Certified, certificate holder, accredited, and licensed: These and others are terms you’ve probably heard used to describe the credentials of solar installers or organizations. But if you’re like most folks, you probably don’t know what to make of them—or which terms are most meaningful when evaluating the credentials of a solar installer. But a quick tutorial in the terminology will give you all the confidence you need to choose a solar installer.

A person is certified upon completing a certification process, typically through an employer, vendor, or independent agency. Most certifications require a candidate to complete prerequisites (i.e., courses, training, experience) before taking a written examination. Such requirements and tests often follow standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a non-governmental organization that works with other institutes to develop international standards for various fields. In general, the most credible and valuable certifications are those awarded by an independent agency. The PV installer certification program administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is one example of an independent, professional certification. The NABCEP program adheres to requirements established by internationally recognized standards organizations such as the American National Standards Institute. NABCEP certification exams and job analyses are kept current through a process in which committees of volunteer experts meet regularly to revise questions and skills assessments. In addition to demonstrating actual field experience, a NABCEP-certified installer must pass a rigorous exam written by leading, respected experts on PV and solar thermal technology.

To qualify to take the NABCEP certified installer exam, a candidate must show that they have at least 40 hours of advanced training specifically in PV (or solar thermal, for that exam). In addition to the educational requirements, a candidate must demonstrate that they have been the person responsible for at least two installations. In some jurisdictions, installers must be NABCEP-certified (or on their way to becoming certified) to work legally and qualify for grant programs, feed-in tariffs, incentives, and/or tax credits. Note: A NABCEP-certified installer is identified by a unique certification number and can be found in the national directory of Certified Installers via the NABCEP Web site (www.nabcep.org).

Besides NABCEP, several educational providers, and product manufacturers and vendors now offer various certifications and certificates. SunPower Corp., for example, trains and certifies its dealers in the installation of its buildingintegrated PV systems. Typically, private-sector certifications have their own set of standards, rather than adhering to thirdparty standards.

A certificate is generally awarded for completion of a specific program, course, or exam. There are a wide variety of certificate training programs available at the entry level. Some run as long as 400 hours for beginner, while others span only few days and are geared toward skilled professionals who are adding to their existing knowledge base. NABCEP’s certificate—not to be confused with its more rigorous certification process—indicates that an individual has demonstrated a basic knowledge of PV systems and is qualified only for a supervised, entry-level position with a solar installation company.

Licenses are awarded by government agencies and are almost always mandatory, requiring a periodic fee to maintain them. For example, the State of California requires both solar thermal and PV installers be licensed contractors through the California Contractors State Licensing Board. According to the California Energy Commission, “qualified contractors are your key to getting the most productive PV system for your home or business,” so be sure to follow up with the local or state licensing office. Many have searchable databases, where you can check to see if your installer is licensed, how long they’ve held their license, and even how much liability insurance coverage they carry. Working with someone who is not properly licensed can negate your coverage under some homeowner’s insurance policies, and disqualify you for local incentives and rebate programs.

An electrician may be licensed, but that does not mean they are adequately trained in the specifics of installing solarelectric systems. The requirements for professional practice vary from state to state and sometimes by city, so check with your local authorities and become informed about any specific requirements.

Then, consider your installer’s other credentials and ask for— and contact—their references. As a general rule, it is best to choose PV or solar thermal installers who have all the necessary licenses, permits, and trade qualifications required in your jurisdiction. Currently, the NABCEP certification is known throughout the industry as the “gold standard.” Ultimately, you’ll have to draw your own conclusions about who to hire, but when it comes to choosing a solar installer, knowledge is power.

—Ezra Auerbach has been actively involved in the renewable energy industry since 1986 and is currently the executive director of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. His connection to renewable energy is professional and personal, having lived and worked off-grid for more than 35 years.