of at least 10 years that covers the solar collectors of the solar hot water system against defects and undue degradation.
  • Have a manufacturer’s warranty of at least 5 years that covers each new tank of the solar hot water system, if any.
  • Have a workmanship warranty of at least 2 years that covers the installation of the solar hot water system, including labor and materials.

 Training Materials and Resources - Coming Soon!

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WindGenerations

WindGenerations Licensing Requirements

System installations must be completed by a licensed Nevada electrical contractor with a C-2 certification. A licensed Nevada C‐2 electrical contractor must make the connection of the system to the NV Energy grid.

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Eligible Equipment Requirements

To be eligible for an incentive in the WindGeneration program, turbines must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Turbines smaller than 200 m2 (swept area) must be certified by one of the following organizations:

 

 

 

 

 

• Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC)

• Intertek

• Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

B. or, listed by one of the following organizations:

 

 

 

 

 

• New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

• Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC)

C. Turbines larger than 200 m2 (swept area) must have an IEC 61400-12 (power curve) certification provided by a

Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

NV Energy reserves the right to suspend turbines from eligibility for the program should that turbine demonstrate a pattern of failure or unreliability. NV Energy may also suspend the use of any specific turbine list should that list itself be suspended by the issuing authority.

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Small Wind Training Materials and Resources

NABCEP Small Wind Installer Certification Exam Resource Guide
New Roots Wind Calculator

NV Small Wind Conference Presentations- August 10, 2010
Amy Berry - NV Energy Wind Aug. 10
Andy Kruse - Introduction to Skystream
Greg Price - NV Energy Aug. 10 Presentations and ITC
Greg Price - NW100 History and Overview and value propositions
Greg Price - Wind Turbine Siting
Jason Geddes - City of Reno Wind Workshop Aug. 2010
Jeff Healion - 8.10.10 Wind Conference
Joe Guasti - Overcoming Restrictive Ordinances and High Fees
Mike Bergey - NV Energy 8.10
Mike Bergey - Key Note NV Energy 8.10
Tamsen Meierdierck - 8.10.10 NV Wind Conference Marketing
Qua Lee - XZERES Overview - Nevada Wind Conference

Technical Wind Workshop - October 6 & 7, 2010
Pieter Huebner Workshop Presentations
Nevada PEC Trading - Mark Harris, PUCN

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HydroGenerations

HydroGenerations Licensing Requirements  

  • System installations must be completed by a licensed Nevada electrical contractor with a C-2. A licensed Nevada C‐2 electrical contractor must make the connection of the system to the NV Energy grid.
  • To be eligible for an incentive, an applicant must show that the system passed inspection by a local jurisdiction or a Nevada registered engineer noting compliance with all applicable state, county, and federal codes and ordinances.

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 Eligible Equipment Requirements

  • Systems must have the required warranties and never been installed at another location.
  • System must be designed and installed to utility standards.

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Utility Standards for Net Metering

These utility standards for a Net Metering system are required on each approved and installed system. They include the engineering requirements for the REC meter and utility disconnect. Contractors are required to incorporate these standards in the design.

Net Metering Rider  - North   |  Net Metering Rider  - South

IMPORTANT NOTE - Systems Using Back-Up Batteries

Systems that incorporate back-up batteries must ensure that all output from the renewable system will be recorded by NV Energy meters. We strongly recommend customers using this type of system submit one line diagrams to RenewableGenerations for review prior to installation.

Technical Tips

400 Amps residential services.  These normally have two 200 A circuit breakers; one of these breakers serves a distribution center that is rated at 200 Amps and not 400 amps. The largest PV system that can be connected to the 200 A section is ~ 7.5 kw. Installation of systems larger than 7.5 kW will require modifications to the electrical system.

Voltage imbalance. Install of a single phase inverter on a three phase system may create a voltage imbalance what impacts the customer’s three phase motors. Current imbalance is normally 6 to 20 times larger than voltage imbalance.

