Just before the year ended, Zapotec’s Aaron King was able to check a major accomplishment off his list: NABCEP Certification. The Cambridge native design engineer is now one of 95 professionals in Massachusetts to become a certified solar photovoltaic (PV) installer through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
After leading three major solar projects at Zapotec Energy, completing a 40 hour solar PV technical course, finishing 18 hours of ANSI accredited training, and spending numerous hours studying to pass the final written exam, Aaron became a certified solar PV installation professional. The NABCEP certification is the most recognized credential amongst members of the solar industry. In fact, throughout North America there are over “3,000 individuals [that] have earned the right to call themselves NABCEP Certified” (NABCEP Consumer Brochure).
In order to earn the certification, Aaron needed to become well versed in the solar PV sections of the National Electric Code (NEC). When he was not reading the NEC, Aaron spent time attending webinars for NABCEP credit. According to Aaron, the webinars fostered a strong community feel amongst industry experts, which allowed him to gain more knowledge about related industries such as roofing, racking, permitting, and utility power systems.
NABCEP programs continue to push solar professionals to the next level. This credential proves to clients and competitors that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to design a code compliant solar PV system. “The information required to pass the NABCEP test is critical for any developing PV Design Engineer,” says Aaron. “This certification process has taken me one step further in my pursuit of professional licensure.”
About NABCEP
NABCEP is a nonprofit, voluntary professional certification board and credentialing organization dedicated to upholding professional standards for the renewable energy industry. NABCEP promotes consumer confidence and quality assurance by guaranteeing that certified practitioners have met minimum levels of education and experience, passed a rigorous competency exam, and abide by a strict code of ethics.