How to Become a Solar Panel Installation Contractor
These days, the push for new forms of green energy is stronger than ever, opening up demand for solar panel practitioners worldwide. Whether you have an education in engineering or want to switch career paths and become part of the green energy workforce, becoming a solar panel installation contractor may be the right position for you. First, though, you'll need the training and experience to get you there. The steps below should help you on your way.
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Instructions
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Earn an engineering degree to gain a solid understanding of the processes behind solar panel installation and photovoltaic elements. This qualification will help prepare you for future certification and will give you a critical advantage over the competition.
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Apply for an internship or entry-level job working with solar energy installation where you can work alongside seasoned solar panel installers who can help teach you important tricks of the trade.
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Enroll in solar panel installation certification courses such as the ones administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP (see Resources below), which are specifically designed for installers in a leadership role, such as a contractor.
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Pay any applicable admission fees, sign any codes or written agreements and take the written exam required to be admitted to a certified solar panel installation training program.
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Complete the certification courses, where you will learn the specifics of working with photovoltaic systems, choosing a system design and installing solar panels, among other subjects. These classes can range anywhere from 12 to 30 hours total, depending on the program you choose.
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Take the written exam at the end of your training courses to prove that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to become certified as a solar panel installer.
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Use your new certification to beef up your resume and portfolio of work, and apply for solar panel installation contractor jobs at businesses recognized by your certification program, on Internet job boards and in classified ads.
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Tips & Warnings
Entry-level certificate courses on solar panel installation can also be a good way to earn credentials and learn more about the field before becoming certified. However, these classes do not replace certification.
Do not attempt to work as a solar energy contractor unless you are at least 18 years of age.
