PV Requirements/Education

Basic Requirements

To be eligible for NABCEP solar PV installer certification, candidates must first meet these basic requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Meet prerequisites of related experience and/or education
3. Complete an application form documenting requirements
4. Sign a code of ethics
5. Pay applicable fees
6. Pass a written exam

 Prerequisites or Education Requirements

The NABCEP Board and PV Technical Committee identified seven different entry tracks for solar PV installer certification.

The first entry path is based upon four years of installing PV systems as the responsible person. As is indicated below, various levels of training and education can be substituted for some years of experience; however, there is a prerequisite for at least one year of actual installation experience in all seven categories. This is based on the core principal that all NABCEP certified installers should have actual experience on the job performing an installation. Candidates will need to show that they meet the prerequisites for any ONE of these combinations:

a)  Four (4) years of experience installing PV; OR
b)  Two (2) years of experience installing PV systems in addition to completion of a board-recognized training program; OR
c)  Be an existing licensed contractor in good standing in solar or electrical-construction related areas with one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
d)  Four (4) years of electrical-construction related experience working for a licensed contractor, including one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR e)  Three (3) years experience in a U.S. Dept. of Labor approved electrical-construction trade apprentice program, including one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
f)  Two-year electrical-construction related, or electrical engineering technology, or renewable energy technology/technician degree from an educational institution plus one (1) year of experience installing PV systems; OR
g)  Four-year construction related or engineering degree from an educational institution, including one (1) year experience installing PV systems. For definitions of experience and acceptable training, please refer to the Candidate Information Handbook for NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification.