If you’re new to solar and want to enter the field, the right solar training and education are essential. If you’ve done your research, you will have found tons of schools all over the country that offer solar courses at varying prices with all kinds of claims, certificates, certifications, and more that lead one to believe that they are prepared to lead the solar industry after attending a single training session.
Is it realistic to believe that after 40 hours one is prepared to install solar PV energy systems regardless of how good the school, instructors, and subject matter is? Working with electricity is serious business. Electricians spend years as apprentices before being qualified to do the same, so how do you choose a solar energy training school? Rather than choosing blindly or simply based on location or price, you need to read part 1 and part 2 of this series:
1. School’s Credentials and Accredidations – are they licensed and/or accredited?
A school’s credentials are the most important consideration. Why? Because if you wanted to attend an academic institute for any educational pursuit you would most certainly demand the school is licensed by the Department of Education, so why should solar training be any different? Surprisingly, the vast majority of solar training schools have neither accreditation nor do they possess recognized professional licensure. Only through the Department of Education or state that has professional educational regulation, can a school gain true licensure and accreditation.
Many “volunteer” organizations provide guidelines but, may not license nor accredit a school, institute, college, or university. Perhaps the most commonly internet-researched organization in solar education accreditation states their “accreditation” is the very benchmark for your final consideration. This organization does a nice job of reviewing a solar school but, in no way are they equal to the Department of Education, AACET, IACET, ANSI or state/regional run and managed departments of professional regulation and licensure. Only the proven and highly qualified have these symbols on their web sites and licenses on their walls. Be suspicious and demand proven academic credentials.
2. Instructor’s Credentials – what qualifications does the instructor have to teach a solar course?
While academic credentials are the first place to look, the strength of the overall instruction is critical and equally important. Often times despite having Department of Education licensure as community colleges, vocational centers, and regional solar training providers do, they often use “out of a box” curriculum that is instructed by people not experienced or qualified to receive the very certificates, certification, licensure, and diplomas they are supposed to be preparing the students for.
Instructors must be researched in order to be sure they truly possess real world experience and proven relevant education. For example, have they earned a degree in engineering or construction management? Do they hold any professional licensure? Have they been a solar contractor, engineer, commissioning agent or project manager in the real world or have they simply spent their lives in an academic setting?
Be wary of instructors who have spent a few days in a “train the trainer” course. Astonishingly, there are hundreds of instructors out there who claim to be ready to teach this complex industry after a few days in these trainer courses—but they are not. Look for real world experience, a relevant degree and professional license, not just someone who can read a PowerPoint in front of a classroom.
3. What certificates, certification, diplomas or degrees do I earn when I attend a solar training school?
This section in itself will be an upcoming blog outlining all of the options out there, but we’ll touch on NABCEP at this time since we get the most questions about them. NABCEP established themselves by implementing the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 17024 standard in 2004. This rigorous standard insures the candidate possesses specific relevant experience and education prior to being allowed to sit for and pass a qualifying examination. NABCEP is not alone in this exclusive club. But what does that mean to the student, contractor, or engineer?
The answer depends on where one wants to work in the trade. Does your state offer solar rebates? If so, then being a NABCEP Certified Installer may be important since many of the rebate providers are demanding this to issue a rebate. In some cases, this means NABCEP Certified Installers can play but, with more scrutiny placed on the industry. For good reason, many are demanding professional licensure (electrical and solar contractor’s license) instead or as equal.
Lastly, Department of Education licensed institutes, colleges and universities offer diplomas and degrees. Bottom line, this is the best and most relevant process for those who want to be at the top of the industry. Although these will take the student longer to earn, they are EXACTLY what state legislated professional licensure demand. In most cases, to obtain a contractors license one must first prove education and experience. For example, in the state of Florida one must have four years of solar installation experience to earn a contractor’s license, but up to three years may be substituted with a proper education in solar, engineering, and construction management.
Overall, few schools provide the whole enchilada. If one wants NABCEP, UL, or a Department of Education diploma only the US Solar Institute provides all three. Couple this with real field training experience offered with PV 401, the US Solar Institute may very well be the best kept secret in the industry.
Parts 4, 5, and 6 will be in an upcoming blog post.