The Circuit - News and Notes: Solar Credentials
By Ezra Auerbach, HomePower Magazine,
Feb/Mar 2010 (#135) pp. 13-14
Certified, certificate holder, accredited, and licensed:
These and others are terms you've probably heard used to describe the
credentials of solar installers or organizations. But if you are like most
folks, you probably don't know what to make of them - or which terms are most
meaningful when evaluating the credentials of a solar installer. But a quick
tutorial in the terminology will give you all the confidence you need to
choose a solar installer.
A person is certified upon completing a certification process, typically
through an employer, vendor, or independent agency. Most certifications
require a candidate to complete prerequisites (i.e., courses, training,
experience) before taking a written examination. Such requirements and tests
often follow standards set by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO), a non-governmental organization that works with other
institutes to develop international standards for various fields. In
general, the most credible and valuable certifications are those awarded by
an independent agency. The PV installer certification program administered
by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is
one example of an independent, professional certification. The NABCEP
program adheres to requirements established by internationally recognized
standards organizations such as the American National Standards Institute.
NABCEP certification exams and job analyses are kept current through a
process in which committees of volunteer experts meet regularly to revise
questions and skills assessments. In addition to demonstrating actual field
experience, a NABCEP-certified installer must pass a rigorous exam written
by leading, respected experts on PV and solar thermal technology.
To qualify to take the NABCEP certified installer exam, a candidate must
show that they have at least 40 hours of advanced training specifically in
PV (or solar thermal, for that exam). In addition to the educational
requirements, a candidate must demonstrate that they have been the person
responsible for at least two installations. In some jurisdictions,
installers must be NABCEP-certified (or on their way to becoming certified)
to work legally and qualify for grant programs, feed-in tariffs, incentives,
and/or tax credits. Note: A NABCEP-certified installer is identified by a
unique certification number and can be found in the national directory of
Certified Installers via the NABCEP Web site (www.nabcep.org).
Besides NABCEP, several educational providers, and product manufacturers
and vendors now offer various certifications and certificates. SunPower
Corp., for example, trains and certifies its dealers in the installation of
its buildingintegrated PV systems. Typically, private-sector certifications
have their own set of standards, rather than adhering to thirdparty
standards.
A certificate is generally awarded for completion of a specific program,
course, or exam. There are a wide variety of certificate training programs
available at the entry level. Some run as long as 400 hours for beginner,
while others span only few days and are geared toward skilled professionals
who are adding to their existing knowledge base. NABCEP's certificate -- not
to be confused with its more rigorous certification process -- indicates
that an individual has demonstrated a basic knowledge of PV systems and is
qualified only for a supervised, entry-level position with a solar
installation company.
Licenses are awarded by government agencies and are almost always
mandatory, requiring a periodic fee to maintain them. For example, the State
of California requires both solar thermal and PV installers be licensed
contractors through the California Contractors State Licensing Board.
According to the California Energy Commission, "qualified contractors are
your key to getting the most productive PV system for your home or
business," so be sure to follow up with the local or state licensing office.
Many have searchable databases, where you can check to see if your installer
is licensed, how long they've held their license, and even how much
liability insurance coverage they carry. Working with someone who is not
properly licensed can negate your coverage under some homeowner's insurance
policies, and disqualify you for local incentives and rebate programs.
An electrician may be licensed, but that does not mean they are
adequately trained in the specifics of installing solar electric systems. The
requirements for professional practice vary from state to state and
sometimes by city, so check with your local authorities and become informed
about any specific requirements.
Then, consider your installer's other credentials and ask for -- and contact
-- their references. As a general rule, it is best to choose PV or
solar thermal installers who have all the necessary licenses, permits, and
trade qualifications required in your jurisdiction. Currently, the NABCEP
certification is known throughout the industry as the "gold standard."
Ultimately, you'll have to draw your own conclusions about who to hire, but
when it comes to choosing a solar installer, knowledge is power.
|
What it Means to be Accredited
Accreditation is awarded to educational programs and testing
laboratories by non-governmental agencies. To achieve accreditation,
organizations must meet predetermined standards mandated by the
accrediting agency.
Currently, 20 renewable energy training organizations, nine
master trainers, and 16 instructors have received accreditation from
the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ), a nonprofit
organization that develops and maintains international standards for
renewable energy training providers. Such accredited organizations
have been vetted by ISPQ to ensure that their course, staff, and
facilities meet their standards. To learn more about what is
involved for a training organization or trainer to gain
accreditation or certification from ISPQ, visit the Web site at
http://irecusa.org/irec-programs/ispq-training-accreditation.
ISPQ offers accreditation to training programs and continuing
education courses and also offers certification to trainers and
instructors. Anyone seeking education in the field of renewable
energy would be well advised to make sure that their instructor is
ISPQ certified and, if possible, that the training organization was
also accredited by ISPQ. |
--Ezra Auerbach has been actively involved in the renewable energy
industry since 1986 and is currently the executive director of the North
American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. His connection to
renewable energy is professional and personal, having lived and worked
off-grid for more than 35 years.
Milholland Electric is a licensed electrical contractor in Arizona
and California with an experienced team in solar panel design and solar
panel installation and maintenance. Contact us for a
free estimate today!
