STC to offer NABCEP Certification for solar energy installers

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College been accepted as a Certified Testing Agency for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), http://www.nabcep.org meaning that the College can now offer testing for solar energy systems installers seeking to obtain a nationally-accepted endorsement of their skills. Says Department Head and Photovoltaic Systems Installation and Repair Instructor Lester Wiggins, “We’ll encourage all of the students in our solar energy installation program to test for accreditation. When they’re working in the field, consumers will want to have the confidence that their installer has the skills and knowledge to do the job well.”

According to the NABCEP website, standards, developed by subject matter experts, have been set and the eligibility requirements are reasonably achievable being based on extensive input from stakeholders and deliberation among installers.

For installers, the certification:

• Identifies installers as professionals, instilling consumer confidence in their work
• Validates extra resources spent on training and gaining experience
• Allows for installer mobility as the market moves from state to state
• Allows installers to distinguish their skills and experience in the field

For consumers:

• Provides a means to identify qualified installers, promoting confidence in the work performed
• Preserves consumer choice, maintaining access to both certified and uncertified installers

Savannah Technical College was the first technical college in Georgia to offer a solar energy installation program. Since its inception, more than 45 graduates have completed the program. This fall, the college will be adding wind technology classes and is currently working on a new green building technology program to begin next year.