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February 10, 2012 By

Solar PV Training and Employment

It would seem logical to assume that since the Solar PV industry is growing at such a robust pace, there should be plenty of jobs available. That is a correct assumption, but there is a gap between the need for workers and a well-trained work force. The old adage is; you need experience to get a job, but you can’t get experience without a job.

Fortunately, almost all prospective PV employers understand that in this industry, the training comes first, and it’s usually enough to get you started.

There is one sure way to bridge the gap between experience and employment: Training and Networking.

The first step is to get training from a recognized and competent solar training company. Be sure that it is an accredited program that will be recognized throughout the country. The second step is to get experience, and there is more than one way to get it.

  1. Find out where the solar PV contractors gather; associations are the best place to look. The American Solar Energy Society has state chapters all across the country, and most have regular meetings every month or two. It is very affordable to join an association, and the meetings are a perfect place to get to know the solar contractors and business leaders. Take the time to get your foot in the door and be willing to be time-flexible when someone      approaches you about working together – because someone probably will.
  2. If you are already in the construction industry, it is a short segue into the PV industry with proper training, and you can expand your business quickly, and with relatively little financial investment.
  3. Start your own company.  Starting any business is easier said than done, but many people do it quite successfully. If you have an entrepreneur’s spirit and the determination to get a company rolling, this is a good choice. Check the laws in your state to determine if you need to have licensing prior to installing PV systems.
  4. The “hybrid” start.  Many people intend to start their own installation companies, but want an installation or two under their belts before doing so. Working with an existing company on a project-by-project basis can help you get a little experience before you go out on your own.
  5. Install a system on your own house (or a relative’s).  You will learn just as much about installation, and you have your own PV system and some experience at the end of it.

One of the best ways to become valuable for a long-term career is to attain an industry certification. NABCEP has several certification programs; Solar PV Certified Installer, Solar Thermal Certified Installer, and Technical Sales Certification. Each of these certifications requires experience that can be obtained by either working as a self-employed, or working for a solar contractor.  Familiarize yourself with NABCEP at www.nabcep.org.

You can’t get NABCEP Certification without meeting their criteria, and no training company can certify you. The industry leaders know this, and are willing to help you (if you’re willing to help yourself) on your path to Certification. After all, with a few exceptions, they pretty much had to get their certification the same way you will. They can work with you on a “project-by-project” basis, or hire you full-time or part-time.  Each company is different, but almost all are
dedicated to the industry, have high standards, and are willing to help new installers learn.

Beware of training organizations who sell up their “Job Programs” or placement assistance. It sounds great to you before you pay your training tuition, but it’s mostly talk with very few programs actually putting people to work in the solar industry. If you find work through them, it will usually be an unpaid position as an apprentice. Don’t be sucked in to “We help you find a job.” Training companies can point you in the right direction and have contacts in the industry, but they aren’t job placement organizations.

The truth is that it takes time and dedication to retrain yourself into any industry where you are readily employable. If you want in the solar industry then be persistent and you’ll get in. Thomas Edison once said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Important links for more information:

www.nabcep.org
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (to determine eligibility requirements for NABCEP Certification)

www.irecusa.org
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (to verify accredited training programs)

www.ases.org
American Solar Energy Society (to find a chapter to join nearest you)

 

Kelly Provence
IREC/ISPQ Certified Master PV Trainer
Solairgen
www.solairgen.com
706-867-0678

Filed Under: Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology

Grid-tie Inverters and Generators

February 7, 2012 By

Grid-Tied PV Systems and Generators

The question keeps coming up; “Will a generator keep the grid interactive, non-battery based PV array operating during utility power
outages?” In theory, it seems like a logical idea since the generator operates at 240 volt 60 Hz and this is what the inverter is looking for in order to
continue operating.

The problem is, the generator cannot absorb the excess energy from the PV inverter output, nor can the generator react quickly enough
to the fluctuating output of the PV inverter. With a grid connection there is a certain amount of buoyancy or capacitance in the grid to allow for varying
electrical energy.

