The links that follow each listing are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission if you purchase any of these books through the links listed so I would like to thank you ahead of time if you do so because that is how I keep this site up and running.

To the books.

Photovoltaic Systems by James P. Dunlop is the first book. It is priced retail at around $95.00 but can be found for the low seventies too. Just click here to see this book on Amazon. This book is slightly higher priced than many of the others I am going to list but does not fit the group of books that are more technical. This is a widely used book by many solar training programs because it starts with the basics and works through to more advanced topics. If you want a book that covers everything you need to know to get into the solar industry then do not pass this book up. I have read it and really enjoyed it and now that it is in its second edition the information is updated and many new items have been added that add great value to this textbook.

Grid-connected Solar Electric Systems: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series) This book is a pre-release and the only reason it is listed is because I have enjoyed Earthscan’s Expert Series and the previous book is Stand-alone Solar Electric Systems: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series). That book focused strictly on Stand-alone systems so this book being newer should have more updated information on Grid-connected systems so if you plan to work with this type of system a lot then this would be a good book to get a hold of to read through. Even if you are really familiar with these systems this book will surely have a couple key points that make it worth having.

Stand-alone Solar Electric Systems: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series) As I just mentioned about the previous book this is an Earthscan book that I enjoyed and is focused on Stand-alone solar power systems. Stand-alone is not as big a market as grid-connected is but if you plan to work with a company you will be installing these every so often. If you are planning on having one of these installed on your home that is in a remote are or just on a vacation home or something then this would be a great book to read over.

Photovoltaics for Professionals: Solar Electric Systems Marketing, Design and Installation If your looking to get into this industry and be a professional installer this book has some wonderful information. I would also recommend this for anyone looking to move up into management or interested in starting their own business. The book covers everything in a very structured manor and has some wonderful information that is not covered as well in other books.

Photovoltaics: Design and Installation ManualThis book was designed by and used by Solar Energy International which has some great training. Unlike some other books this one covers some basic electrical topics very well and has many key points that are not covered as well in other books. If your looking for something for basic entry level learning this is a great starter book.

Identifying Your Location’s Sun Intensity

The sun’s intensity, which is alternately called solar irradiance (SI) or insolation, is the measure of the power of electromagnetic radiation over a given surface area. More simply, it is the intensity of the sunlight reaching a particular location.
Generally speaking the SI is measured in terms of watts per square meter (W/m2) or kWh per square meter per year (kWh/(m2 * y)) and is based on the intensity of the sun and the particular location in question. This measurement is important when doing a solar site assessment as it indicates the potential kWh per square meter available for harnessing into solar electricity.

In most cases, as long as you have an exact address or the latitude and longitude of your location, you can use online calculation tools to estimate the solar intensity of your property. Online mapping programs will also aid in this exercise by giving you aerial views of the site for determining whether there are obstructions that would impede solar energy collection.

Identifying Your Location’s Sun Path

The sun’s path on your particular location is also important when doing a solar site assessment. A sun path indicates the relative position of the sun as it tracks through the sky and from season to season. The sun’s path will vary by time of year and throughout each day.
For instance, during winter months in the northern hemisphere, the sun will rise in the southeast, peak above the southern horizon on a low angle (depending on latitude), and then set in the southwest. Conversely, for those in the southern hemisphere, the sun rises in the northeast, peaks approximately overhead, and then sets in the northwest.

Knowing the latitude and location-specific solar path differences is tremendously critical for estimating and modeling annualized solar system performance. You can find an excellent online sun path estimator via the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory. All you need to do is enter your location’s latitude, longitude, zip code, and time zone. The system will output a sun path chart and other useful site-specific data to aid in your solar site assessment.
When working with online tools like those provided by the University of Oregon, you will see that they provide elevation view of the sun path for your location. By viewing the changes in elevation from month to month, this type of graph will show you firsthand how much the sun path can vary from season. It is important to note that your site will receive the most sunlight when the sun is at its highest point (the highest elevation), with diminishing returns as the elevation decreases.
Another useful view provided by the University of Oregon online tool is the overhead view of the sun path. This view illustrates how the sun moves across a targeted site from month to month and throughout the day. From this, you will see that sites located in the northern hemisphere will experience longer days during summer months and shorter days during winter months. Knowing the actual number of sunlight hours your site receives throughout the year is also useful when determining a site’s solar potential.
The work of mathematically modeling a site’s solar energy potential is complex but highly interesting for those interested in a solar career. If this kind of work intrigues you, you should definitely consider receiving some solar training to find out just how much more there is to learning the best methods for location a solar energy system.

