Written by Davey Newlove

When customers are looking into installing solar panels on their property, they normally look for solar installers with certifications. This helps a customer decide which installer will do the best work for them. There are many certifications that solar installers can get, but there is one that stands out above the rest: The NABCEP certification. NABCEP, or North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is the most recognized and respected certification board for organizations within the renewable energy sector. Here are some things that emphasize the importance of a NABCEP certification.

HISTORY OF NABCEP

To understand the importance of a NABCEP certification, one must understand the history of the organization. NABCEP was founded as a nonprofit organization in 2002. The mission of the organization is, “to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners” (NABCEP). The courses and exams the organization offers are committed to offering the highest quality and integrity for the consumers it is designed to serve. This means that the high standards that the board holds you to are passed down to your customers through the highest quality of work. This also includes the highest ethical standards.

According to NABCEP, “NABCEP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct were established to safeguard the integrity of the renewable energy industry while establishing fair and responsible practices.” This holds clean energy installers accountable to their customers while making sure that each job is done fairly and correctly. This means using the highest quality equipment while working in the safest way possible. With this code of ethics, customers are provided with a way to hold unethical installers accountable for their actions in a way that no other association can. If a customer files a complaint against an installer, they can rest assured that their complaint will be thoroughly investigated. If any wrongdoing is found to have occurred, proper disciplinary actions will be taken. 

There are four main goals that NABCEP aims to achieve: The promotion of renewable energy, providing value to practitioners, promoting worker skill and safety, and promoting consumer confidence. Working together with renewable energy practitioners, NABCEP is helping the renewable energy sector lead the way into a cleaner and brighter future.

VALIDATION OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Most customers who are installing solar panels will look for solar installers with board-certified professionals and accredited companies. This gives the customers confidence that the company performing their solar installation will get the job done right. According to NABCEP, “NABCEP Certification is the ultimate validation of experience and knowledge in the growing solar industry and NABCEP Company Accreditation is the highest recognition of quality assurance for solar installation companies.” If the company you are looking to hire has a NABCEP certification, you can rest assured that they will deliver the highest quality of work to you.

In order to earn a NABCEP certification, potential candidates must require proof of training hours to qualify to sit for an exam. This ensures that the right industry professionals are qualified to meet the standards set forth by the board. Having this certification requires a lot of training and experience in the field. Earning the certification validates the professional or accredited company’s experience and dedication to a very high standard of quality work. This helps enhance your reputation in the solar industry, your credibility as a solar installer, and enhances consumer confidence in your company.

PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY

As renewable energy becomes more and more popular, having the right company with the right reputation putting out information and knowledge into the world is extremely important. The companies that have the NABCEP certification can confidently promote the important policy changes needed to help the industry continue to grow. According to Mountain View Solar, these certified solar installers can, “…give their customers clear reasons why renewable energy is a value-added aspect of their lives.” This means having in-depth return on investment reports to give to your customers so that they can see how fast their system will pay for itself and see the financial benefits of installing a solar system.

Being able to clearly and concisely explain how renewable energy will benefit customers’ lives will help solar installation companies be able to close on solar installations. Helping educate your customers about solar energy can also help them promote renewable energy, and your company, via word of mouth to other potential customers. Word of mouth is some of the best promoting your company can get, so helping your customers understand how solar energy production works could help see your company gain many new customers.

PROMOTING WORKER SAFETY

As renewable energy continues to grow, solar companies in Atlanta must find the safest approaches to completing difficult and complex installations. Having a NABCEP certification means that solar installers provide safe and quality services to clients and customers. According to Mountain View Solar, “Companies who choose to participate in certification programs show a commitment to working beyond the most basic levels of safety, pushing to have well-trained employees who can do a good job quickly because of that experience and training.”  NABCEP requires everyone trying to earn a certification to go above and beyond normal safety standards to ensure the highest quality of work done for each installation.

Outside of the NABCEP certification, solar installers can also get their OSHA certification to make sure that the highest safety standards are met on each job. Making sure that our crew is safe during each solar installation is one of the highest priorities here at Solar Plus. Following the highest standards of safety will help our Georgia solar energy customers feel confident that their installation will be handled correctly.

Here at Solar Plus, we are very happy and proud to have company president Don Tonic as a NABCEP (PV-o41616-004765) and OSHA certified solar installer serving the Atlanta area.

If you feel that installing a solar energy system might be the right option for you, contact us to set up a quote today!