Find a job in solar or start a business
Besides being a great time to go solar, it's a great time to consider a job in solar. The U.S.solar industry is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of more than 50 percent, so there is a need for qualified employees all along the supply-chain from researchers, materials suppliers and manufacturers to project developers, installersand construction workers, as well as support from financing, legal, and marketing.
You may be able to transfer your skills and experience directly to help a solar energy company expand, get training to transition to a new career in solar. There are a variety of government sponsored and industry training and certification programs to choose from.
Contractors and building companies often extend their service offerings to include solar energy installation drawing on their experience in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction and general contacting.
Licensing
Currently, 14 states and Puerto Rico require solar-specific licenses in order to engage in solar work. Generally, a solar certification is a specialty area for a general electrical or plumbing license; Therefore, a contractor with a general license may engage in solar work. Additionally, anyone who obtains the specialty solar license may complete solar work.
Click here to see if your state requires a solar license.
Certifications
Currently, certifications are not generally required. However, being certified demonstrates to prospective clients that you have achieved a higher level of expertise in solar work and serves to differentiate you from your competitors. Some states require NABCEP certification for clients to participate in state incentive programs.
*The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners creates voluntary national certification programs for many energy practices, including PV. Each certification begins with a job task analysis; the newest analysis for the PV Installer Certification was recently released. The PV Installer Certification is also accredited by the American National Standards Institute as compliant with ISO/IEC 17024, a standard created by the International Organization for Standardization in coordination with the International Electrotechnical Commission that outlines the requirements for a body certifying persons. The Solar Thermal Installer Certification by NABCEP also meets the standard.
Underwriters Laboratories' UL University also offers many courses and certifications, including a new PV Installer Certification. UL University also provides many other courses on photovoltaics, as well as courses on many other topics, including fire safety and electrical safety.
The Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE) program by the National Roofing Contractors' Association certifies PV installers. The successful student receives a Certified Solar Roofing Professional Certification.
The Electronics Technicians Association provides certification courses in alternative energy technologies, including PV and solar thermal. The courses offer three levels of certification: apprentice, specialist, and technician.
Accreditations
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) provides an accreditation program for courses and instructors of renewable energy courses and practitioner training. The Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) framework of standards and metrics provides accreditation for courses and certification for trainers. The courses and instructors must meet minimum standards and guidelines to be awarded the accreditation or certification.
Here is a list of IPSQ accredited courses: http://irecusa.org/irec-programs/ispq-training-accreditation/ispq-awardees/.
Many large solar energy equipment manufacturers offer training and certification programs. Find contacts in the SEIA Member Directory and the SEIA Solar Directory.
