Training and Certification Requirements for Careers in Solar Panel Installation

Training And Certification Requirements For Careersthat the training required for solar industry
In Solar Panel Installationprofessionals goes well beyond that which is typical
 for other areas in the building and construction
If you are looking to enter the field of solar panelindustries. The report goes on to list some of the
installation, you would greatly benefit from beingtraining requirements specific to the field of
aware of the various training and certificationphotovoltaic installations, some of which are outlined
requirements for the job. Obviously, extensivebelow:
training is crucial if you are to have a certain degree 
of competency, however, certification is not- On-site evaluation with regard to system
necessarily an absolute requirement for solar panelperformance. This would include determining the
installers in most states.effects of obstructions, angles, and so on.
 - Characteristics of photovoltaic cells and modules,
Obtaining certification from recognized solar energyparticularly how they relate to the design and
regulatory organizations will likely have the effect ofperformance of solar electrical systems
increasing your career opportunities and making your- System characteristics calculation–which includes
credentials more viable for a green job in the solaraspects such as wire size–as a means of
energy sector.minimizing power loss and optimizing energy
 production
It is worth keeping in mind that different states may- Current wiring methods
have different requirements with regard to licensing- Mounting technology
for solar panel installation professionals. These- Solar electrical system maintenance, as well as
requirements typically fall under general contractordiagnostics and troubleshooting methods
licenses or their equivalent, with some being more- Customer education
specifically categorized as electrical contractor licenses 
for PV, plumbing license for solar thermal systems, orAside from these training requirements, aspiring solar
solar contractor licenses.panel installation professionals should also receive
 instruction in basic electrical skills, possess knowledge
You should also be aware that the North Americanof the electrical grid, and be well versed in various
Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEProof and ceiling applications.
specifically states that the certification which they 
offer is in no way intended to take the place of anyThe installation of solar hot water or pool heating
licenses, credentials or certificates that may besystems has its own requirements with regards to
required by local laws in the state wherein you plantraining and certification, for which the NABCEP has
to practice your trade. These solar certification andalso developed a separate task analysis. This analysis
solar training courses are purely voluntary at present,is intended specifically for solar thermal applications,
although there is an increasing trend to support theseand details knowledge and skill sets that are required
and other similar solar certification programs by wayof professionals in this area of specialization. Among
of rebates and other incentives. Furthermore, thethe areas covered by the Solar Thermal Task
number of projects that require solar certificationAnalysis of the NABCEP are:
from the NABCEP certification is on the rise, and this 
will likely increase even further in the near future.- Safe installation of solar powered hot water and
 pool heating systems
The solar certification program of the NABCEP- Systems and component identification
specifies that solar PV installers should possess the- System design adaptation
skills and knowledge necessary to recommend solar- Effective site assessment methods
electrical systems, configure and install these- Solar collector installation
systems, inspect and maintain them in way that- Water heater and storage tank installation
meets the customers’ satisfaction, and conform- Piping, insulation and connector installation
to current industry standards for the performance,- Mechanical and plumbing system and component
safety and reliability of solar electrical systems.installation
 - Electrical control system installation
To this end, the NABCEP has developed a system- Operation and identification tag installation
geared towards PV Task Analysis, which is comprised- System checkout
of several areas of discipline, including how to work- Solar thermal system maintenance and
safely with PV systems, conducting site assessment,troubleshooting
the selection of proper solar design, how to adapt 
the mechanical and electrical design, installation ofThis set of tasks assumes that the solar thermal
solar electrical subsystems and components on-site,system installer utilizes an industry approved solar
system check and inspection, and solar electricalsystem design, along with the required components,
system troubleshooting and maintenance.installation instructions, schematics, and instructions
 for system assembly and troubleshooting. While the
All of these are of course essential areas ofsystem itself is not necessarily designed by the solar
knowledge for those who are seeking qualificationselectrical system provider, he or she must possess
as solar energy industry practitioners. In a reportthorough knowledge about all aspects of the system,
published by the Massachusetts Technologyand in some cases may be called upon to modify the
Collaborative in 2003 detailing training and certificationdesign depending on the application or customer
requirements for the photovoltaic industry, it statedrequirement.