Voltage Rise.  Energy flow is always from a higher voltage to a lower voltage, even when the voltage difference is very small.  The inverter operation will create a voltage rise within the customer’s facility. Depending on the exact configuration within the customer’s facility, the effect of the voltage rise may impact operation of customer equipment or cause the inverter to cycle on and off.

Safety Switch. NV Energy policy requires a visible, lockable, readily-accessible disconnecting means (industry-standard safety switch) that is wired so that the movable blades are de-energized in the open position. The exception to NEC Article 404.6 is not applicable because inverters are independent voltage sources.

Supply side taps.  Taps for distributed generation including PV systems are permissible under the National Electric Code. However, any modification to service equipment may compromise the UL listing of the service equipment.  Most residential service equipment has a combination meter, service disconnect (main), and possibly a distribution section. Supply side taps to this equipment will normally compromise the listing of the equipment and is therefore not allowed.   Switchboard and some wall mounted service equipment can successfully be modified to accommodate the supply side tap. However, the equipment manufacturer, the AHJ, or a third party NRTL will have to provide documentation that the equipment is still listed..

Load Side Taps.  The tap rules under the National Electric Code are designed for load and not sources. Addition of sources as a tap configuration may create a dual source bus and the existing load is now a tap configuration and needs to be properly protected. PV systems and other sources have to be connected so that system conductors and all other conductors are properly protected. The NEC specifically requires that the system connect to dedicate circuit breaker or fuse.

Inspections. Design review and Inspection by the AHJ or other recognized third party is required. Contact NVE at  Mestep@NVEnergy.com  with any questions about special circumstances such federal reservations or when AHJ declines to exercise jurisdiction.

Meter Sockets.  Meter Sockets are normally designed to be installed on the supply side of the service disconnecting means and may have a bonded neutral that is part of the listed assembly. Removing the bond compromises the listing.   Meter sockets are to be wired so that energy from the source is connected to the top jaws to measure gross production.    

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Single Phase Inverters
Voltage 120/240 V 1 Ph 3W.
Self-contained meter socket 4 Jaw meter enclosure up to 400 Amps
Instrument rated metering system 6 jaw meter socket with CT compartment

Three phase inverters or single phase inverters configured a three phase inverter
Voltage 120/208 V 3 Ph 4W
Self-contained meter socket: 7 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps 
Instrument rated metering system: 13 jaw meter socket with CT compartment
Voltage 120/240 V 3 Ph 4W.
Self-contained meter socket: 7 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps   
Instrument rated metering system: 13 jaw meter socket with CT compartment
Voltage 277/480 V 3 ph 4W.
Self-contained meter socket: 7 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps     
Instrument rated metering system: 13 jaw meter socket with CT compartment
Voltage 240 V 3 ph 3W.
Self-contained meter socket: 5 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps    
Instrument rated metering system: 8 jaw meter socket with CT compartment
Voltage 480 V 3 ph 3W.
Self-contained meter socket: 5 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps     
Instrument rated metering system:  8 jaw meter socket with CT compartment

One or two inverters configured as an unbalanced source on three phase systems
Voltage 120/208 V 3 Ph 4W.
Self-contained meter socket: 5 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps 
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended
Voltage 120/240 V 3 Ph 4W. .
Self-contained meter socket: 7 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps  
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended
Voltage 277/480 V 3 ph 4W.
Self-contained meter socket: 7 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps  
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended
Voltage 240 V 3 ph 3W.  1 inverter
Self-contained meter socket: 4  Jaw meter enclosure up to 400 Amps  
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended
Voltage 240 V 3 ph 3W.  2 inverters
Self-contained meter socket: 5 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended
Voltage 480 V 3 ph 3W.  1 or 2 inverters
Self-contained meter socket: 5 Jaw meter safety socket enclosure up to 200 Amps   
Instrument rated metering system: Not Recommended

 

 

  • REC metering systems above 600 Volts. Contact NVE prior to completion of design at Mestep@NVEnergy.com.
  • REC metering systems that are bi-modal. Contact NVE prior to completion of design Mestep@NVEnergy.com.

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