A second problem is how the generator will react to another AC source; it may shut down or it may be damaged by the other AC source.

The solution is the same as it has been since the start of PV energy systems, battery storage. There are many new product advancements in
battery storage or energy storage and the future looks bright. For now, the best solution for backup power during a utility outage is one of two options:

  1. An AC generator can be set up as backup power with a transfer switch that senses the loss of utility  power. If a grid interactive, non-battery based PV array is operating when utility power is down, it will go into a standby status until the utility power returns to normal.
  2. Another option is to use a battery based, grid interactive PV system that can provide backup power during utility outages; a generator can be tied in with the battery-based inverter to help charge the batteries during extended cloud cover and rainy conditions.

If option #2 is your preference, you will find that battery based inverters are quite different from utility interactive inverters. If you presently have an SMA utility interactive inverter, you can add the SMA Island battery based inverter to the system and have the best of both worlds.

For other utility, non-battery based interactive inverters, you either need to change out the inverter to one that is battery based with the utility interactive feature or just use the generator as the backup.

Kelly Provence
IREC/ISPQ Certified Master PV Trainer
Solairgen
http://www.solairgen.com/
706-867-0678

Filed Under: Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology

Multi-Credentialed Solar Installer-Trainer

September 24, 2011 By

Solar Panel InstallationSolairgen’s Kelly Provence: multi-credentialed installer/trainer talks with IREC’s ISPQ about the value of credentials

By Jane Pulaski
September 15, 2011

What do you say about someone who was the first PV trainer in the U.S. to hold four credentials (IREC ISPQ Master PV and three NABCEP certifications)? An overachiever? Staying ahead of the competition?  Hip to the importance of credentials to maintain integrity in the solar profession?  All of the above?
Achieving any one of these credentials is an ambitious goal, but four?  I wanted to know what (or who) is behind Kelly’s drive to be multi-credentialed.  Here’s our conversation.

IREC:  Kelly, I’m going to get right to it:  what inspired you to attain so many credentials?
KP:  I was at a dealer conference at the Florida Solar Energy Center in 2003, when I became aware of NABCEP and the importance of certification. It became apparent to me that in order for the solar industry to maintain a high level of installation integrity, there needed to be a national standard to measure professionalism; NABCEP was doing that with their certification program. In 2006 I earned the PV Installer Certification and in 2007 earned the Solar Thermal Certification; these credentials demonstrated my experience and commitment to my customers, as well as support for a national standard.

IREC:  NABCEP awarded its first PV certificants in November 2003. So if you were hearing about it then, you were tuned in to the value of credentials at the very beginning.  The NABCEP credential must have resonated with you.
KP:   It did. I knew that this industry needed to maintain high standards to succeed and time has proven this to be true.  At Georgia Solar Energy Association meetings and in my own work, I supported NABCEP certification as the industry standard we should, and do, support.  I started the Solairgen training program with two goals in mind: to help students enter the market with a high level of competency and guide them toward certification.

IREC:  Before you discovered NABCEP, what kept you busy? Was solar part of your life then?
KP:  Before Solairgen, I owned and operated an electrical contracting company, Provence Electric, from 1995 to 2008. Solar installations were always a part of the business model. In 2002, Solairgen was formed at which time PV and Solar Thermal design and installations became my single focus. I later became involved with the development of Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA.)  It was while serving as an officer with GSEA that I saw the need for solar training in Georgia. It was then I moved from design and installation and shifted focus solely to PV and ST training.

IREC:  Since you recognized the value of an installation credential, when did you recognize the value of the IREC ISPQ credential?
KP: Soon after I designed and implemented our training program, I realized that IREC ISPQ accreditation and trainer certification is just as important to the training sector as NABCEP is to the installation sector of the solar industry. Having the IREC ISPQ credential allows a potential student to make a better decision when selecting a training course – it assures them of the quality of the program they’ve selected – and provides the national training standard they want and need. Moreover, the entire solar industry benefits by having a high national standard of quality and professionalism. We all win.

