We realize that when selecting solar installation schools, there’s no shortage of options. Even in Florida, there are a number of programs promising the best training that money can buy.
But at US Solar Institute (USSI), our approach is entirely different. We don’t simply show you how to install solar technology – anyone can do that. Rather, we provide you with the technical, safety, regulatory, and business skills to launch a long-term and successful career in the solar industry.
This distinction is extremely important.
Although photovoltaic technology has been around for decades, the “solar industry” is still very much in its infancy. As it continues to grow and evolve, only those with a deep understanding of the technical, safety, regulatory, and business aspects of solar energy will be able to navigate the constant changes on the horizon.
At US Solar Institute, we provide you with that deep understanding.
How exactly?
Unlike many of the other solar PV installation schools in Florida and the rest of the country, we possess the highest credentials in the industry. As the only solar college licensed by the Florida Department of Education, USSI is also the only solar college in the country to offer Diplomas in Photolvotaics.
In other words, what we offer is a real degree – one built upon a solid foundation of licensing, experience, and certification.
In addition, we offer both Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and NABCEP testing and exam preparation. A licensed diploma from USSI coupled with personal certifications from UL and NABCEP are powerful tools as you begin your solar job search down the road.
Is US Solar Institute the Right Program for You?
Every one of our solar courses is led by professional engineers, licensed electricians, and Certified UL PV Installers, whether you choose a beginning module or any of our advanced solar installation classes. Many of these courses are sufficient on their own for launching a career in solar PV installation. But if you’re serious about securing a long-term career in the industry, we recommend the full US Solar Institute Diploma Program, which includes 3 core courses:
- PV-201: Introduction to PV Design & Installation
- PV-301: Advanced PV Installation
- PV-401: On-the-Job Training
PV-201: Introduction to PV Design & Installation
Offered Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm, PV-201 is our introductory course in which you master the fundamentals of photovoltaic technology and receive more practical hands-on experience than any other solar training school. By Day 2, you’re outside, in the sun, working on the very systems and components you discussed on Day 1.
Intense, informative, and a lot of fun, PV-201 provides you with a solid understanding of PV basics and prepares you for the next course, PV-301.
PV-301: Advanced PV Installation
Building upon the key teachings of PV-201, the more advanced PV-301 weaves in the most important aspects of the National Electrical Code (NEC), blueprint schematics, and real-world contract systems. Also offered Monday to Friday, 8-5, this 40-hour module walks you through system concept to system commissioning, giving you an overview of the entire process.
Our students regularly offer rave reviews of PV-301, since the emphasis is not on presentations and lectures but rather, real-world applications. The goal of this module is to provide a detailed and accessible understanding of what it means to actually “work” in the solar energy contracting industry. To ensure this that you achieve this understanding, we deliberately limit the number of slots in PV-301 to provide as much 1:1 attention as possible.
PV-401: On-the-Job Training
As the name suggests, PV-401 is all about putting your solar skills to work in the real world. Through internships and apprenticeship programs we have throughout Florida, you’ll be placed in a real-life professional solar PV setting that matches your area of interest.
For example,
- If your goal is to launch a career in solar sales and marketing, we’ll place you in a sales job for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Want to become an installer or contractor? Spend 2 weeks on a job site building actual solar energy systems.
- Do you prefer engineering or supply chain management? No problem. We’ll make sure you gain practical experience producing permit-ready documents complete with bills of materials to source and purchase solar equipment.
With PV-401, you receive in-depth knowledge of what it means to work and succeed in today’s solar industry. When searching for solar jobs, you can use these assets to impress future employers and demonstrate you have the requisite in-demand skills to add value to their bottom lines.
Solar Certification and Testing
In addition to our core solar training courses, we also offer testing and preparation for two of the industry’s leading certification exams: NABCEP Entry Level & Underwriters Laboratory Certified PV Installer.
NABCEP Entry Level Exam Provider – As a licensed NABCEP Entry Level Exam Provider, we offer both the exam itself preceded by a 4-hour review course to help you prepare for the NABCEP Exam. Most of our students take the NABCEP Exam on the final day of the PV-201 course. However, we’re able to accommodate you if you choose to sit for the exam at another time.
Underwriters Laboratory Certified PV Installer – Becoming an Underwriters Laboratory Certified PV Installer is one of the most useful certifications for licensed electricians who wish to break into the PV industry. US Solar Institute is currently the first and only UL Exam and training center in the country – a distinction we’ve enjoyed since the program was launched in 2010. We’ve trained people from all over the globe who wish to secure UL PV Certified Installer Certification – one of the highest and most respected certifications in the world.
Continuing Education Credit Units (CEU)
Do you need continuing education credit units to maintain your current professional license? We’re here to help. US Solar Institute is currently the only program in Florida that provides licensed continuing education with a uniquely solar focus. Dynamic and interactive, our modules provide a welcomed changed of pace from the PowerPoint slides you may be accustomed to in other programs. Contact us to learn more about CEUs.
Come See for Yourself. USSI Is Like No Other Solar Training Experience!
Located in southern Florida, we have received students from all over the US and Caribbean, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Barbados. To accommodate these world travelers, we even offer discounted lodging, complete with continental breakfast, free transport to and from class, and gourmet meal plans for lunch.
We hope that this article helps to explain some of the key differences in solar training schools and what you need to know when launching an exciting career in the industry. If you have any questions about selecting a solar school or need help finding a solar job, please give us a call. We’ve even been known to hire our own students!