Solar panels also differ in size, with the 3kw solar panel being the largest system, followed by 2.8kw and 2.1kw solar panels. The 2.1kw solar panel may fit well on a small-sized roof, but a 3kw solar panel needs a larger roof area for problem-free installation. The 2.1kw or 2.8kw solar panels may be a better choice if you live in a small house. Therefore, the size of your roof is important in determining which solar panel is suitable for your setup.
Besides this, the ability of the 3kw solar panel to generate more electricity also means it is more eco-friendly. Compared to 2.1kw and 2.8kw solar panels, a bigger solar panel can reduce the amount of electricity generated from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels, and has the highest percentage where reduction of carbon emissions is concerned. A 3kw solar panel may help to preserve the environment better. So, consider the features of each solar panel before you decide on the best product for your solar system at home, as it goes a long way in helping you to save energy and protect the environment.

• Low Maintenance – Maintenance is expensive and the fact that Solar electric systems require only periodic inspections and occasional maintenance make them  much more cost effective when it comes to maintenance over other conventional fuel systems.
• Durability – The majority of Photovoltaic panels on the market today show little to no degradation after the first 10 years of use and this is increasing with every new improvement to the technologies used to manufacture these solar electric panels.




• Reliability – Photovoltaic systems can perform in harsh conditions and have been proven to be reliable in these conditions. Great for situations that require continuous operation because they can prevent power failure from a grid.
• Environmentally Friendly -  With no pollution generation and no conventional fuel need these solar power systems are ideal for the environment. Plus there is no disposal or fuel cost to the systems from their operation.
• Reduced Sound Pollution – Unlike loud generators solar power systems have very few moving parts and operate silently so noise is not an issue.
• Safety – Solar power systems do not require combustible fuels and are very safe if designed and installed properly.
• Energy Independence – Solar power users often choose these systems due to the energy independence from the local power utility.

Some of the key pieces of data you should try to collect when on site about the mounting surface are:

• Age of mounting surface
• Condition of mounting surface
• Strength of supporting structure (will additional supports be required)
• Slope of the mounting surface
• Mounting surface accessibility
• Location of any powerlines
• Location of any obstructions
• Photograph all obstructions
• Square footage of available mounting areas
• Azimuth direction

When all this data is gathered it will provide you with the required information for designing the solar power system. Knowing if you have to split the system up and mount it in several differrent areas or if it will fit in one is of great importance as is knowing if you will have to reinforce the mounting structure.

If there is another key piece of data you have come across that should be recorded when doing a mounting surface inspection please leave a comment so we can make this list more detailed.

Looking to get into the solar industry and in search of solar training, then first you need to understand the job that most entry level positions consist of. The solar system installer helper is the entry level position for the solar industry.

The specific job description and tasks will vary depending on what field of solar you are entering into. There is solar thermal and solar electric and both vary greatly. The basic description for either position are as follows:

The helper assists solar system installers in installing and repairing solar systems for residential, commercial and industrial use.

Assist in racking setup. This can include any of the following tasks; drilling, sealing, lifting, cutting, splicing, bolting, removal, replacement and painting of metal or wood racks for either ground mounts or roof mounts.

Assist in electrical maintenance. This can include stringing of solar panels, bending and anchoring of conduit, cutting and splicing of wire, completing electrical connections, replacement of fuses, soldering, replacement of faulty electrical components, de-energizing the system, energizing the system, lock out tag out procedures, battery handling, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting, etc.

Assist in electrical installation. This can include installing solar panels, inverters, junction boxes, control boxes, disconnect switches, etc. Also grounding of panels and other components, wiring of system, conduit installation and routing of wires, system commissioning, de-energizing system.

Cleans and prepares surfaces for painting and installation of system components. Keeps work areas in clean and safe condition and cleans up and packs up upon work day conclusion.

Completes forms related to the work. These can include, equipment requisitions, invoices, estimates, assists in maintaining records for material, equipment and supplies. Completes safety checklists, system inspection forms, etc.

Things You Need To Know Before Beginning Your Solar Training

There are two specialties in the solar industry. You can specialize in solar electric systems or solar thermal systems where you will deal with solar hot water for domestic and commercial uses. So when choosing your solar training course make sure you verify it is the right specialty. Solar electric is math and electric heavy while solar thermal is plumbing heavy.

Another consideration is who you are taking the course through. Make sure they are an accredited organization and that at least the courses they offer are approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) which is the current certification organization for the industry. NABCEP offers all the industry certifications currently that are industry recognized. They offer the PV Installer Certification Exam, Solar Thermal Installer Certification Exam, PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam, Small Wind Installer Certification Exam and PV Technical Sales Certification Exam. Also keep an eye on rather the organization is accredited by the Interstate of Renewable Energy Council which is another major player for accrediting and solar training requirements.

The last thing to consider is method of solar training. There are two methods and they are online solar training or hands on solar training. Each meet different requirements for NABCEP exams.

