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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: , , , ,

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: , , , , , ,

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: , , , ,