The easiest way to get HVAC solar heating installer certification is to take an online course or two. There are several different online courses available, including ones that provide training for up to 200 hours and others that offer less time but more credits. For many states, all you need to be certified is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some states, however, require more credit hours than that to earn a solar heating certification. If you are considering taking an online course, consider looking into an accrediting agency that will help to verify your educational background and help you to get certified.
Another way to get into the field is through an apprenticeship program. This option is ideal if you have a lot of working experience already. However, if you do not have this experience, it may still be an option for you. An apprenticeship program typically takes between four to six weeks and you will need to sign a contract of at least eight weeks. There will be a significant investment of time and money, however, if you choose this route to go through to become certified as a solar heating installer.
The third option for gaining HVAC solar heating installer certification is by taking a state exam. You can look into these tests at your local Department of Commerce. In some cases, if you live in a small or specific area, you may not be allowed to take these exams. Generally, the exam will test you on things such as how you understand the materials that are included with each course, and what you know about the licensing process in your specific state. Once you pass the exam, you will be given a certificate.
If you would like to become certified, another way that you can get your business off the ground is by becoming an accredited Renewable Energy Installation Professional. To be considered for this certification, you will need to have completed at least 85 credits at accredited colleges or technical schools. By taking these courses, you will be able to show that you understand the importance of using renewable resources. Not only will you be able to clearly explain why your installation professional needs to use renewable resources, but you will also be able to explain exactly which types of renewable resources are in use in your particular installation.
When considering whether to get Solar Heating Installer Certification or Renewable Energy Installation Technician Certification, it will help to consider the benefits that you will receive. If you work with large commercial contractors, you will have a number of options available to you. The most common options include certificates from the Department of Commerce, or Certified Renewable Energy Installers (CRE) credentials. On the other hand, if you work with small contractors or individuals who are just starting out on their own, you may find that the best option is to become CEN certified, or Certified Small Wind Power Installer. Both of these credentials are accredited by the North American Society for Energy Analysis.
Before taking your certification handbook home, it will help to understand exactly what you are getting. There are two different levels of qualifications that can be achieved with Renewable Energy Installation Technician Certification. First, there are those who already have the actual certification. To get this certification, you will need to have completed at least 85 credits at colleges or technical schools. Second, there are those who do not yet meet the criteria, but plan to earn their renewable certificates over the course of three years or less.
Once you have earned your renewable solar pv installation professional certification, you will have some great benefits to offer prospective employers. For one, you will be able to show prospective companies that you have completed an excellent level of training in the field of solar technology. For another, you will have proven that you understand the ins and outs of how you will go about installing your own solar PV system as well as being able to answer any questions that they might have regarding the process. It should be noted, however, that in order to be eligible for certification by any of the main professional solar installers associations, you must have at least six months of experience with your own DIY solar PV installation. The average time that new solar technicians will spend in the field learning the necessary skills is only about nine months, so you will have plenty of time to get the required experience through school before you can even think about applying for certification.