The online courses usually meet the training needs for the Certification Exams but do not count for any of the system installations required to sit for the exams. Online solar training also can meet the requirements for the PV Entry Level Exam.

The hands on solar training courses sometimes can count toward one of the system installations required to meet the certification exam requirements of NABCEP. Only one student per course is able to claim the title of responsible person on the installation that will count toward your requirements. Also the system needs to be connected to an actual system customer unless otherwise approved by NABCEP.

The job description is a little more in depth for the solar installer and has a more technical foundation. The specific tasks vary but having a strong electrical foundation is a must if you want to obtain this position.
The basic description for a solar installer will vary as the solar industry comprises the solar thermal sector and the solar electric sector. Some work in both but that requires many years of experience and training. The descriptions are as follows.

Solar Thermal:

Installs and repairs solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate solar-heated water or other medium for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Solar Electric:

Installs and repairs solar energy systems designed to collect, store and circulate electricity generated from the system for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Salary for this position varies depending on training and experience. On average the rate will run between $14-$20/hour. Once in this position your pay will increase with time and experience till you top out as a basic solar installer.

The recommended experience for this position is 2 years or directly related training. Your 2 years if your in the industry would come from being an installer helper and learning and working your way up. Others take the training route and go through various training organizations to obtain certificates or degrees through colleges and private organizations.

Also after 2 years of experience you should have had the ability to work as the responsible person on 2 system installations which is the other major requirement through NABCEP to sit for the installer certification exams for both solar pv and solar thermal. You also need 40 hours of NABCEP approved training.
The solar installer is responsible for several areas of the system installation. They are required to perform tasks related to electrical wiring, panel mounting on rooftops and ground rack systems, carpentry and handyman tasks, troubleshooting of systems, interaction with customers and other labor related work.

Some of the more specific qualifications to become a new solar installer are as follows according to IREC.

• Strong work ethic, self motivation, organization and a can-do attitude
• Experience in mechanical installations, general construction and ladder work
• Basic understanding/experience with electrical wiring of AC and DC systems PREFERRED
• 1-2 years of construction background is PREFERRED
• Experience with all types of hand-held and power tools
• Experience with small machinery (trenchers, bobcats, forklifts) PREFERRED
• Experience working with all types of building materials – various roof types, stucco, wood,
  concrete, Uni-strut, roofing etc PREFERRED
• Team player who listens, learns, and actively communicates • Visual thinker good at problem
  solving and implementing ideas • Knowledge of the RE marketplace, technology and industry •
• Desire to learn and master all aspects of installing solar PV systems
• Perform project installations including:
• Pulling inventory for specific projects
• On site design implementation – working off of plans and schematics
• Layout of solar modules / array
• Mechanical/structural mounting of racking, modules and electrical equipment
• Assembly of mounting hardware
• AC and DC Electrical wiring of systems
• Attic work in homes and businesses to verify structural attachment
• System commissioning / start-up
• Site clean-up
• Job Documentation – photos
• Drive the company truck to and from the job site as required
• Maintain minimum inventory levels on the work truck
• Pre-assemble job components in the warehouse
• Maintain a clean warehouse, truck and work site
• Perform tool maintenance as required
• Perform truck maintenance
• Attend mandatory training sessions on new products, methodology and safety
• Perform system service as required
• Distribute brochures/talk/sell solar as required to interested
• H.S. Diploma, two-year degree in technology/industrial arts

Things You Need To Know Before Beginning Your Solar Training

There are two specialties in the solar industry. You can specialize in solar electric systems or solar thermal systems where you will deal with solar hot water for domestic and commercial uses. So when choosing your solar training course make sure you verify it is the right specialty. Solar electric is math and electric heavy while solar thermal is plumbing heavy.
Another consideration is who you are taking the course through. Make sure they are an accredited organization and that at least the courses they offer are approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) which is the current certification organization for the industry. NABCEP offers all the industry certifications currently that are industry recognized. They offer the PV Installer Certification Exam, Solar Thermal Installer Certification Exam, PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam, Small Wind Installer Certification Exam and PV Technical Sales Certification Exam.

Also keep an eye on rather the organization is accredited by the Interstate of Renewable Energy Council which is another major player for accrediting and solar training requirements.

The last thing to consider is method of solar training. There are two methods and they are online solar training or hands on solar training. Each meet different requirements for NABCEP exams.
The online courses usually meet the training needs for the Certification Exams but do not count for any of the system installations required to sit for the exams. Online solar training also can meet the requirements for the PV Entry Level Exam.

The hands on solar training courses sometimes can count toward one of the system installations required to meet the certification exam requirements of NABCEP. Only one student per course is able to claim the title of responsible person on the installation that will count toward your requirements. Also the system needs to be connected to an actual system customer unless otherwise approved by NABCEP.