IREC:  Most definitely.  I’m curious…what was the order in which you went for the IREC ISPQ credential? Was it program accreditation first, then trainer certification, or was it trainer certification first, then program accreditation?
KP:  Program certification came first. The value of accreditation was most important to the company, which of course was important to me.  I had several years of installation experience in PV and ST to draw from in teaching, and two NABCEP certifications, but the class syllabus itself needed the “Gold Seal.” After that, Master PV Trainer certification became my goal.  Solairgen offers both an accredited class, and a certified instructor.  That assures potential students that Solairgen has met the highest quality standards for installation and design training, and keeps us competitive.

IREC:  Having an accredited program and certified instructor does ensure the highest quality teaching/learning experience possible.  I’m wondering what kind of students you’re seeing in your classroom.  Is it a wide range of skills and experience?
KP:   The  students’ varying backgrounds keep my job interesting and challenging.  We offer different classes and each one has its own dynamic. The 40-hour entry level class is usually full each month and consists of electricians, electrical engineers, builders, finance and marketing professionals, with motivated entrepreneurs from unrelated fields. My students are always interesting, and it’s enjoyable to see the high-level of enthusiasm they all show with the opportunity to enter this field.  I’m always impressed by the commitment and hard work the candidates in my NABCEP Exam Prep classes demonstrate to become nationally recognized and proficient in the industry. About half of the exam prep students are electricians, some are engineers with the balance being solar contractors and integrators. Many started out taking my PV-203 class. There’s a lot of combined experience in the classroom. It isn’t uncommon for me to learn something from them in the course of a class.

IREC:  With such a wide range of skills and experience, it must be a continuous challenge to make sure everyone’s needs and expectations are being met.   How do you tackle that?
KP:    My first priority is to teach the design and installation of PV equipment and systems with a high level of competency. Everyone comes into my class with strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important that I “level the information field” as soon as possible by bringing all the students to a common level of understanding. This is something I enjoy and do well.  It’s rewarding to see so many of my PV-203 students pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam and then see them go on to rewarding careers in the field – then NABCEP Certification. After each of my exam prep classes and the NABCEP certification exam, I start checking the NABCEP site regularly for new certification awardees.  I get a tremendous sense of pride when I see my students who have come through Solairgen classes earn NABCEP certification.  Another challenge I face with my students is to stay current with technology and the industry in general, revising my classes as I do.  Students are more informed and sophisticated than ever, so I consistently “re-educate” myself so that I deliver up-to-date industry and technological information to my students.  If I’m informed, so are they.

solar-panel-installation-trainingIREC:  That’s the sign of an exemplary teacher, and students know one when they find one.  Not surprisingly, the converse is also true.  So in your experience, and if you can narrow it down, what would you say is your biggest success…or successes?
KP:   Without Solairgen’s credentials, we would have a hard time competing in an increasingly competitive solar training industry.  Bringing my wife, Leigh, into the company is one of my successes.  She was instrumental in getting our PV-203 class IREC/ISPQ accredited, and subsequently my IREC/ISPQ Affiliated Master PV Trainer Certification.  Having Leigh focus on the marketing and administrative demands of a growing company allowed me the opportunity to put all of my energy into designing classes and teaching.  She also encouraged me to get the NABCEP PV Technical Sales certification in their inaugural round of testing. I was the first PV trainer in the U.S. to hold all four credentials: IREC ISPQ Master PV Trainer, with three NABCEP certifications.  Of course other top trainers in the industry were right behind me and earned the same credentials, but it was nice to be the first and only, even if it was only for a short time.

