Certification Programs

Site Assessor Certification Programs

The site assessment service is a computer intensive service that involves clear communication, calculation and succinct writing skills. Certification requires the successful completion of course work, skills testing, a written exam, and a certification fee.

Photovoltaic Site Assessor Certification Requirements
Solar Hot Water Site Assessor Certification Requirements
Wind Site Assessor Certification Requirements
Non-Residential Photovoltaic Site Assessor Certification Requirements
Non-Residential Solar Hot Water Site Assessor Certification Requirements

Visit the Assessor Certification page at mreacsa.org for frequently asked questions, steps to becoming certified, and information on maintaining certification.

Becoming a Certified Installer

The MREA specializes in providing hands on renewable energy education. The MREA does not certify installers.

National PV Installer Certification Programs

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) administers a voluntary national certification program for PV system installers. Certification is designed to protect consumers and the profession. Each candidate must meet set experience prerequisites and pass a written exam to become certified. MREA has structured its photovoltaic courses to cover the material and skills needed to help students gain adequate educational experience necessary to apply for the NABCEP exam.

Courses:

• Basic Photovoltaic
• Photovoltaic Site Assessor Training
• Intermediate Photovoltaics
• PV Systems Design
• Designing a PV/Wind Hybrid System
• Advanced Photovoltaics I
• Advanced Photovoltaics II

NABCEP Entry Level Certificate Program

The NABCEP Entry Level Certificate Program is designed for those individuals wanting to get into the solar field; it is a way for them to show they have achieved basic knowledge comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) system operations.

The certificate demonstrates that the student has passed an industry-designed exam based on learning objectives developed by subject matter experts.

As the market grows for photovoltaics, students holding this industry-sponsored Entry Level Certificate may find that their employment opportunities are enhanced by starting the job with an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system. However, the Certificate by itself does not qualify an individual to install PV systems.

MREA’s Basic PV, Intermediate PV, and the PV Lab class are designed to give students the background knowledge to sit for the Entry Level Certificate.

Focus on Energy Full Service Installers

In Wisconsin, Focus on Energy maintains a Full Service Installer list and policy for installers who are not yet NABCEP certified.

Click here for the Focus on Energy’s Full Service Installer Policies and list of Full Service Installers.

Full Service Installer Page

In order to keep a record of your installations you can find this submission form on the last pages of the Full Service Installer Policies here:

Solar Hot Water Full Service Installer Policy

Solar Electric Full Service Installer Policy

MREA Workshop Schedule

MREA’s current hands on lab and installation class schedule can be found here:

MREA Workshops

NABCEP exam dates posted on their calendar here:

NABCEP calendar page

Study Forum

The Site Assessor website mreacsa.org has a section for NABCEP Exam Study Group in our forum section. We invite you to post areas you would like to see addressed in an exam preparation class. Feel free to post about any other NABCEP study resources or prep classes.

mreacsa.org

Focus on Energy NABCEP Certification Scholarship

The Renewable Energy NABCEP Certification Scholarship Program supports Wisconsin solar installers in becoming nationally certified. The scholarship may pay a 50-percent reimbursement of the cost of the application fee and sitting for the certification exam (one time).

For more information, download the scholarship guidelines and application and visit this link

NABCEP Scholarship Form

Focus on Energy Incentives for Businesses Page

Continuing Education Units:

Courses:

• Intermediate Photovoltaics Training
  14 hours of credit
  Journeyman and Master Electricians Certification

• Advanced Photovoltaic Installation
  18 hours of credit
  Journeyman and Master Electricians Certification

• Utility Inter-tie Wind System Installation
  18 hours of credit
  Journeyman and Master Electricians Certification

Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation

• 14 hours of credit
  Journeyman Plumber License
  Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Appliance License
  Master Plumber License
  Master Plumber - Restricted Appliance License
  UDC-Plumbing Inspector Certification

• Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
  7 hours of credit
  Journeyman Plumber License
  Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Appliance License
  Master Plumber License
  Master Plumber - Restricted Appliance License