You can find the Entry Level  Solar Thermal Learning Objectives here. This breaks down the various tasks of installing solar thermal into six sections.

1. Conducting a site analysis, including load analysis
2. Identifying ST safety practices, standards, codes, and certification
3. Identifying systems for specific climates and applications
4. Identifying proper operation and installation methods
5. Identifying proper configuration of balance-of-system components and materials
6. Identifying common ST maintenance items

The goal of this is to give a person seeking an entry level position the solar training required to obtain it. Candidates will solve generic, basic problems applicable to common solar thermal systems with the use of schematics, pictures and graphics to demonstrate the fundamentals of Solar Thermal listed above.

There are several courses out now that cover all these topics in depth. One online solar training course resource is Sun Pirate’s Online Fundamentals of Solar Hot Water Heating solar training course which covers all the topics listed and then some. This course is already IREC accredited and approved by NABCEP for 40 contact hours of training.

At this time NABCEP has not released applications for solar training course providers to get approved for the Entry Level Solar Thermal Exam so keep an eye out for this as once that is released you will see many solar training providers showing up as approved training providers for sitting for the Entry Level Solar Thermal Exam.

To learn more about other solar training topics and job positions visit our solar training home page.

California requires a contractor’s license. There are several choices of license’s in California. The list includes the following including specialty classifications.

Licensing (general):

• AC-46 Solar Contractors License
• General Contractors License
• General Building Contractors License

C-46 is the Solar Contractor licensing classification for solar (PV and thermal) installations and maintenance.  The C-46 Solar Contractor license covers active solar water and space heating systems, solar pool heating systems, and photovoltaic systems.

Specialty classifications:

• C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting (this is for solar thermal systems only)
• C-10 Electrical (this is for photovoltaics only)
• C-20 Warm-Air, HVAC (HVAC systems that utilize solar energy)
• C-36 Plumbing (this is for solar thermal systems only)
• C-53 Swimming Pool (this is for solar pool heating only)

Education and testing requirements:

Includes written examinations (Law and Business as well as the trade examination) and 4 years experience; (note:  technical training, apprenticeship training and education may be credited instead of experience, however at least 1 year needs to be practical experience.  See CSLB guidelines for maximum allowable credit from training)

Some of the various training establishments in California include:

• Sun Pirate Solar Training: They offer online training that is IREC accredited and approved by NABCEP. Their core courses include Photovoltaic System Design & Installation and Fundamentals of Solar Hot Water. An additional course is being offered Electric & Safety Basics which in conjunction with their core PV course qualifies students to sit for the NABCEP ENtry Level Exam at computer based testing centers located nation wide. This training covers the training hours required for both the NABCEP PV and Thermal installer exam requirements.

Electric code:

The electrical code from the NEC with California amendments are standards that must be followed so additional training in this is required. It is recommended you familiarize yourself with the sections within the NEC book that relate to solar.

Licensing authority:

California Contractors State License Board

Reciprocal relationships:

Arizona, Nevada (C-37), and Utah

Permitting notes:

Permitting requirements vary by City – check local rules and regulations.

Resources

California Contractors State License Board
California Contractors State License Board/C46 Solar Contractor
Blueprint for Becoming a California Licensed Contractor (2006)

To participate in the Pennsylvania Sunshine Rebate program, an installer has to be NABCEP certified or successfully installed a minimum of three PV systems and completed an IREC ISPQ accredited training program, a PV manufacturing training program or an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship training program that included a PV installation course.

To be approved, a solar thermal installation company must employ at least one qualified employee on staff. A qualified employee is one who meets or exceeds:

• Is a certified NABCEP solar thermal installer, or
• Has completed an Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) accredited solar thermal training program or
• A solar collector manufacturer’s training program and has significant experience including a minimum of three solar thermal installations.

If an installer has completed an IREC ISPQ accredited solar thermal training program and met all other program requirements but not yet installed three solar hot water systems, they may be accepted on a probationary basis.

Resources:

• Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program (Refer to Page 4 of Document)
• PV Installer Application
• Solar Hot Water Installer Application

Education & Testing Requirements:

Some of the various training establishments offering IREC ISPQ accredited courses in Pennsylvania include:

• Sun Pirate Solar Training: They offer online training that is IREC accredited and approved by NABCEP. Their core courses include Photovoltaic System Design & Installation and Fundamentals of Solar Hot Water. An additional course is being offered Electric & Safety Basics which in conjunction with their core PV course qualifies students to sit for the NABCEP ENtry Level Exam at computer based testing centers located nation wide. This training covers the training hours required for both the NABCEP PV and Thermal installer exam requirements.