Where do you find a certified installer and what certifications are there.
So I am searching for contractors in Colorado that are certified to install solar panel systems and I ran in to the NABCEP site. That stands for North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Looks like 422 people have passed the certification (nationwide), when you consider how many solar companies there are in the US, that number seems low even with one person per company. I think there are 100 installers in Colorado alone.
To be certified from NABCEP you need money, pass the written exam, over 18, fill out a form, sign the code of ethics and have as little as 1 year experience installing PV as long as you have an engineering degree.
Next I found CoSEIA organization that certifies contractors in Colorado. To be CoSEIA certified you need to pass a test and do 12 hours of classes. Their site has a long list of members (I believe that means that they paid money and are not necessarily certified), however at the very bottom of the page it lists 28 members that are certified.
After talking with Lynn Hirshman the Executive Director for CoSEIA I was able to come up with a list of contractors that are CoSEIA certified in Colorado:
- Alternative Power Enterprises, Inc.
- Aspen Solar, Inc.
- Rocky Mountain Solar
- Solar & Radiant Heating Systems, LLP
- SolarWorx LLC
- AC Solar, Inc.
- All Solar, Inc.

I am looking to begin a new career involving solar energy. I have no experience in this field, and I’m seeking all the info regarding required training and education you might be able to give. I have also been told there are grants available through the government, but I can’t find anyone here in Florida to point me in the proper direction. Anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I am in the same position the person above. I too am looking to start anew career and new business. I don’y have an experience in solar panel installation. I’m seeking national certification for quality assurance and also info on the new stimulus for grants through the government. I am in Georgia. I would appreciate any help in hte right direction.
I am located in PA I have owned a installation and rigging Co since 1989.
I have solar Co calling to ask if we will install solar systems. Then they ask if your Co is certified O.K. where do you go to get a certification. By the time you find a certification program the glaciers will be gone.
I do not think the Government has thought this out very well before screaming wolf.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
I am an Ohioan trying to step in the future business world and I need to find out where I can get certified in this field.I also want to know are there any grants to go to classes if any near or in Ohio.
I am in Louisiana and wanting to know about getting started in this business. I would like to know of any schools close to Louisiana. We are an electrical contractor that’s looking to expand in to other areas.
Hello,
I’m interested in certification in Solar Energy, I live in the state of Georgia and have not been able to find any information in the field. please share any information you may have. thanks
Check out solarenergy.org for courses. They offer online classes as well as classes in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Califonia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah and if you want someplace exotic Hawii, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. As far as any grants you can look at sites like grants.gov.
Have you been not capable of coming up with ones own solutions for any TX gov’t class?