Starting a new career and learning new skills can be incredibly exciting and rewarding, but also a little bit daunting given the unknowns and the uncertainties of how it will impact your life. Additionally, needing to invest your time and money for education and certifications can impose a lot of stress while you’re managing your day job.
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Where to go from here
Solar Jobs: Opportunity to invest in new skills
Fortunately, the solar industry is booming across the world. While there may be temporary setbacks like the residential demand slowdown in California due to the NEM 3.0 regulations, in an era with a lot of unknowns in the era of artificial intelligence, you can have very high confidence that industry is going to keep growing. As we’ve highlighted, solar jobs are expected to almost double by 2033 alone, when many jobs are expected to be automated or are at-risk with new technology.
Given the skilled work needed in solar, employers, trade associations, non-profits, and the government are collaborating to provide training opportunities for those to bridge into the industry. The Inflation Reduction Act (visit our blog post detailing the IRA impact on solar industry) requires solar contractors to have a minimum number (15%) of solar apprentices on site. As an example, the IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council) formed its ACE (Apprenticeships in Cleaner Energy) initiative to help develop apprenticeships programs to recruit and retain talent.
Below, we’ll provide an overview of certifications and dive into the internationally recognized provider of certifications in solar, NABCEP.
How often are certifications required for Solar Jobs?
27% of all jobs on our curated solar job board require or strongly suggest having a certification in order to apply for the job. Certifications will certainly depend on the type of the role, and some of the most common are NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners®) certifications. Having a solar certification from a trusted provider will make you stand out more amongst other job candidates regardless of whether the job requires a certification explicitly in the job posting.
Overview of NABCEP
NABCEP is a non-profit that was founded in 2002 and has developed its certification programs over the course of two decades working with some of the best subject matter experts in solar. They have evolved their certifications for different roles and experience levels and an ecosystem of educators and programs has sprouted around the U.S. to help individuals learn and practice for the NABCEP Exams. In order to take a NABCEP exam to earn your certification, you’ll need training from an accredited program.
Adding up the cost of training, application & exam fees, and recertification fees over your career will be an investment of thousands of dollars, so it is critical to understand and think through the benefits of each certification depending on the stage of your career. Some employers may provide partial or even full assistance to help you cover the costs, which can be a significant benefit to discuss with your employer.
Is it worth it? Certainly so, NABCEP claims that its participants earn on average $11,000 more per year. There may be other avenues to progress your career, but NABCEP allows you to jump to the next level
Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of the different certifications offered by NABCEP.
NABCEP Associate Certifications - for entry-level jobs
The Associate Certifications are for those who are new to solar or have limited experience in the field and are looking to advance their careers. If you have more than a couple years of experience in solar, these are likely not right certifications for you. We’ll dive in to highlight the Associate ones below and the NABCEP Associate Handbook provides extensive information if you’re looking for more information.
NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Associate™ (PVA)
Who: Entry-level employees in solar or those working in solar (on PV cells) for <2 years
Requirements: There are two paths depending on your experience in solar
Little-to-no experience: Enroll in accredited PV Associate trainings - you can find in-person, hybrid, or entirely online options
6+ months experience: Document your solar experience (e.g. projects installed, responsibilities…) and begin the application process
What’s covered: The exam will ensure your knowledge of PV Applications (how solar cells works), sales & economics of solar, solar design, installation, and operations & maintenance)
How to enroll: If you are taking an accredited course, you will be enrolled through the course. If you are experienced, begin the application (and start studying!)
