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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: , , , ,

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: , , , ,

NABCEP and IREC

October 19, 2010 By

IREC Accredited Solar Panel TrainingWhat are NABCEP and IREC?

If you have been looking into Solar Panel Installation Training, then you have probably heard of NABCEP and IREC, but have no idea who they are, or what they mean to your training. Essentially, they are the regulatory bodies who make sure solar power technicians, and solar training companies, have received the certification or accreditation they need to provide their customers with quality installation service and expert training.

NABCEP - the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners – sets the skill level and background experience a technician will need in order to receive national certification in Solar Panel Installation. The certifications offered are for solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels and wind energy installers. To receive Solar Training Certification, you must attend Solar Classes provided by an accredited Solar Training Provider. It involves a minimum number of training hours and course work in your chosen solar installation field, and you must pass the Solar Training Certification Exam provided by NABCEP. Once you have that you are ready to start your career at the highest level – a NABCEP Certified Installation technician or Certified PV Technical Sales professional.

IREC stands for Interstate Renewable Energy Council and is similar to NABCEP, but where NABCEP sets the standards for individual technicians, IREC sets the standards for Solar Training companies. ISPQ is the nation’s highest accreditation for renewable energy training providers and it is awarded through IREC. IREC sends their auditors to the facilities that provide solar classes and solar training in order to observe and approve everything about the company and the training program – from a company’s financial fitness, to the quality of their curriculum. They also ensure that the teachers have the knowledge and experience they need to provide state-of-the-art training. Once the IREC auditors have completed the quality assessments, they submit their reports to the ISPQ board for approval. Accreditation is awarded when the ISPQ board approves the reports.

NABCEP and IREC were formed to make sure the solar classes and solar training offered to the public are of the highest national quality. If you are about to start your training for a career in solar power then you should be aware of these two organizations.  Make sure any Solar Classes you take are offered by a provider with IREC Accreditation. Any Solar Training you receive should be approved by NABCEP to qualify you to take the Solar Training Certification exam. Once solar power becomes more widespread, national certification will be even more important to your career. Consumers are rapidly becoming knowledgeable about solar energy and will want technicians with a nationally recognized Solar Training Certification.

This article was written by Tom Johnson with Click Ready Marketing on the behalf of Solairgen.

Visit Solairgen and learn more about solar energy training by following the link: SOLAR CLASSES

Filed Under: Solar Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,