We love to praise our AltE alumni and highlight all of the great projects they complete. But in this newsletter, we thought we would take a minute to hog some of the spot light. We are very proud to announce that AltE University has been awarded accreditation from the Institute for Sustainable Power. (ISP) Following a comprehensive application and evaluation process, we are pleased join the ranks of accredited organizations like Solar Energy International, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Solar Living Institute. We are now one of only thirteen organizations in the United States to hold this international accreditation.

What does this mean for future U students?
Future NABCEP certified installers: As of May 15, 2009, our 300-level installation class hours count toward the NABCEP educational requirement. In order to apply for the NABCEP PV or Solar Thermal installation certification exam, you will most likely need to complete 40 hours of classroom training plus a number of installations. See the Educational Requirements section of the NABCEP website for more information.

NABCEP PV Certificate of Knowledge
If you are considering entering the field of renewable energy in sales or another non-installation career path, you may want to take the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. We offer the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge exam after successful completion of both PV 301 AND PV 302 (5 days total).

In the words of NABCEP: “After taking a course from an approved provider and passing a national exam, this Certificate shows that the recipient has achieved basic knowledge, comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) systems operations. The Certificate by itself does not qualify an individual to install PV systems but it does prepare them for employment in the field.”