Solar Training in Pennsylvania
Requirements for Installing Solar Energy Systems in Pennsylvania
To participate in the Pennsylvania Sunshine Rebate program, an installer has to be NABCEP certified or successfully installed a minimum of three PV systems and completed an IREC ISPQ accredited training program, a PV manufacturing training program or an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship training program that included a PV installation course.
To be approved, a solar thermal installation company must employ at least one qualified employee on staff. A qualified employee is one who meets or exceeds:
- Is a certified NABCEP solar thermal installer, or
- Has completed an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) accredited solar thermal training program or
- A solar collector manufacturer’s training program and has significant experience including a minimum of three solar thermal installations.
If an installer has completed an IREC ISPQ accredited solar thermal training program and met all other program requirements but not yet installed three solar hot water systems, they may be accepted on a probationary basis.
Resources:
- Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program (Refer to Page 4 of Document)
- PV Installer Application
- Solar Hot Water Installer Application
Education & Testing Requirements:
Some of the various training establishments offering IREC ISPQ accredited courses in Pennsylvania include:
- Sun Pirate Solar Training: They offer online training that is IREC accredited and approved by NABCEP. Their core courses include Photovoltaic System Design & Installation and Fundamentals of Solar Hot Water. An additional course is being offered Electric & Safety Basics which in conjunction with their core PV course qualifies students to sit for the NABCEP ENtry Level Exam at computer based testing centers located nation wide. This training covers the training hours required for both the NABCEP PV and Thermal installer exam requirements.
