1. Is the 5-Day Solar PV Design & Installation training course right for me?
The 5-day solar PV design and installation training course is intended for contractors, engineers, roofers, and electricians looking to add solar to their service offerings. Others with a background in solar or renewable energy, or those with a passion for green technology will also benefit from the course. The solar installation and design course is not intended for those looking for a general overview, an academic approach, sales specific skills, or a technical examination of solar technologies.
2. How much of the course includes practical hands-on experience?
Approximately 20% hands-on, 20% classroom activities, 20% product training, and 40% lecture.
3. Are there any prerequisites for the 5-Day Solar PV Design & Installation Training course?
While there are no specific prerequisites for the course, a good working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is helpful in the design portion of the course. A basic understanding of electricity is also recommended, although not strictly mandatory. We have designed all of our classes to be accessible for lay people, and yet, engaging enough for seasoned veterans.
4. What if I don't have any electrical or construction experience at all?
In most of our solar installation classes, there are both people with electrical or construction experience and those that have none. The course is geared toward the NABCEP Entry Level learning objectives. Students with no experience in the field can get a lot out of the class and build a strong foundation for involvement in the solar industry.
5. Will this course teach me enough about solar panels and modules to be able to install them?
Yes. There is currently no regulation or certification required to install a solar PV system (before the inverter), but our solar training course provides you with a fundamental background in PV technology, safety, and regulations, including hands-on experience installing the necessary panels, racking, mounting, and wiring that accompany each system. Students are free to pursue further study in more advanced areas, but the tools we provide are enough to safely and effectively install solar PV technology.
6. Are any reading materials, presentations, slides, etc. made available for students?
We provide a binder with all presentation slides featured over the 5 days of solar PV training.
7. What should I bring to the solar PV training class?
1. Bring a calculator. A standard one is fine, but a scientific calculator can be helpful for calculating angles quickly.
2. If you own a Volt/Amp meter capable of measuring AC and DC currents, you can bring it along. There will be some available in class.
3. A notebook computer (with WiFi) will also be handy, but not necessary. Many of our facilities have free wireless, and there are several online tools to explore.
1. What certification do students get after completing the courses?
Students who complete the 5 day PV design and installation training and pass the final exam will receive a certificate of completion stating that the student has completed "Solar Professional: Level One” from our ISPQ-accredited solar PV training program. These graduates are also eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam, administered by Solar Academy International throughout the year. Lastly, graduates of our program automatically receive membership in Solar Network International- a fast-growing non-profit association dedicated to advancing business development for its members in the solar PV market.
2. Is your course recognized by NABCEP?
NABCEP does not officially recognize solar training programs. However, we have both ISPQ accreditation (from the IREC) and authorization from NABCEP to administer the NABCEP Entry Level exam. In addition, our lead instructor, Eric Smiley, is a NABCEP-certified solar PV installer.
3. Is Solar Academy International also a testing center for NABCEP's Entry Level PV Exam?
Yes. Solar Academy International has ISPQ accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, meaning that we are eligible to administer the NABCEP Entry Level PV Exam. For test dates and other details, please email us directly using the contact form.
4. What is NABCEP?
NABCEP stands for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and is currently the most recognized certification standard for solar PV installers on the continent. Our course is based on the entry level learning objectives from NABCEP. Visit this page for more details: http://www.nabcep.org/entry-level-certificate-program.
5. Will your PV installation training help me find a job in the solar industry?
While we cannot guarantee that you will find a job in the solar industry, the foundation that you receive in our 5-day solar PV training will set you apart from others. There are still very few people with solar experience. In addition, our solar courses provide many networking opportunities with other students. Lastly, graduates of our program automatically receive membership in Solar Network International - a fast-growing non-profit association dedicated to advancing business development for its members in the solar PV market.
6. Does Solar Academy International provide job placement support?
We hold networking events through our affiliated Solar Network International, of which you will become a member upon graduation from our solar PV training. These events are attended by many in the solar industry and are a great opportunity to make connections. We do frequently receive requests for experienced solar professionals and forward these out to our alumni. In the future, we have plans to expand services related to helping graduates find employment in the solar industry.
7. Will this course teach me enough about solar panels and modules to be able to install them?
Yes. There is currently no regulation or certification required to install a solar PV system (before the inverter), but our solar training course provides you with a fundamental background in PV technology, safety, and regulations, including hands-on experience installing the necessary panels, racking, mounting, and wiring that accompany each system. Students are free to pursue further study in more advanced areas, but the tools we provide are enough to safely and effectively install solar PV technology.
8. How much can I make as a professional solar PV installer?
Because the solar PV industry is still a relatively new sector, there are no set hourly salary ranges for this occupational field. In addition, there exist substantial differences between those who own their shops or are self-employed and those who work with professional outfits as a contractor or employee. That being said, our internal calculations suggest that for 1kW-10kW installations, many professionals earn about $500-$750 per day. For 10kW+ installations, the figure is closer to $1-$2 for every watt installed.
