When looking at a solar installer, you may ask yourself, how do I know that they are certified installers?
In the solar world, the highest level of certification you can achieve is what is called a NABCEP Certified PV Installer.
What is NABCEP?
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP’s mission–to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders–is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.
What does it mean if an installer is NABCEP certified and how does that help the consumer?
Certification of a profession refers to a generally voluntary process in which the certifying organization formally grants recognition to those who meet certain predetermined standards or qualifications. It usually includes an examination of some kind to assess the candidates’ qualifications. Certification offers the public a high degree of protection because practitioners have to meet standards or qualifications and pass an exam, and they do so voluntarily. Developing a certification is a complex and time-consuming process and requires a strong administrative organization in order to maintain its quality. Over a thousand certification programs exist in the U.S., qualifying professionals from crane operators to energy efficiency experts, from financial planners to automobile technicians.
Benefits of certification exist for both installers and consumers:
For installers:
- Identifies installers as professionals, instilling consumer confidence in their work
- Validates extra resources spent on training and gaining experience
- Allows for installer mobility as the market moves from state to state
- Allows installers to distinguish their skills and experience in the field
For consumers:
- Provides a means to identify qualified installers, promoting confidence in the work performed
- Preserves consumer choice, maintaining access to both certified and uncertified installers
What other standards are NABCEP Certfied PV Installers held to?
NABCEP Certified PV Installers follow a Code of Ethics.
Among other primary goals, the NABCEP is dedicated to the implementation of appropriate professional standards designed to protect consumers and the profession. NABCEP certificants and candidates are expected to act in an appropriate manner, which promotes the integrity of, and reflects positively on, the practitioner, the NABCEP, and the renewable energy profession, consistent with accepted moral, ethical, and legal standards. NABCEP is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) and has endeavored to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024: General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification System of Persons.>
As a professional in the fields of renewable and sustainable energy and energy efficiency technologies, a NABCEP certificant or candidate has the obligation to:
- deal with all clients, consumers, and other professionals and professional organizations fairly and in a timely manner;
- provide safe and quality services to clients and consumers
- respect and promote the rights of clients and consumers by offering only professional services that he/she is qualified to perform, and by adequately informing clients and consumers about nature of proposed services, including any relevant concerns or risks;
- maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all client and consumer information;
- avoid conduct which may cause a conflict with client or others;
- engage in moral and ethical business practices, including accurate and truthful representations concerning professional information and system performance expectations;
- be truthful with regard to research sources, findings, and related professional activities;
- maintain accurate and complete business and professional records;
- respect the intellectual property and contributions of others;
- further the professionalism of renewable energy industry services; and,
- behave in a courteous and professional manner when communicating with NABCEP representatives.
Is All Energy Solar NABCEP certified?
Yes. Absolutely. We hold ourselves to the highest standard levels and we are always reaching higher.
Check us out on our website at www.www.allenergysolar.com
