Solar Training for Independent Solar Installers and Solar Professionals

SunWize Technologies advocates a high degree of solar training and certification for solar professionals and for our installers. At a minimum, we require our installers to possess an electrical contractor’s license and/or have had formal training or certification in photovoltaic (PV) design and installation. We encourage all of our solar installers and prospective installers to obtain specific solar training and NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) Certification. In addition to technical training, SunWize recommends training and education in the business of selling and installing solar electric systems.

Alternative Resources for Solar Training

Listed below is a sampling of the types and sources of training for solar electric PV systems:

Solar Training delivered by professional training organizations

• There are a number of professional training organizations specializing in solar electric design and installation. They deliver intensive condensed courses, typically one week long, that prepare an individual for taking the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. These classes involve both classroom and hands-on solar training. Here is a link to the Approved Providers for the NABCEP© Certificate of Knowledge Exam.

Solar Training delivered by community colleges 

• Many community colleges across the country are now offering solar training with PV design and installation classes. While the classes are relatively inexpensive, the quality varies and the duration of the solar training is over a period of several months. Not all classes are approved by NABCEP.

Training delivered by manufacturers

• SunWize provides product-specific training via our Regional Training Seminars. Follow this link for a detailed list of location and dates for these solar training seminars. These training seminars are typically two days in length. Manufacturers are invited to present the latest information on their technology and product lines. Some of these seminars qualify participants for credits towards their NABCEP certification. Some manufacturers offer general training in installation. However, the training is not comprehensive and is geared toward the manufacturer’s solutions. This type of training is not approved by NABCEP.

Training delivered by trade organizations

• The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) is the training arm of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Various NJATC training facilities provide high quality, NABCEP approved solar training for electrical apprentices and electrical contractors only.

Training delivered over the Internet

• Various courses are also offered over the Internet. While some prepare you for the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems exam, their principle drawback is the absence of hands-on learning and group interaction.

Solar Dealers and Installers

SunWize offers a large inventory of modules and components for residential solar systems. Most of the products we sell and the manufacturer's data sheets are listed in our solar information center. We also have many helpful solar resources and links on our Solar Dealer page. SunWize holds various solar training seminars and workshops. Designed to keep you up-to-date on new products and increase your PV system knowledge, check out our solar training schedule.

Photos above and left courtesy of Solar-Fit.