Top 10 Solar Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for solar engineers in the job market because they demonstrate the engineer’s knowledge and skills in the industry. A certification can be used to show potential employers that the engineer has a certain level of expertise and understanding of solar engineering concepts, as well as a commitment to continuing education. Additionally, certifications can provide access to specialized resources such as workshops and other training opportunities, which may be beneficial for professional development. Finally, certifications can help job seekers stand out from their peers by showing that they have taken the initiative to excel in their chosen field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Solar Engineers and explains how they can help to further a solar engineer's career.

What are Solar Engineer Certifications?

Solar engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the field of solar energy. This certification is designed to ensure that professionals who are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining solar systems have the necessary qualifications to do so safely and effectively.

Solar engineer certification can be beneficial in many ways, especially for those looking to enter or advance their career in the solar industry. It serves as a sign of credibility and expertise for employers, demonstrating an individual’s commitment to their profession. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in areas such as photovoltaic system design, safety protocols, installation techniques, and maintenance procedures. Additionally, having a recognized certification may make a candidate more competitive in the job market.

In addition to providing recognition for professionals within the industry, solar engineer certification also helps increase public trust in solar energy technology by ensuring that qualified individuals are working on projects involving this renewable energy source. This gives people peace of mind knowing that their systems are installed correctly and will perform as expected over time. Ultimately, having qualified personnel working on these projects helps ensure that they meet safety standards while also maximizing efficiency and cost savings.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the credentials and requirements of solar engineer certification before signing up for a program. It is important to ensure that you are getting certified in an accredited program and that the certification will be recognized by employers in your area.

Related: What does a Solar Engineer do?

Top 10 Solar Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Solar Engineers today.

1. Solar Photovoltaic System Installer Certification

Solar Photovoltaic System Installer Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It is issued by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The certification requires applicants to pass a written exam and demonstrate their practical experience installing PV systems.

The NABCEP offers two levels of Solar PV Installer Certification: Entry Level and Advanced Level. The Entry Level certification is designed for individuals who are new to the field, while the Advanced Level certification is intended for experienced professionals who have been working in the industry for at least three years.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all of the requirements for either level of certification, depending on how much experience an individual has prior to applying. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their practical experience and any relevant education or training they have received. They must then pass a written exam before being awarded their certification.

The cost of obtaining Solar PV Installer Certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing and whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Generally speaking, entry-level certification costs around $500, while advanced-level certification costs around $700.

2. Solar Thermal System Installer Certification

Solar Thermal System Installer Certification is a certification program offered by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC). This certification program is designed to ensure that installers of solar thermal systems have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively install these systems.

The certification process typically takes between two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the system being installed. In order to become certified, applicants must complete an online application, pass a written exam, and demonstrate their practical installation skills in a hands-on workshop. The cost for this certification varies based on the type of system being installed, but can range from around $400 - $1000.

Once certified, installers are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices for installing solar thermal systems.

3. NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer is a certification program offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The program is designed to recognize and promote the highest quality of solar photovoltaic (PV) installation practices among installers. It provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a level of knowledge, experience, and competence in the field.

The certification process requires applicants to pass a written exam and demonstrate their knowledge of all aspects of solar PV system design, installation, operation, maintenance, and safety. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as electrical theory, system components and wiring diagrams, grounding techniques, fire safety codes, building codes, customer relations and more.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the certification process. During this time applicants will need to prepare for the exam by studying relevant material and attending training courses or workshops. Additionally they must submit an application form along with proof of experience in solar PV installations.

The cost for NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In general it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam plus any additional fees associated with training courses or workshops that may be required.

4. NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Professional

NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Professional is a certification program offered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar heating systems.

The certification process consists of passing an exam that covers topics such as system design, installation techniques, safety practices, and code compliance. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations around the country. It takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $250.

In order to be eligible for the NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Professional certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the solar heating industry or equivalent education/training. They must also pass a criminal background check and provide proof of insurance coverage for any work they may do as part of their job.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Professional certificate. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam every three years.

5. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional credential from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that demonstrates an individual's understanding of green building principles and practices. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a working knowledge of green building concepts, strategies, and technologies. The LEED Green Associate credential is designed to be an entry-level certification for professionals in the green building industry and can help open doors to new job opportunities or advancement in existing positions.

The LEED Green Associate exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple choice questions. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 points.

In order to take the LEED Green Associate exam, applicants must first register with the USGBC and pay a fee of $200 USD for US residents or $250 USD for non-US residents. After registering, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform where they can schedule their exam date and time.

Once registered, applicants are encouraged to study for the exam using resources such as official USGBC study guides, online practice exams, webinars, workshops, and more. It typically takes around 30 hours of studying before taking the exam but this may vary depending on an individual's experience level and familiarity with green building principles and practices.

6. NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional

NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional is a certification program that provides recognition of the knowledge and skills needed to successfully sell photovoltaic (PV) systems. The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the areas of PV system components, system design, safety, installation, sales techniques, customer service and other related topics.

It typically takes up to six months to complete the certification process. To become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as PV system components, system design, safety, installation and sales techniques. Once the exam is passed, applicants must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their experience in the field. This portfolio should include examples of projects completed or supervised by the applicant as well as any relevant training courses attended.

