MREA proudly announces its role in creating the new Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification with NABCEP, marking a milestone in clean energy education. Developed in collaboration with the CREATE Energy Center and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this certification ensures comprehensive training and recognition for energy storage professionals.
Nick Matthes, Solar Program Manager at MREA, has been involved throughout the development process of the ESIP Board certification. Tailored for energy storage professionals with experience in selling, servicing, or installing energy storage systems, the ESIP Board Certification represents a significant milestone in advancing industry standards.
“With the energy storage industry continuing to grow at an incredible pace, the need for a well-trained, qualified workforce is as important as ever. NABCEP has long been the gold standard in certification for installers of renewable energy systems, and they continue their important work with the development of this Energy Storage Installation Professional Board Certification,” says Matthes.
In 2020, MREA established an Energy Storage System Tech Center in Custer, WI, and developed solar plus storage curriculum to accompany this expanding technology. With over 30 kW of installed PV systems, students can explore top energy storage technologies in action. We are pleased to see NABCEP, the industry credentialing standard, establish a pathway for Board Certification in this growing area of energy expertise.
The ESIP Board Certification is a prestigious credential designed to recognize individuals with expertise in energy storage systems. It signifies a high level of proficiency and competency in the field, essential for various roles in the solar and energy storage industry.
To qualify for the ESIP Board Certification exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Completion of OSHA 30 Outreach Training Program for the Construction Industry (or State/Provincial equivalent)
- Completion of 58 hours of advanced energy storage training
- Proof of decision-making role in energy storage projects completed within the last 2 calendar years
The ESIP Board Certification opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in solar and energy storage, including:
- Systems and/or Commissioning Engineer
- Energy Storage Technology Expert
- Production Technician
- Project Manager
- Energy Storage System Installer And many more!
As part of our commitment to providing accredited education, MREA offers a range of courses approved in the NABCEP Course Catalog for ESIP Certification. Students can take these courses to meet the requirements for ESIP certification:
- PV 304: PV Labs & Design Scenarios (In-Person Offering)
- PV 420: Off-Grid Load Analysis & PV System Design (Online Offering)
- PV 431: Modeling PV-Battery Systems in SAM (Online Offering)
- PV 451: Energy Storage Fundamentals (In-Person Offering)
- PV 452: Designing Solar Plus Storage Systems (In-Person Offering)
Jenny Heinzen, MREA Curriculum Director, expresses enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to be recognized as a training provider for NABCEP’s new ESIP Certification, offering in-person and online courses that students can use towards exam eligibility and recertification.”
Energy storage plays a crucial role in achieving our nation’s solar goals, with Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) highlighting its increasing importance in ensuring power availability when sunlight is scarce. To reach the target of solar accounting for 30% of electricity generation by 2030, storage will be essential.
Serving as a vital link between intermittent renewable resources and a sustainable energy grid, energy storage offers numerous benefits. These include enhancing energy security during outages and extreme weather, ensuring grid stability, enabling smart home integration, and bolstering solar adoption despite policy challenges. As battery costs decrease and demand rises, energy storage transitions from a costly addition to an indispensable and cost-effective component of solar systems, shaping the future of renewable energy integration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career in solar and energy storage!
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