What Do You Need to Succeed in Solar? Education--Not Just Training!
Posted by Kelly Arduz on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 @ 10:59 AM
At the US Solar Institute, we realize there are a lot of options out there for solar training so we provide education instead. Along with the abundance of options comes uncertainty of what really matters—what types of certifications are offered? What experience is needed? What will it take to get a job in solar? US Solar Institute wants to answer all of your questions and make it as simple as possible to get the solar education you need. Please take a few minutes to read this and then call the school to speak to a job placement advisor today (877)-769-SOLR.
Unlike other solar training schools, we possess the highest credentials in the industry and provide both Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and NABCEP testing for personal certification. USSI is a licensed and accredited Department of Education Vocational College and we provide a Diploma in Photovoltaics (one of the very few in the world). Only US Solar Institute provides these recognized certifications in the solar energy industry and every course is expertly facilitated by master instructors in the field. There are currently 3 core courses that make up the US Solar Institute Diploma Program:
PV-201 is the introductory course, which runs Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. In this course, students learn the fundamentals of photovoltaics and actually participate on more hands-on lab work than any other solar training school. By the second day, students are out in the sun working on the systems they have been discussing in class. While this class is very intensive, it is also a lot of fun! At the end of the week, students have a good understanding of the basics of photovoltaic systems and are prepared for the next course.
PV-301 builds on the core competencies of PV-201 while building electrical competency, which starts with becoming effective in applying and interpreting the National Electric Code (NEC) for the installation, plans (blueprints) and specifications of real world contracted systems. Students work on systems from concept to commissioning. This too is a 40-hour course running Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. What our students love about this course is how many real world applications are provided. This is no community college course so we will never “powerpoint” our students to death. Instead we provide a fast track understanding of what it means to work in the solar energy contracting industry. US Solar Institute offers students real world practical knowledge expected of anyone working in the solar power industry. We pride ourselves in offering 1 on 1 interaction with our students so space is particularly limited in this course.
In PV-401, students actually get to put their solar knowledge to work on real jobs. These jobs are based on a student’s area of interest. For example, if someone is interested in the sales aspect of solar, they will be placed in a sales job for a minimum of 2 weeks. Plan to become an installer, foreman or contractor? We put you on the job site building solar energy systems. Like engineering, design and supply chain management? You will select systems and produce permit ready documents complete with bills of materials to source the equipment at the lowest price. During this time, the student receives in depth knowledge of what it means to succeed and work in the solar industry. With this type of training our students are in high demand because they have the skills demanded by today’s employers in the solar energy market!
In addition to our solar training classes, we are also a NABCEP Entry Level Exam Provider. Not only are we a testing facility, but we also offer a preparation session, which includes 4 hours of review and NABCEP Exam. Students usually sit for the exam the Friday afternoon of the PV-201 course, but we are happy to accommodate our students any time with notice.
Are you a licensed electrician? Then there really is only one certification for you. Underwriters Laboratory Certified PV Installer with set you above the competition. US Solar Institute earned the distinction of being the exclusive UL exam and training center in the United States since the program was introduced in 2010. Since the inception of the UL PV course, US Solar Institute has been the Master Instructor and curriculum provider. We have trained people from all over the world and helped them earn their UL PV Certified Installer Certification – the highest and most respected certification in the world.
Need continuing education credit units (CEU) to maintain your professional license? USSI is here to help. US Solar Institute is the only school in the state of Florida that provides continuing education approved for all professional licenses where you can complete your hours AND learn about solar energy systems safely. Our continuing educational courses are dynamic and interactive thus providing a change of pace from the same old power point and grind CEU courses offered by so many.
We are located in South Florida and have students visit us from all over the US and Caribbean. Only US Solar Institute offers students discounted hotel accommodations that include a continental breakfast, free transportation to and from class, and gourmet meal plans for lunch. We’ve also been known to hire our students!
We hope this helps to clear up all of the confusion when it comes to starting a new career in solar. If not, just give us a call and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. At US Solar Institute we’re making a difference one student at a time!
