Part Two
Certifications you might need
The residential solar market grew 40% from 2021 to 2022, a record year!
Certifications
Generally, an experienced roof installer can get their solar qualifications fairly quickly. The first order of business is to research what licenses are required to install solar PV systems in your state, as requirements by state and locality vary widely.
While certification requirements vary by state, the learning curve will be slight for roofing professionals compared to most.
One important thing to remember is that this opportunity increases compliance and liability costs. By expanding your scope of work to include solar installation, you may want to consider offering solar production guarantees to homeowners ready to install solar.
If you’re not yet ready to install solar on homes, then you should be contractually protected as the solar installer that follows your roof replacement may cause damage to the roof. It’s best to have disclaimers and damage limitation provisions in your contracts to address possible roof damage risks. You may also want to consider indemnification protections if you’re working with a solar panel installation contractor.
In this section, we’ll cover the widely accepted certifications, some of which you may already have.
Certification 1
NABCEP
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is an organization that offers a variety of certifications designed for solar installation and solar sales professionals. Some states require NABCEP certifications, while others see it as optional. In any case, starting with a NABCEP certification is a fantastic way to stand out from other installers as a way of validating your knowledge.
Certification 2
OSHA construction safety
Most roofers already have an OSHA certification, but in case you don’t, here’s what you need to know. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) courses and certification programs are designed to prevent injury on the job. Their 10-Hour Construction Industry course is popular with solar panel installers and covers hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention at construction sites. Many OSHA courses are available online, making them a convenient way to learn and acquire certifications that get your team in the field faster.
Certification 3
Electrical licenses
You won’t need any electrical licenses if you're only selling solar. However, if you also plan to install the solar yourself, you will need an electrical license. Each state issues these licenses, and the requirements vary. Becoming licensed requires passing a written exam and completing a certain number of hours of relevant experience.
