FAQs

General Questions

Which classes should I take?
Where do you offer classes?
Logistics & lodging
Where else can I take renewable energy classes?
Where can I learn about careers in renewable energy?
Other Resources

Certification and Q&A for Installers

Do you offer certification?
Do you offer the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam?
How do I become a NABCEP Certified Installer?
Why do you have prerequisites for your classes?
What exceptions are there to prerequisites?

Payment and Policies

How do I cancel registration?
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
What forms of payment do you accept?



General Questions

What classes are right for me?

If your are a homeowner/consumer and interested in learning about which technologies may be right for you, but not installing your own system, you may want to consider one of our introductory seminars like:

If you are planning to install a solar electric or solar hot water system on your own home or planning to install solar as a business, please plan to attend our professional series of hands-on workshops:

Where do you offer your classes?

Currently we offer classes in Hudson, Massachusetts - about an hour west of Boston. Please come see us!

Logistics and Lodging. I'm coming in from out of town, where can I stay?

Hudson is about one hour West of Boston, one hour South of Manchester, New Hampshire and one hour north of Providence, Rhode Island. If you are flying in, TF Green airport in Providence and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport often offer great flights and easy access. The Holiday Inn Express in Hudson, MA, offers special room rates ($95 per night) to Alternative Energy Store students! The hotel is about 2 miles from AltE. The Comfort Inn in Marlborough also offers good rates, and a AAA discount of about $85 per night. The Comfort Inn is about 5 miles from AltE. If you are looking for an extended stay hotel, try Homestead Studio Suites in Marlborough.

There are nearby campgrounds available from May through October as well. Check out Minuteman Campground in Littleton and Lake Shirley Beach & Campgrounds in Shirley.

Where else can I pursue my renewable energy education?

There are fantastic schools across the US. Here are just a few:

Where can I find job postings for careers in renewable energy?

Some Other Resources

Certification and Q&A for Installers

Can I earn certification by taking this class?

IREC Logo
AltE U training workshops are ISP Accredited.

Great question and we like the way you think! Currently there is no regulated standard to be a certified PV or Solar Thermal installer. Every state has their own requirement for installation. However, there is a voluntary certification through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and we encourage anyone who is getting into the installation business to pursue this certification. As of May 15, 2009 AltE U offers ISP accredited training programs. Our 300 level PV and Solar Water Heating installation classes are ISP accredited and count toward the NABCEP educational requirement. In order to become a NABCEP certified installer, in addition to educational requirements (accredited programs), you will also need to install systems before you are able to take the national exam held twice a year.

Do you offer the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy sales, you may be interested in the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge. We offer the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge test after successful completion of PV 301 and 302. Learn more here: www.nabcep.org

For clarification, the following is from the accrediting body, IREC: "Terms can get confusing. NABCEP's PV installer certification is a high-level credential based on proven installation experience, an extensive application process, and successfully passing a rigorous written examination. It verifies that the certificant has met predetermined and standardized criteria. It is a mark of excellence for the PV practitioner and it becomes a way for consumers to differentiate among vendors. The PV entry level program is an instructional program that stresses basic concepts and specific skill sets that underlie photovoltaic system applications. Participants receive the PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge after attending and completing a course, and passing a NABCEP-approved entry level test."

NABCEP Installation Certification

NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, has a rigorous process to become a certified PV or solar thermal installer. At least 40 hours of classroom study plus a number of installations are required before you are able to sit for a national exam held twice a year. Please visit the NABCEP website for specific information on installer certification.

Why do you have prerequisites for some classes?

Our goal is to provide a quality educational program that meets the needs of our students. We know that you are excited about furthering your education and we can't wait to help! We have found that it is essential that our students have a solid foundation upon which to build their learning. Although some folks may feel they don't need to take an introductory or basic class, the information provided and method of presentation sets the stage for future knowledge.

Are there any exceptions to taking the required prerequisites?

We do our best to ensure we offer the most complete education we can, and we realize in some cases, you have already begun your RE training. If you have a certificate of completion of a five or six day course from an ISP accredited program or NABCEP Approved Provider or if you have passed the NABCEP Entry Level Certification of Knowledge Exam, please provide your certificate and we can accept that as the prerequisite for our PV 301/302 class. Or if you have at least two years of design and installation of PV or solar thermal systems, please send us documentation and we can count that toward your prerequisite for the 301 class as well.

Payment and Policies

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Please inform us in writing of your cancellation. Use our online email form. If you cancel prior to 30 days before the workshop start date, 50% of your total tuition is non-refundable, plus the cost of any materials sent to you. If you cancel within 30 days of the beginning of the workshop, your entire tuition is non-refundable. Unfortunately we are unable to transfer your tuition to a future class.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

If you cancel prior to 30 days before the workshop start date, we can refund 50% of your tuition, less the cost of any materials sent to you. If you cancel within 30 days of the beginning of the workshop, your entire tuition is non-refundable, and we cannot refund you. Unfortunately we are unable to transfer your tuition to a future class.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment in full at the time of registration is required to hold a seat for any class. We accept credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover; cash, and money orders. If you pay by check, we must receive the check within 5 business days of registration in order to hold the seat for the class.

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877-878-4060

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