The cost of becoming NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional varies depending on where you take the exam and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1000 for the exam itself plus additional fees for study materials and other resources.

7. NABCEP Certified PV Design Specialist

NABCEP Certified PV Design Specialist is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. This certification is designed to provide assurance to employers, consumers, and regulators that certified individuals possess the knowledge and experience necessary for designing safe and effective PV systems.

In order to become a NABCEP Certified PV Design Specialist, an individual must first complete a NABCEP-approved training course or program. The training must include topics such as system sizing, design principles, safety considerations, commissioning procedures, maintenance requirements, and local codes and standards. After completing the training course or program, the individual must pass an exam administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

The cost of becoming a NABCEP Certified PV Design Specialist varies depending on which training program or course you take. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,000-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the exam which typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

In total it usually takes around two months to become a NABCEP Certified PV Design Specialist if you are taking an online course or program. If you are attending a live class it can take up to four months due to scheduling constraints.

8. Electrical Engineering Certificate Program

Electrical Engineering Certificate Program is a program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in electrical engineering. It typically takes one to two years to complete the program, depending on the institution offering it.

In order to get an Electrical Engineering Certificate Program, you must first have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or related field. You may also need to take additional courses or exams in order to qualify for admission. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to complete coursework covering topics such as circuit analysis, digital electronics, power systems, electromagnetics, and more.

The cost of an Electrical Engineering Certificate Program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$20,000 for a two-year program. Additional fees such as lab fees and materials may also apply.

Overall, an Electrical Engineering Certificate Program provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in electrical engineering.

9. Renewable Energy Professional Certificate Program

The Renewable Energy Professional Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to work in the renewable energy industry. The program provides a broad overview of the renewable energy industry, from solar power and wind energy to geothermal and hydropower. It covers topics such as project management, economics, policy, and regulation.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Renewable Energy; Solar Power; Wind Power; and Geothermal & Hydropower. Each course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s pace. Students must complete all four courses in order to earn their certificate.

To get started, students must first enroll in the program by completing an online application form and paying a one-time fee of $299 USD. Once enrolled, students will have access to all course materials including lectures, assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive their Renewable Energy Professional Certificate from the International Association for Renewable Energy Professionals (IAREP). This certificate is recognized by employers worldwide as proof of expertise in renewable energy technology and project management.

10. Solar Energy International (SEI) Photovoltaics Professional Certificate

Solar Energy International (SEI) Photovoltaics Professional Certificate is a certification program designed to provide professional training in the field of photovoltaics. The program is designed for those who want to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic systems.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics, Site Assessment and System Design, Installation and Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems, and Advanced Topics in Solar Photovoltaics. Each course is approximately 30 hours in length.

The entire program takes about 120 hours to complete. Students can take the courses at their own pace or can take them all at once through a two-week intensive format offered by SEI.

To get the certificate, students must successfully complete all four courses and pass an online assessment with a score of 80% or higher. After completing the program, students will receive an official SEI Photovoltaics Professional Certificate.

The cost of the SEI Photovoltaics Professional Certificate Program varies depending on whether you choose to take individual courses or complete the entire program at once. Individual courses range from $150-$500 while the full program costs $1,500.

Do You Really Need a Solar Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you are hoping to achieve with a solar engineer certificate. If you are interested in entering the field of solar engineering, then it may be beneficial to have a certificate that demonstrates your knowledge and experience in the area. A solar engineer certificate can demonstrate that you have completed courses or training related to solar engineering and can show potential employers that you are competent in the field. Having a certificate may also open up opportunities for higher pay or other types of career advancement.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working as a solar engineer and want to continue growing your skills and knowledge, then a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on what type of career path you wish to pursue, there may be other ways to demonstrate your expertise such as taking additional courses or attending conferences related to the field. Additionally, if you already have several years of experience working as a solar engineer, then having a certificate may not make much of an impact on your job prospects or salary expectations.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a solar engineer certificate is highly dependent on your individual goals and circumstances. It is worth considering carefully what advantages having a certification would bring before making any decisions.

Related: Solar Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Solar Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Solar Engineer Certification?

A1. A Solar Engineer Certification is an educational program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a qualified solar engineer. The certification includes topics such as photovoltaic systems, solar energy system design and installation, renewable energy technologies, and solar energy economics.

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Solar Engineer Certification?

A2. Requirements vary depending on the certification program you choose, but typically include some combination of education, experience, and/or exams. Most programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and complete the required coursework or exams before they can obtain the certification. Some programs may also require applicants to have experience in related fields such as electrical engineering or construction management.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Solar Engineer Certification?

A3. The length of time it takes to get certified will depend on the specific program you choose and your level of prior knowledge and experience in the field. Generally speaking, most programs take between one and two years to complete all requirements for certification.

Q4. What is the cost of getting a Solar Engineer Certification?

A4. Cost can vary depending on the type of program you select, however most programs range from $500-$3000 USD depending on your location and other factors such as materials costs or travel expenses if needed for instruction or testing sites.

Q5. Are there any job opportunities available after I receive my Solar Engineer Certification?

A5. Yes! Receiving your Solar Engineer Certification opens up many job opportunities in both residential and commercial settings including project manager roles, maintenance technician positions, engineering positions, sales roles, consulting jobs and more!