Boots on the Roof also prepares students for the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems, which demonstrates basic knowledge comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic solar electric system operations.

To learn more, check out the Boots on the Roof Solar Boot Camps.

Also, to learn about other solar training programs, check out our past write-up on solar training programs.

To meet this upcoming demand, several colleges and universities are beginning to offer accredited programs and degrees in renewable energy technologies.

Furthermore, many industry organizations offer specialized workshops and training to help prepare future energy workers for the complexities of renewable energy system design and installation.

2-Year Degrees and Certificates

• San Juan College – Farmington, New Mexico
  Offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Photovoltaic System Design and Installation and a One-Year Certificate in Photovoltaic System Design and Installation (the certificate program is recommended for those who have industry experience or hold a 4-year degree).
  http://www.sjc.cc.nm.us/
• Lane Community College – Eugene, Oregon
  Offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in renewable energy technology, which includes a cooperative education requirement, so that students may gain industry field experience.

  http://www.lanecc.edu/

• Coconino Community College - Arizona
  Offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Alternative Energy Technology, covering PV and wind-electric systems and solar home designs.
  http://www.coconino.edu/

Out of the 3 colleges covered in this article, San Juan’s programs, which include courses covering AC/DC circuits and NEC code, seem to be best suited to those interested in obtaining certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or a state-level organization such as the Colorado Solar Energy Industry Association (CoSEIA). Of course, prospective students should also note that on-the-job training will be imperative to industry certification.

Workshops & Courses

• Solar Energy International – Carbondale, Colorado
  Offers hands-on workshops in solar, wind and water power and natural building technologies in 17 locations. SEI also offers internet based online courses.
  http://www.solarenergy.org/
• Florida Solar Energy Center – Cocoa, Florida
  http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/
• Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association – Diamondale, Michigan
  http://www.glrea.org/
• Midwest Renewable Energy Association – Custer, Wisconsin
  http://www.the-mrea.org/
• North Carolina Solar Center – Raleigh, North Carolina
  http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/
• Northeast Sustainable Energy Association - Greenfield, Massachusetts

  http://www.nesea.org/

For more information on solar PV workshops and courses, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) provides a comprehensive database of couse listings and workshops offered in the United States.