Photovoltaic Installer Training and Credentialing Position Statement

• The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) offers a number of training programs and workshops in the fields of photovoltaics (PV) and distributed power technologies. These programs are offered at FSEC’s facilities in Cocoa, Florida and other locations, and specifically target industry professionals including contractors, engineers, building officials, system integrators, electric utilities and end-users.
  
  
• Participants successfully completing these courses are awarded a certificate of completion from FSEC. FSEC has no authority to certify or endorse individuals to practice in the fields of PV system design or installation, in Florida or in any other state. Regulation of contracting business and trade practices is the dominion of state and local jurisdictions, licensing boards and building departments, and professional associations. FSEC encourages prospective customers and purchasers of PV systems and products to consult with trade associations and their local jurisdictional authorities on requirements for contracting, permitting, installation and inspection of PV systems and other distributed power applications.
  
  
• As part of these course offerings, FSEC may administer cognitive and hands-on exercises, quizzes or examinations to the participants for learning assessment purposes. These assessments are reviewed and evaluated during the course, offering participants and instructors alike opportunities to identify areas of weaknesses and needs for improvement. Successfully completing these assessments indicates that the students have developed a fundamental understanding of PV installation practices and requirements. However, it does not constitute any type of certification or endorsement by FSEC, nor is it a requirement for participation or eligibility in any FSEC or state-funded rebate or subsidy programs for PV or distributed power applications. FSEC makes no claims or takes any responsibility for other states and institutions that may require certain training from FSEC as a requirement for participation in certain programs, or otherwise.
  
  
• FSEC is an approved continuing education (CE) provider for Florida contractors, and engineers, recognized by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Certain courses and workshops that FSEC offers are approved by DBPR for CE credits required of Florida license holders, specifically under the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB). To meet DBPR requirements (and for training program accreditation), FSEC maintains records of all course offerings and participants, including names and affiliation, contact information, title/occupation and license numbers as applicable. FSEC is required to notify DBPR and validate the attendance and completion of CE courses for each applicable Florida license holder.
  
  
• FSEC’s photovoltaic training programs are accredited by the Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP). This accreditation involves a self-review and independent audit of programs, curricula and courseware, facilities and equipment, instructors and qualifications, and overall administrative support and quality systems of the institution. ISP accreditation does not endorse or qualify FSEC to certify or offer any specific credentials to participants attending accredited programs. For more information on this accreditation process, please see:
  http://irecusa.org/index.php?id=25.