IREC:   Oh…now I understand who’s the boss.  Sounds like a great team.  Does Leigh have other certifications in mind for you?
KP:  I actually had her believing I was the boss during the first month we started working together. We may have other programs developing so I’m sure I’ll get a nudge in that direction when the time comes. But for now I intend to pursue advanced OSHA training certification, and would also like to become involved in code development. But if I can find the time, which is a luxury, I’ll go back to college to study physics and chemistry. There are many areas of energy conversion that are yet to be discovered and developed.

IREC:  Physics and chemistry?  I’m so glad there are people like you. I’m a recovering English major, so if you ever need any help spelling ‘physics’ or ‘chemistry,’ or with diagramming sentences, I’m your go-to.  I know you’re always looking ahead…what do you see in the queue?
KP:  Gaining momentum for Solairgen’s advanced class to teach PV system designers and installers how to analyze system performance is in the immediate queue. I believe this is critical information installers and designers need for their increasingly knowledgeable customers who have expectations of return on investment. Getting this training out to everyone who could benefit is the challenge we are working on now.   Long-range goals may involve helping technical colleges develop and implement their solar programs, both PV and solar thermal. I have had several technical college trainers and professors come though our training prior to implementing solar into their own programs. That’s a training venue we’re eager to develop. We’re also in the early development stages of a program that, if it works out, will enable students to receive installation credits toward qualifying for the NABCEP Installer Certification exam.  It isn’t in place yet, and there are many logistics to be worked out, but that’s next on our expansion agenda.

IREC:  If past performance is any indication of future results, I’d expect to see this as part of Solairgen’s offerings soon (unless you’ve signed up for physics and chemistry classes).  Besides your work, which obviously motivates and energizes you, what inspires you?
KP:    Wilderness inspires me. The times I feel I have achieved the most, professionally and personally, is when I hike.  The reason I entered into the renewable energy industry was to contribute to a sustainable energy balance, lessening the negative environmental impact of fossil fuels. I am inspired when I think that it is possible. When I’m hiking, I imagine that it is.

IREC:   So does Leigh have plans for you to get your hiking certification?  Your work and commitment are inspiring, Kelly.  Thanks a million for your time.

You can reach Kelly directly at koprovence@solairgen.com, or visit Solairgen’s website at www.solairgen.com for information about training classes.

Filed Under: Solar Technology

NABCEP Profile Interview

March 28, 2011 By

Kelly Provence is one of a very small number of people who holds three NABCEP Certifications: PV Solar Installer, Solar Thermal Installer and PV Technical Sales. Kelly is the owner of Solairgen School of Solar Technology located in Dahlonega, Georgia. Solairgen is a training company, which offers a complete program for electric solar panel installers and PV technical salespeople. Kelly is also an IREC/ISPQ Certified Master Trainer and a licensed master electrician.

In a personal interview, Kelly said, “I have always been an environmentalist, so in the late 1990s I felt it was time to take a serious look at my own ecological values, so I began incorporating PV installations into my electrical business.

“In 2002, I began focusing my efforts solely on PV, installing mainly off-grid and battery back-up systems. I branched out into solar thermal installations from there and sought certification in that area. Getting my NABCEP PV and Solar Thermal Installer certifications definitely opened doors for me; I received multiple job offers because of my NABCEP Certifications.

“After three years volunteering as a Director with the Georgia Solar Energy Association (GSEA), lobbying state and federal politicians on environmental issues, I realized there was a need for competent installation training, and there was no training facility in Georgia.

“It became clear that the solar installation industry needed a way to recognize experienced installers, and I shared NABCEP’s core purpose of maintaining high industry standards. I sat for my first certification, NABCEP PV Installer exam, and since then I have consistently advocated for NABCEP Certifications to all my students.

“In 2005 I transitioned the company to solar training exclusively, and it’s now my full time occupation. Approximately 50% of the people installing in the state have taken Solairgen training, and many of them have gone on to become NABCEP certified professionals. Today, many entities in the state, such as Georgia Electrical Membership Companies (EMCs), recommend or require installations to be performed by NABCEP certified contractors.

