How to Begin or Advance Your Solar Career – NABCEP PV Associate Program
Earn your NABCEP PV Associate Credential in Just One Week!
PV Week in-person in the Midwest
Join us at a location near you, to earn your NABCEP PV Associate Credential in just one week. Classes are taught by experienced PV professionals, providing you with the foundational skills to launch your solar career.
Course Breakdown:
- Monday: Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101)
- Tuesday: PV Safety & Hazard Control (PV 150) & PV Site Assessment (PV 201)
- Wednesday: PV System Design (PV 202)
- Thursday: PV System Installation (PV 215)
- Friday: PV Operations & Maintenance (PV 216) & PV Costs & Economics (PV 217)
- Saturday: Paper and Pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam (optional: computer-based-testing is also available)
Upon completing this series, you’ll be eligible to take the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. Pass the exam, and you’ve officially earned your credential to advance in the solar industry!
Class Schedule:
- Monday – Friday: Class runs from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday: Proctored paper-and-pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam – Time varies by location, see registration page for details
*Full attendance is required to sit for the credentialing exam.
Additional Details:
- Course Materials:
- Registration includes: Textbook, printed and digital course materials, and the exam fee
- Please bring: Notebook, pen/pencil, calculator
- Snacks & Beverages: We provide light snacks, coffee, and tea during class.
- Meals: Meals are not provided; please pack a lunch.
Package Details
Courses Included in this Package
You will be taking 7 in-person courses over one week (Monday – Friday). On Saturday morning you will have the opportunity to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam.
- (PV 101) 8 HR Course – Monday
Participants will study the fundamentals of electricity, learn how PV cells and modules work, explore different types of PV systems, review the benefits of renewable energy and distributed generation, discuss mounting options, and identify components and equipment used in PV installations.
Course Details
- (PV 150) 4 HR Course – Tuesday Morning
Participants will learn how to identify job site hazards, assess risks, select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and apply safe work practices when installing and maintaining PV systems.
Course Details
- (PV 201) 4 HR Course – Tuesday Afternoon
Participants will learn how to perform a load analysis for grid-tied, stand-alone, and multimode PV systems, determine the best location for a PV array, and identify a suitable location for the balance of system (BOS) components. Emphasis is placed on accurately surveying the site’s solar resource to maximize energy production.
Course Details
- (PV 202) 8 HR Course – Wednesday
Participants will learn about system sizing strategies based on several variables including system type, mounting method, and applicable building, fire, and electrical codes. Students will determine appropriate equipment to use based on manufacturer specifications, explore PV array configurations, calculate energy production, and identify all of the documentation required for permit applications.
Course Details
- (PV 215) 8 HR Course – Thursday
Building, electrical, and fire codes are addressed, with emphasis placed on the importance of following manufacturer specifications and instructions. Tools for the job, industry best practices, and safe work practices are reviewed while discussing topics like raceway installation, grounding, testing, and commissioning procedures and techniques.
Course Details
- (PV 216) 4 HR Course – Friday Morning
Participants will learn how monitoring equipment and electrical test instruments are used to evaluate system performance, identify issues, and support safe, reliable operation.
Course Details
- (PV 217) 4 HR Course – Friday Afternoon
Participants will explore and discuss all things financial when it comes to PV systems, from installation to end-of-life and everything in-between. Emphasis is placed on staying up-to-date on current policies and programs to determine available rebates, incentives, tax credits, and low interest loan opportunities.
Course Details
Upon completion of MREA’s PV Week, students will meet the requirements to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam and earn their entry-level credential. The NABCEP PV Associate Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic energy systems.
The NABCEP Associate Program is intended for individuals working or seeking employment in the renewable energy industry, including students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage in their renewable energy career, experienced professionals new to the renewable energy field, or those in renewable energy jobs for which there is no professional certification.
Obtaining this credential is most often the first step toward a NABCEP Board Certification or added recognition in a field with many career paths to pursue.
Program Expectations: Prerequisite training or experience in electrical/plumbing systems, mathematics, and related subjects may be required to fully grasp and meet the course objectives. Students are encouraged to dedicate additional time outside of class (equal to the in-class hours) for review, problem-solving, and studying reference materials before taking the Associate Exam. This is especially crucial for intensive short courses and online programs.
Target Audience: Students in renewable energy programs, early-stage professionals, experienced workers entering renewable energy, or those in renewable energy jobs without specific certification.
Note: This training is also applicable for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of solar photovoltaics, and not necessarily looking to earn a credential.
Student Testimonials
Continuing Education
The courses provided in this package are approved for continuing education for some state licensing agencies.
This course package is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).
Associate Renewal Information
To maintain your NABCEP PV Associate Credential, Associates must obtain 12 hours of continuing education (CE) completed during your 3-year credential period. Details can be found in section 10 of the NABCEP Associate Handbook. MREA offers a variety of courses approved for PV Associate Renewal continuing education.
Learn More / Renewal Info
What is the NABCEP PV Associate Credential?
The NABCEP PV Associate Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic energy systems. Pursuing MREA’s entry-level solar training and obtaining your NABCEP PV Associate Credential opens doors to promising career opportunities in the rapidly growing solar industry while ensuring a recognized standard of expertise in renewable energy technologies. NABCEP’s Associate Program is beneficial for those new to the industry, installers, experienced workforce personnel, employers, and the public. Possessing a NABCEP Associate Credential signals your commitment to a career in renewables to potential employers.