Costs:
If you have little-to-no experience, trainings cost ~$1,000 and will prepare you for the exam
Sean White offers a course for $895
Stardust offers a course for $1099.95
NABCEP fees will total $175 (application fee - $25, exam fee -$125, and printed certificate - $25
Note that renewals will cost $150 and if you fail the exam, you’ll need to pay the $125 to take it again
NABCEP Solar Heating Associate™ (SHA)
Who: Entry-level employees who want to work in solar heating or those working in solar heating for <2 years
Requirements: Like the PVA, there are two paths:
Little-to-no experience: Enroll in accredited SH Associate trainings - you can find in-person or hybrid options. There are no entirely online options, so may need to move near a community college
6+ months experience: Document your solar heating experience (e.g. projects, core responsibilities) and begin the application process
How to enroll: If you are taking an accredited course, you will be enrolled through the course. If you are experienced, begin the application (and again, start studying!)
What’s covered: The exam will cover how to conduct a site and load analysis, safety practices/codes, systems for specific climates, orientation and installation methods, balance system components, and maintenance items
Costs: These costs will be very similar to the PVA program above, though remember there are not entirely virtual trainings, so you will need to factor relocation and/or commuting expenses
If you have little-to-no experience, trainings cost $700+ and will prepare you for the exam
Appalachian State offers a course for $700 (early pricing; $800 after)
NABCEP fees will total $175 (application fee - $25, exam fee -$125, and printed certificate - $25
Note that renewals will cost $150 and if you fail the exam, you’ll need to pay the $125 to take it again
NABCEP Small Wind Associate™ (SWA)
We won’t go into exact details on the SWA certification, but the process is very similar to the PVA and SHA certification paths. You can find more information here if you are looking to break into wind energy!
NABCEP Board Certifications
NABCEP offers a total of 9 Board Certifications. These certifications will take your knowledge to the next level and ensure that you are staying current with all the latest developments in the solar industry. The Certification Handbook goes into extensive detail on all the certifications offered. We’ll give you a quick overview of each below to determine which one may be write for you.
Note that almost all of these will require experience in the field and are typically measured in “Project Credits” that are calculated the PV system size measured in KW / MW or kWh / mWh.
Some of these will not require accredited education or training programs, but all will require documentation of your experience in the field. Regardless of the certification you pursue, you’ll definitely want to refresh and update your knowledge of the topics covered, so you don’t risk needing to pay the $150-$375 exam fees multiple times. And make sure you set aside a budget for study materials!
PV Installation Professional (PVIP)
Who: Professionals who have been working in PV Installation (e.g. as a lead PV installer, foreman, project manager…) and are looking to distinguish themselves with international certification to take their career to the next level and lead teams in solar Installation & Operations
Requirements:
OSHA Outreach Training Program - 10+ hours
58+ hours of advanced training from accredited institutions (at least 40 hours); 18 hours can be obtained from non-accredited sources (but you will need to provide documentation for it)
6+ project credits from installations completed in the past 2 years
1-999 kW = 2 credits
1 mW+ = 3 credits
What’s covered: This is the highest certification in solar, so it covers the end-to-end process from designing, implementing, configuring, installing, and maintaining PV systems
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
If you have not completed training programs, they can cost $1500+ (SolairGen offers an online course for $1590 or you can select multiple shorter courses for less)
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP)
Who: This is a newer certification driven by the increasing importance of storage in the renewable space. This can be a valuable certification for all those working on the solar space, but for those mid-level career professionals who need to show their understanding of battery storage
Requirements:
OSHA Outreach Training Program - 30+ hours
58+ hours of advanced training
6+ project credits from installations completed in the past 2 years
1-80 kWh = 1 credit
1-999 kWh = 2 credits
1 mWh+ = 3 credits
What’s covered: The exam will cover the Job Task Analysis (JTA) in energy storage from development, design, installation, commissioning, and operations/maintenance/decommissioning. You can review all the knowledge and skills tested in this handbook.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
Training programs will run $1500+
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
PV Technical Sales Professional (PVTS)
Who: If you are working in Sales, this credential can set you apart from the pack, especially in a time where the public is concerned by growing reports and media attention from untrustworthy sales reps.