“My NABCEP Certifications tell customers I have achieved high-level skills, and lets them know I didn’t get into this yesterday. NABCEP Certification distinguishes individuals within the industry.

“I went for the PV Technical Sales Rep certification because students needed to be confident I have expertise in the subject I’m teaching, and I needed to know what the test was like.

“My customers respond positively because they understand NABCEP is the best example of self-regulation within the industry. I support it 100%. My students know what NABCEP Certification means to their careers; most are on track to become NABCEP Certified Installers or PV Technical Sales Reps.

“I will definitely be re-certifying when the time to do so comes up.”

　

　

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , ,

Solairgen Announces PV-221 Advanced Design and Analysis Training

February 8, 2011 By

Solar Panel TrainingSolairgen, a leading national solar PV installation training organization is pleased to announce its new solar training class, PV-221 Advanced Design and Analysis.

Dahlonega, Georgia (Vocus/PRWEB)February 04, 2011 — Solairgen’s PV-221 Advanced installer training class covers PV system performance analysis, in-depth troubleshooting, and system integration. It provides the student with a thorough understanding of advanced PV system technology, giving the PV designer an understanding of all parameters affecting a system’s performance. The class provides its students with the ability to design larger arrays, or commercial systems, with competence.


Mr. Kelly Provence, Solairgen’s CEO, said, “We are excited about offering PV-221. Our goal is not just to bring skilled career individuals into the solar market through our introductory training class. We saw a gap in training, between introductory classes and those individuals who want to include solar installations in their long-term career path. We bridge that gap by providing students with superior skills as PV system designers. Our students get in the industry, stay in the industry, and achieve a greater degree of expertise for larger, more complex commercial system design and installation.”

About Solairgen:
Solairgen provides photovoltaic (PV) panel installation training classes for the solar energy industry through a complete program of NABCEP approved installation training courses, beginning with its IREC/ISPQ Accredited PV-203 System Design and Installation training. Solairgen’s PV-203 is an introductory, forty hour solar training class covering fundamental topics of solar installation: basic terms and concepts, hands-on panel systems installation training, cost analysis and marketing, and battery systems for off-grid installations.

Additional classes offered by Solairgen are PV-211, NABCEP Exam Prep – an intensive study class to help students pass the NABCEP Certification Exams. Solairgen is also an approved provider of the NABCEP Entry Level Achievement Exam, and provides NABCEP approved classes that meet NABCEP’s training requirements for the PV Technical Sales Exam and the Certified PV Installer Exam.

Taking Solairgen’s full program, PV-203 System Design and Installation, PV-221 Advanced Design and Analysis and PV-211 NABCEP Exam Prep prepares students to pass the NABCEP Certified PV Installer or PV Technical Sales Certification exams – and to excel in the solar industry.

Please check Solairgen’s website for training class dates and times by following the link: Solar Training Classes

Filed Under: Solar Technology

Solar Panel Training Classes

January 24, 2011 By

Solar Panel InstallationSolar panel training classes are hard to find in a field that’s still relatively new.  Yet, even the government is pushing new programs that make this training more important.  For those who want to get ahead and make money is this field that’s sure to grow, getting the right training is a must.  The problem is finding the classes to begin with.  Today there’s a local center of education who offers solar panel training classes to those eager to get a leg up.  The classrooms are small and the students get one-on-one attention.  The whole experience will be an adventure and the knowledge gained will be worth its way in gold.  There’s no need that getting into class should be hard or cost too much money.  Choose the best place to take solar panel training classes and save money in the process.

 There are many new “going-green” ideas out there to cure the addiction to fossil fuels.  One of those technologies that’s been around for decades is solar power.  This form of energy production is now more popular than ever, and more people are having solar panels installed to get in on savings.  The best way to capitalize on this growing technology is to get the right training for the job.  The certificate earned will prove the level of training gained and increase the chance of work.  Give every customer the peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time.  Get the best solar panel training classes and take the diploma to the bank.  It’s not just a diploma, it’s an investment.

