Malta, NY, March 24, 2009– The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) announced today that We Energies has become its first corporate supporter, by making a generous contribution of $15,000.  We Energies, a utility company that provides electric and natural gas service to customers in Wisconsin and Michigan, provided the support to enhance NABCEP’s ability to thrive in a rapidly changing renewable energy market.

“NABCEP is very pleased that We Energies has offered this support,” said Rebecca Eaton, Executive Director of NABCEP.  “We Energies recognizes that renewable energy will play an increasing role in meeting our country’s energy needs, and that NABCEP provides an important service to this rapidly growing industry.”

Since 2003, NABCEP has been awarding professional credentials to installers of renewable energy generation systems.  The organization provides independent, third party training and testing, and its rigorous competency standards for certification send a clear message to consumers, installers, investors, and public officials that the industry stresses quality, safe and ethical business practices, and strong workmanship standards.

For more information on NABCEP, or how you or your company can become a NABCEP sponsor, please visit our website at www.nabcep.org or contact us at (800) 654-0021.

NABCEP’s mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for renewable energy practitioners, in an effort to increase the production of renewable energy and create a well-trained, competitive workforce. NABCEP certification provides credibility to renewable energy practitioners and protection to consumers.

 NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification

To recognize the dynamic nature of the renewable energy industry, NABCEP’s Board of Directors has updated the training-related eligibility criteria a candidate must meet in order to sit for the Solar PV Installer Certification Exam.  An applicant must satisfy one of the following qualifying categories:

A. Experience installing PV systems occurring at some point in the two (2) years prior to submitting an application for the exam in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program (see definition in Sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 below); OR

B. Be an existing licensed contractor in good standing in solar or electrical construction-related areas with experience installing PV systems occurring at some point in the two (2) years prior to submitting an application for the exam in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program (see definition in Sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 below); OR

C. Four (4) years of electrical construction-related experience working for a licensed contractor, including experience installing PV systems occurring at some point in the two (2) years prior to submitting an application for the exam in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program (see definition in Sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 below); OR

D. Three (3) years experience in a U.S. Dept. of Labor-approved electrical construction trade apprentice program, including experience installing PV systems occurring at some point in the two (2) years prior to submitting an application for the exam in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program (see definition in Sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 below); OR

E. Two (2)-year electrical construction-related, or electrical engineering technology, or renewable energy technology/technician degree from an educational institution or four (4)-year construction-related or engineering degree from an educational institution, including experience installing PV systems occurring at some point in the two (2) years prior to submitting an application for the exam.