1. How much does solar training cost?
Each one of our 5-, 2-, and 1-day solar training courses follows a different pricing schedule. In addition, we offer discounts for early registration, internships, and group trainings. To receive specific pricing information for an upcoming class, you can either begin the registration process or simply email us directly: contact@solaracademy.com
2. What is included in my tuition fee?
Your tuition fee includes approximately 35 hours of instruction, all course materials, in addition to lunch and refreshments on all 5 days. Students who successfully complete Solar Academy International's 5-Day PV Design & Installation Course will receive the "Solar Professional Certificate: Level One" from Solar Academy International. These students are also eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam, administered by Solar Academy International throughout the year. Lastly, graduates of our program automatically receive a free year of Basic Membership (valued at $199) and discounts on Professional Membership in Solar Network International - a fast-growing non-profit association dedicated to advancing business development for its members in the global solar PV market.
3. Are the hotel rates included in the course pricing?
All accommodation and travel costs are the responsibility of the student. We can provide you with a list of nearby options, and in some instances, be able to offer special rates for accommodations. Please email us directly: contact@solaracademy.com
4. What expenses should I expect beyond the course fee?
For those needing accommodations, factor in hotel charges and travel to and from your lodgings. We provide lunch and coffee during breaks.
5. What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please refer to our Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy, located at the bottom of this page in the footer.
6. What types of payment options are available?
We accept all major credit cards (except Amex), PayPal, and certified checks.
7. Can I pay in installments?
At this time, we do not provide payment plan options. However, feel free to email us directly if you have additional questions.
8. Are any discounts available for the solar PV installation training?
If you register 3 weeks in advance you can save $350 off of the normal price. We also publish occasional discounts in our newsletters, so be sure to sign up using the email form in the right sidebar.
9. Is there government support for solar training, such as Second Career?
Not currently. We are working on becoming a Private Career College. Once we have this status, we will be able to design a program that follows the requirements for Second Career.
10. I cannot register online. Are there other options to register for your solar training courses?
If you have difficult registering online with PayPal or a credit card, please contact us directly at contact@solaracademy.com. We can process off-site payments, and we can also accept certified checks. We will reserve your spot once the funds have cleared.
1. Why choose Solar Academy International?
We are an ISPQ-accredited PV training school, meaning that our facilities, curriculum, and instructors have passed the highest standards set forth by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. Many are also attracted by our NABCEP-certified instructor, Eric Smiley, whose engaging and lively teaching style has helped hundreds of students launch careers within the solar industry. In addition, those who successfully complete our solar training courses are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam that we administer throughout the year.
2. How is your solar training course different from other programs?
We are ISPQ-accredited and our classes are led by NABCEP-certified installers with years of experience not only working with but also teaching solar PV. Our training is not aligned with any manufacturer or distributor, but it provides broad exposure to many of the products and companies that are available in the market. Those who successfully complete are training are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam that we administer throughout the year. Lastly, graduates of our program automatically receive membership in Solar Network International - a fast-growing non-profit association dedicated to advancing business development for its members in the solar PV market.
3. How is your solar PV training customized for the installation market?
The course covers the basics of solar technology and gives the student a foundation in solar PV design and installation. There is also a hands-on component to the solar installation training, allowing students to actually practice what they have just learned. The core of the training is based on the NABCEP Entry Level learning objectives. We do not cover building codes or structures in depth.
4. Is the solar PV training focused on residential or commercial installations?
Our solar PV training covers both types of installations.
5. Does your training address micro-inverter installations?
Yes. We have had guest speakers come in from Enphase for many of our trainings.
6. What services does Solar Academy International provide?
Solar Academy International provides training and holds educational events in conjunction with our affiliated organization Solar Network International- a fast-growing non-profit association dedicated to advancing business development for its members in the solar PV market. Graduates of the program receive automatic membership into Solar Network International.
1. Do you hold trainings in other locations?
Class locations and times may change for some sessions. Check each course page for specific details or sign up for our newsletter for more information.
2. Where can I stay during the 5-Day Solar PV Design & Installation Training?
All accommodation and travel costs are the responsibility of the student. We can provide you with a list of nearby options, and in some instances, be able to offer special rates for accommodations
3. How often are the solar PV training courses held?
The 5-day solar PV trainings are held at least monthly. For a list of upcoming classes, check the page for your course of interest.
4. How much space do you have for each class?
Usually, we accept as many as 27 students for our 5-day solar PV design and installation courses. Enrollment for our 2-day and specialty classes varies. Using the contact form, let us know what class and dates you want to explore, and we can provide you with more specific enrollment information
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