 Solar panel training classes are still few and far between.  Not everyone can find these courses in time to be the first to choose from.  Timing is everything in business, and even more so now that so many are looking to save money with solar panels.  Solar panel training classes get the foot in the door to a rewarding job.  This is a career that can only go up and solar panel training classes build a foundation for great things.  There’s no time to lose on waiting until later to get started.   Go online, make a call, or come in to find out all the benefits of solar panel training classes.  It will become even more appealing once more is learned from instructors. 

 Some fly-by-night names in education say they have the best solar panel training classes, but that’s not always the case.  Make sure to do a little homework before making such a big step.  Look around at others first and then see this leader in solar panel training classes last.  The learning process will be fun and those met in class will become fast friends.  There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by choosing the best in solar panel training classes.

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , ,

Solar Panel Installation Training

January 6, 2011 By

solar panel trainingThe field of solar technology is quickly on the rise as “going green” grows in popularity. Yet, for those interested in making this way of life a successful career, the only way to get their foot in the door is with the proper training. Now is the time to sign up for solar panel installation classes in order to beat the rush as more people realize the huge profit margin in solar panel installation. There are already big projects all over America breaking new ground in the field of solar technology and it’s only going to get bigger. With natural resources becoming scarce, the need for well trained people to install, and properly maintain, the technology necessary to save our planet will no doubt be in high demand.

Solar panel installation is only one option in this field. For those living in or around the Dahlonega, Georgia area there’s now a school that will provide eager students with solar training certification. There is a great deal of money to be made by being some of the first to be certified in solar technology. There’s no doubt that the demand for such highly educated people to do the job well will gain a firm foothold in the economy of tomorrow.

President Obama has made it a big goal in her first term in office to see that solar technology and other “green projects” like windmill farms are not just dreams for the future. The time is now to get into solar panel installation training. Fossil fuels are not going to last forever, and that’s becoming all the more obvious as Americans see gas prices rise close to three dollars a gallon, if not more. There are many people today that try and ignore the need for solar training certification, but it will soon become undeniable that switching to cleaner energy technology will not only save money today, it will save the planet for tomorrow.

So don’t be one of the many who choose to hide their head in the sand. Solar technology, and the solar certification classes that allow those smart enough to get on board now, is a big opportunity for those looking to make more money in 2011. Taking solar classes now will get those with a love of the planet, and a desire to get into a solid career in this painful recession, into a secure vocation. Help improve the world of tomorrow with solar training certifications today.

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , , ,

3 Reasons To Take Solar Training Classes

December 20, 2010 By

Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panel Installation

If you have been putting off enrolling in a Solar Panel Installation course or getting your Solar Training Certification then now is the time to sign up. Solar Classes are filling up quickly for several reasons:

· Winter can be a very expensive time of year because many people still use natural gas to heat their homes. Since the gas companies know this, they increase their prices during the coldest months. That results in many consumers looking for alternate fuel and power sources and that leads to Solar Panel Installation techs being in high demand.

· The economy is showing some signs of recovery but it still has a long way to go before reaching normality. As a result, many families are looking toward solar power to spend less money and live a bit farther off the grid. So, if you have Solar Training then there is a growing market for your skill set right now.

· There are not enough technicians with Solar Training Certification to meet the markets growing need. Homeowners are interested in anything that will give their property an edge if they are trying to sell and thermal systems add 100% to the value of a home. Another advantage is that it will continue saving the owner money throughout the life of the system.

If you are ready to begin your Solar Classes and get your Solar Training Certification then you should start researching these four class types:

1. Solar Thermal System Design and Installation is the basic class that will instruct contactors about the core information regarding thermal systems and their use. This class will cover the installation of solar powered home appliances like hot water heaters.

2. PV Design and Installation is probably the most important class on the list because it deals with the actual Solar Panel Installation. There are a lot of things to learn about the hardware used to mount the panel as well as connecting it to the electrical system of the home.

