PV Specific

Q. How do I know which PV workshop is right for me?

To figure out which PV workshop is right for you, you can start by reading the workshop descriptions listed at solarenergy.org/solar-training-electric. Decide if you would like to with and in person workshop or online course.  The online course can be less expensive, and you don't have to spend money to travel or take time off from work.  The in person workshops do often have at least one day of hands on, and some students prefer to learn in person as opposed to online.  A great option to get started is to take the PVOL101 course online, and then when you are ready to move forward, come to an in person one week long PV201L Lab Week at our lab facility in Paonia, CO.  If you have questions regarding NABCEP, and what workshops to take to start working towards certification as either an installer or technical sales person, please visit our NABCEP Certification page. 

Q. Do I need to have any previous experience or knowledge to take a PV workshop?

A. All PV101 workshops, either online or in-person, require no previous experience or knowledge.  We start with the very basics, but quickly get into the details of designing a solar electric system. However, the PV202, PV203, 201L and 301L workshops all require previous workshop attendance.  Please see the respective workshop pages for information.

Q. How do I sign up for PV 101 PREP?

A. When you register for any PV101 in person course, you are automatically registered for PV 101 PREP Online.  The prep course is included in the cost of PV101 in person.  After registering, you will receive further instructions regarding logging on to the online instructorless PV101 PREP component.  We ask that you complete PV101 PREP completely prior to comign to your in person PV101 workshop.

Q. Is the Women’s PV workshop easier than the coed class?

A.  No, it covers the same material as the coed workshop.  Participants have included licensed electricians, engineers, teachers, students and homemakers. 

Q. Why a women’s-only workshop?

A.  Many women have little or no hands-on electrical experience, and may be wary of attending a coed course with men who have grown up using power tools.  Our women’s only workshops are intended to provide women with a supportive learning atmosphere.  Even women with hands-on experience already working in technical fields find it helpful and rewarding to network with other women who are interested in and/or working in renewable energy.

Q. Does SEI offer the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practioners) entry-level certificate exam at the end of photovoltaic related online courses?

A. Yes. Upon successful completion of PV101 or PVOL101, you are eligible and have the requisite education hours to take this exam.  SEI recommends that you also take PV203 before taking the entry-level exam. 

In regards to the NABCEP Entry Level Exam (ELE), there are two options available for you. One is the Paper and Pencil Exam at our Paonia, CO classroom and the other is Computer Based Testing (CBT) that is facilitated at testing sites around the country. For Paper and Pencil offerings of the NABCEP ELE, please see the above link where you can view the most current scheduling and details for registering to take the exam at SEI's Paonia, CO campus. The fee for the Paper and Pencil Exam is $150/person, which includes SEI's administrative fee. You must call to register and the fees for all test registrations are non-refundable.
For Computer Based Testing, NABCEP has contracted with Prometric Test Centers to facilitate the test around the country. You may want to to use their Test Site Locator to ensure there is a suitable location for you. The fee for the Computer Based Exam is $120/ person, which includes SEI's administrative fee and is non-refundable. If Computer Based testing is the option for you, here are the steps to follow:

1. Call the SEI main office at 970-963-8855 to obtain this form: NABCEP ELE - CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY FORM
2. Complete the form and email it as a pdf attachment to purchases@solarenergy.org (or fax to 970-963-8866, if necessary).
3. Call Solar Energy International at 970-963-8855 to register and pay for your testing fees over the phone.
4. Your information is then submitted to NABCEP, and then Prometric contacts you to schedule time and location for testing.

Q. What online courses do I need to take to qualify for the NABCEP PV installer certification exam?

A. Once you have successfully completed both PV 101, and PV202 or PV203, you will have met the educational requirements to sit for the NABCEP installers exam. You will still need to acquire practical installation experience to qualify to sit for the exam. For more information, please visit www.nabcep.org.

Q. Is there a course map that illustrates the order in which PV workshops should be taken at SEI?

A. Yes, our PV Course Map below (click on link below to view pdf) shows that a minimum of PV101: Solar Electric Fundamentals and Grid-Direct Design, or equivalent training as approved by SEI staff, should be completed before moving on to PV 200-level courses.  The PV101 workshop includes a mandatory web-based on-demand component, PV101 PREP. This prerequisite is made available to students upon registration.