Up to now, there existed only one option for any kind of acknowledgement of entry level knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic basics. This option was the NABCEP Entry-Level Certificate of Knowledge.

Today, this no longer holds true. Thanks to the Electronics Technician Association (ETA), you now have another option. Today you can now earn an “ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION” as an Entry-Level Solar PV Installer. ETA is a worldwide and highly respected entity that has provided over 100,000 technical certifications in the fields of electronics, fiber optics and others since 1978. ETA is accredited by the International Accreditation Council (ICAC) which audits ETA’s certification programs on a 5 year schedule. This assures quality solar training by qualified instructors because in order to offer an ETA certification not only does the course and materials need to be reviewed and approved, but the instructor must also be certified to teach the material and to proctor the exam. The ICAC audits make sure this happens. Then, to make sure the certification competencies are complete, ETA certification requires a hands-on component where each student must complete specific skills tasks, in addition to passing a written exam, in order to earn the Entry Level Installer Certification.

AND! Because ETA recognizes that this is “entry-level” certification training, ETA’s Alternative Energy Program offers two additional Solar PV Installer certifications that you can build on from the Entry-Level certification: Journeyman and Master Installer Certifications. But ETA’s Alternative Energy Program doesn’t stop here. In addition to Solar PV certification, ETA offers additional Certifications in the fields of Passive Solar, Geothermal, Wind, Micro Hydro, Fuel Cells and Stirling Technology. With ETA you can go a long way in building your knowledge and skills in Alternative Energy technologies.

So this is to make sure you are aware of your choices in Solar PV training. The choices are: (1) solar training to earn a NABCEP Certificate of Knowledge or, (2) solar training to earn an ACCREDITED entry level Installer CERTIFICATION from a globally recognized certifying agency that assures a quality solar training course, including a hands-on skills training component, and a qualified, experienced and CERTIFIED instructor that has the teaching and field experience to guarantee you a quality Solar PV Training experience.