Requirements:
Path A - 8+ Sales credits within past 2 years
1-24 kW = 2 sales credits
25-999 kW = 3 sales credits
1 mW+ = 4 sales credits
Path B - 4 sales credits in past two years AND 1 of the following:
Master’s / Bachelor’s degree in science/ engineering
Associate’s degree in solar/renewable energy
Current Master / Journeyman Electrician’s license
Current State / Government issued Solar Contractor’s license
What’s covered: This will cover the sales process and test your knowledge of system design, how to communicate the installation, performance analysis, and site analysis.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS)
Who: If you are working in PV maintenance and looking to cement your credibility this is the certification for you.
Requirements:
OSHA Outreach Training Program - 30+ hours
24+ hours of advanced training
12+ project credits from installations completed in the past 2 years
1-999 kW = 2 credits
1 mW+ = 3 credits
What’s covered: The exam focuses on maintenance skills including how to analyze a system, verification protocols, and how to conduct preventative maintenance on PV systems
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
Training can cost $895 (e.g. Sean White PVCMS)
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
PV Design Specialist (PVDS)
Who: These are for PV Designers who are looking to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their competency. You can also take the exam if you are looking to bridge into a design or project engineer role
Requirements:
OSHA Outreach Training Program - 10+ hours
24+ hours of advanced training including 6 hours of NEC (National Electric Code)
12+ project credits from installations completed in the past 2 years
1-999 kW = 2 credits
1 mW+ = 3 credits
What’s covered: You’ll need to demonstrate both mechanical and electrical design competence by showing you know how to design different types of PV systems.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
Training costs will run $1,000+ (e.g. Sean White PVDS training)
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
PV Installer Specialist (PVIS)
Who: This is for mid-career PV installers or other Installation & Operations professionals who are looking to progress to leadership positions
Requirements:
OSHA Outreach Training Program - 10+ hours
24+ hours of advanced training including 6 hours of NEC (National Electric Code)
12+ project credits from installations completed in the past 2 years
1-999 kW = 2 credits
1 mW+ = 3 credits
What’s covered: The exam focuses on the PV installation process from understanding DC and AC systems to grounding systems. Safety is emphasized.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
Course fees can run $425 (e.g. the PV Technical Design course)
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
PV System Inspector (PVSI)
Who: This certification is for Solar Inspectors who are looking to further establish credibility and or other solar workers who are looking to bridge into the growing inspection profession as solar systems ramp up across the country
Requirements:
No specific requirements, but the exam will test your familiarity of the entire PV system
What’s covered: PV system design, applicable codes/ordinances, and how to asses the safety/operation of a solar panel system.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
NABCEP fees will cost $175 (application - $0, exam - $150, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
Solar Heating System Inspector (SHSI)
Who: For those working in Solar Heating and looking to establish credentials as an Inspector.
Requirements: No specific requirements, but need experience to ensure you’ll have a good chance at passing.
What’s covered: Assessment of Solar Heating Systems, how to operate and verify code/ordinance, how to conduct inspections and report results.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
NABCEP fees will cost $525 (application - $125, exam - $375, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
Solar Heating Installer Professional (SHI)
Who: Solar Heating installers who are looking to establish credibility to advance into a more senior position or even start their own contracting service
Requirements: There are multiple paths (8!) that mix and match experience across HVAC, Solar heating systems, PV system training, being a licensed contractor, and more.
What’s covered: This will test your end-to-end understanding how to design, install, and operate a solar heating system.
How to enroll: Begin application process here through Certemy
Costs:
Training courses may run you $1,000+ if you do meet experience requirements
NABCEP fees will cost $175 (application - $0, exam - $150, certificate - $25) and you will need to pay for re-examination if you fail and recertifications
Where to go from here
Hopefully you found the information you need in order to decide if a certification is right for you. Let us know if we’re missing anything or if you have any questions. Subscribe to our blog to stay on top of the latest, or browse Solar Jobs that require NABCEP certification on our job board