PV Installer Certification:FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

Who Certifies PV Installers?
How do I become Certified as a PV Installer?
What are the knowledge and skills expected of a PV Installer?
How do Solar On-line Courses relate to Certification?
Are there other Certifications besides NABCEP?

Who Certifies PV Installers?
The National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has established a national certification program for PV installers. It is a voluntary certification program intended to help insure the safety, quality and consumer acceptance of PV installations throughout the US. Neither SoL Energy nor any other organization certifies PV Installers. Some manufacturers offer certification for dealers/installers of their products.

How do I become Certified as a PV Installer?
NABCEP approved the Approval Requirements for Installer Certification in January 2003. Applicants can qualify to take the certification exam with a variety of combinations of experience, training and/or education in the PV industry. Basic requirements for PV Installer Certification are listed on the NABCEP website .

What are the knowledge and skills expected of a PV Installer?
An in-depth Task Analysis for PV System Installers was established by NABCEP for those who specify, install and maintain photovolatic systems and equipment. The task analysis defines a minimum set of knowledge and skills a qualified PV installer should have. It defines the requirements for the assessment and credentialling of PV practitioners.
Download Task Analysis for PV System Installers, pdf file

How do Solar On-line Courses relate to Certification?
SoL Energy's Solar-On-Line program provides practical training in the skills and knowledge required of a PV installer. The learning objectives and content of Solar-On-Line courses are based on the Task Analysis for PV System Installers established by NABCEP.

SoL Energy does not certify PV installers; nor does any other training organization. Completion of one or more Solar-On-Line courses does not automatically qualify one for certification. Significant field experience is required in addition to training. Successful completion of training courses may offset some of the experience requirements to qualify for taking the NABCEP certification exam. SoL Energy is a private training organization and is not affiliated with NABCEP.
Visit Solar-On-Line training program course descriptions

Are there other Certifications besides NABCEP?
Other entities including state governements may also have requirements for certification of PV installers, particularly those states which offer financial incentives.

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