PV 1Week Workshop...Seeking Advice / Nabcep

[Getatmic]

Hello,
I'm about to take a 1week pv workshop.
has anyone taken these before and what adivce would you have a beginner ?
i've been on 3 pv installations and i'm studying the Pv Design and Install Manual ( class book)...any info would be awesome. feel free to email me if so.

the ultimate goal is pass the nabcep of course.
i'm also seeking advice on how to study for that as well.
bless
Michael

[Mike90250]

1) workshop ? name website ?

2) Are you an electrician ? You need to understand just about all of the household AC wiring codes, because you will be inside the main breaker panel, and working next to the live utility side of the meter socket.

3) for permits, inspections, insurance, you need electrical contractors license - a solar endorsement is nothing without the license to append it to.

Be advised, many of the "solar workshops" are scams that are 1 step above you tube classes. Unregulated, uncertified...

[russ]

Mike is 100% correct - many are little more than expensive scams - try to be sure of what you will be getting for your time and money.

[Getatmic]

solar living institue.
i'm not anything near an electrician. i'm an assistant at a company looking to make a career change. i voulenteer with a non profit group that installs pv modules on low income homes. i've been on 3 installs with them ( and i hope to continue at least one per month ), i'm studing those youtube classes as well, studiing the nabcep.com study guide, and reading up on the text SLI gave for the class.
i have a heart for solar and renewable energy so i don;t mind the work, i just want to prepare in such a way i could make a career of it all. probably starting by working for a company....
again, all info and advice is WELCOME !

1) workshop ? name website ?

2) Are you an electrictian ? You need to understand just about all of the household AC wireing codes, because you will be inside the main breaker panel, and working next to the live utility side of the meter socket.

3) for permits, inspections, insurnace, you need electrical contractors license - a solar endorsement is nothing without the license to append it to.

Be advised, many of the "solar workshops" are scams that are 1 step above you tube classes. Unregulated, uncertified...

[Sunking]

i have a heart for solar and renewable energy so i don;t mind the work, i just want to prepare in such a way i could make a career of it all. probably starting by working for a company....

OK like Mike stated you will need an electrical liscense to make any real money. Otherwise all you can do with the NABCEP certification is to be a gofer for those who hold the electrical and/or contracting license.

[Consersave]

Nabcep

Are you working with an electrician or contractor when installing the solar panels? Seems like you are taking the right steps to become a certified PV installer. I'm sure there are many electricians and contractors you could enlighten on their business prospects once you complete your NABCEP certification. Does anyone have anything Positive to say about becoming NABCEP Certified?

[russ]

The prices I saw on the solar living institute site were not at all cheap!

[Naptown]

The OP is talking about the 40 hour course which is entry level and will take the entry level exam at the end of the class. This is NOT becoming NABCEP certified this comes after some documented experience and another test.

[MarineLiner]

1week pv workshop

.....
the ultimate goal is pass the nabcep of course.
i'm also seeking advice on how to study for that as well.

The OP is talking about the 40 hour course which is entry level and will take the entry level exam at the end of the class. This is NOT becoming NABCEP certified this comes after some documented experience and another test.