NABCEP Certifcation

Here are some usefal sites for those wanting to get involved installing Solar equipment.

http://photovoltaics....

http://www.nmsu.edu/~...

http://www.coseia.org...

http://www.nabcep.org...

The last site shows all the NABCET installers in Texas. Ckick on yes agree, then click on Texas.

Also go to the "FILES" section and look at all the PV Information listing I have added for this group.

Dave Rygwalski

I haven't replied to this because I've been in the midst of joining a new company and then got busy.

Yes, the NABCEP COK has value... Especially if you plan on sitting for the PV Installer exam at some point in the future. Because if you want to start your own solar PV business, I'm betting that will eventually need the PV Installer certification. Maybe not to run a business, but your customers will need you to have it so that they can get their rebates.

There's a lot of flux in the industry right now because it's starting to pop up on government's radar. Licensing requirements have been changing frequently. Different cities are imposing different rules. Requirements for electrical contract licenses and master electrician on staff have/will be imposed.

I took the COK back in April. I would not have the job I have now if I hadn't. Besides being good training, it got me some good network contacts.

As for the industry, everything is in the toilet right now. It's getting better, but solar has been affected by the economy just like everything else. I agree that Dallas is way behind cities like Austin and San Antonio, but it's much stronger than it was a year ago. Mostly because Oncor has gotten on board with rebates.

I recommend taking it. But if you aren't serious and prepared to do the work required, don't bother. The NABCEP COK is a tough class.

Brian

I haven't replied to this because I've been in the midst of joining a new company and then got busy.

Yes, the NABCEP COK has value...

And for the record, one of my responsibilities since taking the class is now teaching the NABCEP COK.

Brian

Does any of you know the names of the couple that attend many mu's, they live offgrid, have started an energy audit company (saw their booth at the Plan Green event) and they gave a presentation related to the software they use to do "what if" projections of cost and savings for improvements. If you have a name or contact info, i would appreciate it. Matt DeFoe

Having started a Solar business we have come by this issue and I have had to research into certification requirements to ensure we meet all of the various local requirements for each state.

With my association to the Satellite industry, we have searched for ways to help satellite and communications technicians get certified to install solar. They provide hands on certifications for both wind and solar.



Certification Program is Better?
Did you know there are now TWO Solar Certification Programs in America?

Until recently the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has been the only certification organization in town when it came to individuals seeking training in the solar field and wanting to obtain a “Certificate of Knowledge” or “Certificate” in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and/or Solar Thermal industries.

In the last three months, however, a new association has joined the ranks of qualified Solar and Alternative Energy Certification known as Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), International.

In order to assist students interested in entering the “solar” industry, the “alternative energy” industry or seeking employment in the “green energy” fields, interested parties can find information below from both certification organizations, which was compiled for the benefit of the general public’s review.

For individuals looking to enter the solar industry they should recognize the difference in terminology between NABCEP, which offers the Entry level “Certificate of Knowledge," and ETA International, which offers the Level I “Certification.”

The compilation of data below is available to any person by reviewing BOTH organizations’ web sites, published news articles and press releases as of October 12, 2009.

There may be additional information available and it is highly recommended that students research the chart below, as this information may not be 100% accurate.

Click here to see an ETA vs. NABCEP Training Course Certification Comparison Chart: http://www.frontpagep...

I have my Associate C.E.T. in Electronics, and my Journeymans in Industrial Electronics. Both test were not easy, and not hard if you studied. I also took the G.R.O.L. FCC license which was real hard and got it. I feel ETA is a great organization, but the way insurance companies are looking at all this solar installations on residencial homes, they are moving more towards the NABCEP certification at the current time. For industrial and commercial installations, myself I would go with ETA certification. Just my personal opinion and years of experiance with ETA. David Rygwalski