Getting Started in the Solar Industry: NABCEP PV Associate Credential
A great place to start in the solar industry is the NABCEP PV Associate Program. It’s a globally recognized, no-experience-required, entry-level credential in solar that will show potential employers you’ve learned the basics of solar power, passed an exam, and are ready to work.
To qualify for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam, you must complete the seven required courses: Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101), PV Safety & Hazard Control (PV 150), PV Site Assessment (PV 201), PV System Design (PV 202), PV System Installation (PV 215), PV Operations & Maintenance (PV 216), and PV Costs & Economics (PV 217). For most NABCEP Board Certifications, the first required step is the PV Associate credential.
Required Courses For NABCEP PV Associate Exam Eligibility
We’ve made it easy for students to navigate and work through the course requirements by creating course packages available online or in-person. You also have the option to purchase each course individually. Please note that online courses do not include the textbook. You’ll receive a certificate of completion after each course is completed.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
New to the Electrical World?
We recommend this optional introductory online course to complement your PV Associate training and exam preparation:
This four-hour course provides participants with fundamental terms and concepts to better understand how electrical circuits work, and how to stay safe when working with or near electricity.
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Program Packages
We offer both online and in-person training pathways for earning the NABCEP PV Associate Credential.
(PV 250)
PV Associate Core Course ONLINE Package
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(PV 255)
PV Associate Core Course IN-PERSON Package
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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.
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.
You may submit your Renewal Application during the third (3rd) year of your current credential period. You are required to log in to your myNABCEP account to complete and submit a renewal application electronically for review.
MREA offers a variety of courses approved for PV Associate Renewal continuing education.
You will need 12 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain your PV Associate Credential. Here is a list of MREA courses that count for credit. You can mix and match based on your area of interest. Many of these courses are also approved for advanced training credits for NABCEP Board Certifications.
- Associates may submit their Renewal Application during the third (3rd) year of their current credential period. Associates are required to log in to their account to complete and submit a renewal application electronically for review. Please follow these steps to renew:
- Log in to your myNABCEP account.
- Under Credentialing in your account, click on the corresponding credential workflow.
- Complete the Renewal Code of Ethics and Fee phase. (The Code of Ethics and renewal fee is required before Certificants may enter renewal requirements.)
- Complete the Renewal Requirements phase and steps.
- Upload required documentation and submit for review. You can access your MREA course history and download your letters of completion from your student dashboard within 30 days of course completion. Please contact courses@midwestrenew.org if you require your course transcripts.
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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.
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