3. Battery Sytems are not a required part of Solar Training but it is full of useful information because you can offer the customer a reliable backup system that will allow them to live farther of the grid if they wish to. There is a certain amount of coursework the is required to qualify for the certification exam and the most common way to reach that amount is to take this class along with PV Design and Installation.

4. NABCEP PV Design Prep is not really a Solar Class per se. It is a way to recap all of the things that you have learned in the other classes and make sure that you are ready for the information that will be covered in your Solar Panel Certification exam.

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Solar Energy Classes You Should Take

November 8, 2010 By

Solar Panel Training Classes

Solar Panel Training Classes

Solar powered cars and homes have been talked about for years but many people do not realize how mainstream they have become. Well, maybe not the cars, but a lot of people are cutting costs on their utility bills through Solar Panel Installation. Larger PV systems sometimes generate enough power so that customers can actually sell the extra power generated by their system back to the electric company. This is called “Net Metering”. With the popularity of Solar Panel Installation and Solar Thermal Installation on the rise, there is a continual need for technicians with Solar Training Certification. If you are looking for a new career, then it is a great time to start taking Solar Classes and earn your Solar Training Certification.

1. PV (Photovoltaic) Design and Installation – This is the essential in the Solar Training industry. It teaches the basics of Solar Panel Installation. You will learn all about the installation process, from terms and concepts to the specifics of major components, such as the inverter, module (or “panel”) and mounting system.

2. Battery Systems – This class teaches you how to design a dependable battery backup system, whether it is on the grid or off the grid. Taking this course along with the PV Design and Installation course prepares you for the NABCEP Certified PV Installer Exam, Certified PV Technical Sales Exam and the Entry Level Achievement Exam. Taking the two classes is the best way to fulfill your coursework requirements and get a seat for the Certification exam.

3. Solar Thermal System Design and Installation – These Solar Classes are designed to teach the installation of solar thermal (“hot water”) energy systems for the home or pool. Solar Thermal is most popular in the residential market because it can add 100% of its original cost to the resale value of a home – and will continue to save the home owner money throughout the life of the system.

4. NABCEP PV Exam Prep – This is for people who have completed the class hours and experience training, and qualify for the Solar Training Certification test. Exam Prep is an intense study session class, covering everything from troubleshooting PV systems, to finding your way through the NEC, and the formulas that you will need to make calculations on the exam. It is a great way to refresh your knowledge from the course work from your basic Solar Classes, and the best way to prepare for the NABCEP Installer Certification Exam.

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , ,

Five Things You Should Look For In A Solar Training Course

November 8, 2010 By

Solar Training Course

Solar Training Course

As time goes on, more and more people are starting to look for alternative means of power for their homes. Some consumers are simply tired of the rising costs of energy, some are driven by a desire to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet – almost all are motivated by both reasons.

Solar panel installation is growing in popularity as a career and the job market for technicians with solar training certification is growing along with it. So, the proper training, education and career preparation is critical for a successful career. Does anyone really want an installer without the best training and expertise to tie new technology into their home’s power grid without specialized training?

Since now is a great time to get into the Solar Energy market, here are the minimum criteria to look for from a training provider to get the best possible training in the industry:

1. Research the training provider and their classes. All Solar Training courses should be fully accredited by IREC/ISPQ.

2. The class you choose should provide students with hands-on training at an IREC accredited training facility.

3. The instructors should have many years of experience in Solar Panel Installation, and be NABCEP Certified Installers themselves.

4. The training company should have a good reputation. If possible, get references from those who took their classes and have “made it” in the solar energy industry.

5. The company should have a long history of training technicians and installers, and be well known within the solar training industry.

If they meet all five tests, then you will have found a Solar Training provider that you can trust.

You should check your state’s laws for contractors’ requirements. Some states have specific laws or certification requirements for solar power installers to meet. Most states require the participation of a fully licensed electrician during the installation process.

Filed Under: Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Certification Classes, Solar Panel Training, Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , ,
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