Getting Started with Solar

While it may be a hot topic these days, many people don't truly understand the mechanics and significance of solar energy. Let us highlight what exactly solar energy is and how it can improve your business.

The following 4 pages will define Solar and Wind certification, identify Solar Job opportunities, and explain how to grow your business with Solar.

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Solar Energy Defined

The definition of solar energy is that it is the radiant light and heat from the sun that has been harnessed by humans to create energy. 

The definition of solar power is electrical generation by means of heat engines or photovoltaics. Uses for solar power include but are not limited to:  space heating and cooling, water distillation, daylighting, hot water, thermal energy for cooking, and more.

Common Industry Terms

Two of the most widely-used technologies are photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Both are active techniques, meaning they actively collect then convert sunlight. They are also the most effective collectors of solar power, and both have useful attributes for any professional considering renewable energy.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar PV allows sunlight to be converted directly into electricity by using solar cells for energy. Due to the immense demand for renewable sources, the array and supply of photovoltaic technology has increased dramatically, doubling every two years.
 
Solar Thermal Energy (STE)
STE is technology for harnessing solar energy from thermal energy. This is heat collected by either low, medium, or high collectors. These varying degrees cater to different types of energy, such as heating a pool to electric power production. It differs from Solar PV as it does not directly convert to electricity.

Getting Started with Solar Series

Page 1: Introduction - Getting Started with Solar (This page)

Continue Reading - Page 2 of 4 of the Getting Started with Solar Series: Solar and Wind Certification.

I'm ready to register for a Solar Training Course

I am just wondering if you

  • Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/25/2010 - 08:50.
    I am just wondering if you provide training in south florida, i have an associate degree in electronics technology, with 13 years of experiance, i would like to learn all about solar, and get a job in this field, Thanks in advance

We would be happy to assist

  • Submitted by Everblue on Thu, 03/25/2010 - 08:59.
    We would be happy to assist you with training for your career goals. For starting out with Solar, I recommend our Basics of Solar and our Business of Solar webinars. I would also encourage you to look at our Energy Auditor training which has tremendous job potential with the pending Federal Stimulus program. The Everblue Team

Solar Certification

  • Submitted by Edito A. Rico (not verified) on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 14:35.
    What are the requirements to get a certification in this field?

    Thanks,
    Ed

Solar Training & Certifications

  • Submitted by Everblue on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 15:31.
    Ed,

    Hello. The requirements for certification depend on how broadly you define the field. For Solar itself, the most widely recognized individual solar certification body is NABCEP. The entry level NABCEP certification requires completion of an approved 40 hour training course (see the Everblue Solar Bootcamp at Rutger's University). Upon completion of an approved training you are eligible to taken NABCEP's Entry Level Solar Exam.

    Aside from Solar Certifications, we also recommend that you consider the BPI Building Analyst and RESNET HERS Rater Certifications. These are the national Energy Auditor Certifications. An Energy Audit should be completed prior to any Solar Installation.

    Everblue

Owner/Builder

  • Submitted by Walt (not verified) on Sat, 04/16/2011 - 23:38.
    How much certification will I need to install my own system? Installer perhaps? TX, W from CA

Owner/Builder

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Mon, 06/13/2011 - 14:12.
    Hello Walter and thank you for your question.

    Your skill set and your county’s solar installation requirements will help you determine what certifications you will need for solar installation. Everblue offers the NABCEP Solar PV Entry Level training and NABCEP Solar PV Installation training . Many contractors are comfortable installing solar panels from our entry level course, but may still be required to take the PV installation course and exam to be allowed to install in their area. Either way, Everblue offers everything you need to be a PV installer or work in the Solar PV industry.

    Thank you,
    Bana

Thanks for the insight.

  • Submitted by Belladante (not verified) on Sat, 07/16/2011 - 02:07.
    Thanks for the insight. I'm fascinated by the reasons behind the piece, very helpful information. Keep up the great work & bring on the sunshine.

Solar Training Interest

  • Submitted by Byron B (not verified) on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 20:53.
    I am very interested in solar energy and I want to become educated in all aspects of this field.

    I would like to know where to start in my education in this field? What is the very first certification that I would need to obtain and so on? How much would these courses cost me? I understand that online courses are available but are they all recognized by the testing facilities as accredited schools?

Solar Training Interest

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Wed, 08/17/2011 - 13:06.
    Hello Byron and thank you for your question.

    To see pricing and dates for our online Solar PV Entry Level course, click here. This course is accrediated by ACCET as well as NABCEP, so you will receive Everblue's quality training whether online or in a classroom.

    Thank you,
    Bana

Electricity Knowledge and Solar

  • Submitted by eladio (not verified) on Sun, 10/02/2011 - 22:38.
    I know a lot about electricity but nothing about solar panels. I would like to learn everything about solar panels for beginning a solar business. Which Everblue course should I begin with?

Electricity Knowledge and Solar

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:48.
    Hello Eladio and thank you for your question.

    Since you are interested in the business of solar and are just beginning to learn about it, I would recommend the Solar PV Associate course. Not only will it cover everything you need to know to start your business, this course prepares you for NABCEP's Solar PV Associate Certification.

    Thank you,
    Bana

I love Solar Panels

  • Submitted by David Marshall (not verified) on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 03:05.
    Solar energy rocks, I love it because I save a huge amount of dollars every month :)

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