Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/26/2026 - 09/27/2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location
Marietta College


Online Sessions:  Aug 11th – Sept 15th

In-Person (Marietta, OH):  Sept 26th-27th

So how does the solar course work?

Online Self-Paced Study:  Registered students will have access to the 46-hour online Residential Solar Installation & Design course.  This course tracks with the provided textbook (Understanding Photovoltaics), and is organized into 15 chapters, 71 major topic areas – with 15 review quizzes, 25 lab projects, dozens of integrated videos, links to online resources and materials for added comprehension and more.

Upon registration, each student will be given access to this program and can begin studying at their own pace.  But most people need a bit of structure – so that will be provided as well with weekly Zoom sessions.  While this online session is designed to begin Aug 11th – you can start earlier if you like or even join us a bit later and catch up.

Instructor-Led Study Sessions:  Beginning Aug 11th instructor-led sessions via Zoom will be held to walk through each chapter and session, clarifying difficult concepts and reviewing the most important highlights.  These sessions will take place once a week for six weeks (Tuesdays at 1 pm eastern).  If you cannot attend these sessions, they are recorded and you will receive a weekly link.

Instructor Availability via E-mail:  Often questions arise and can’t wait for the next Zoom meeting.  An instructor is available to answer questions via e-mail throughout the course.

Hands-On Labs:  On Sept 26th we will host the course hands-on labs, that provide opportunity to work directly with actual PV systems and also fulfills the hands-on requirements of the ETA PV Level 1 certification.  The hands on labs take a full day to complete.  The hands-on as well as the exam will take place in Marietta, OH.

Certification Examination:  We will host an examination session on Sept 27th in Marietta.  We we hold a comprehensive review session in the morning, followed in the afternoon with a proctored exam.  Remote proctoring is also available at a time scheduled by you if you cannot attend the in-person examination.

Remotely Proctored Certification Examination:  ETA now offers remote proctoring of their examinations through ExamRoom AI.   In this way you can take the examination from your own computer, with a live remote proctor monitoring the process.  ETA will help you through the process of registering for the examination.  The certification examination fees ($155 to ETA) are included in the course registration fee).  You will, however, be responsible for the $14 fee to ExamRoom AI should you select this option.

The examination consists of 75 multiple choice questions (with a 2-hour time limit).  You must achieve a score of 75% to pass.

(*by registering, student taking the solar course agrees to the terms outlined in the Waiver of Liability)

Course Content:

A copy of the textbook, Understanding Photovoltaics, is included in the cost of this course.

  • This course content includes:

    • Introduction to Photovoltaics
    • Solar Cells and Solar Modules
    • Types of Photovoltaic Systems
    • Basic Electrical Concepts
    • Parts of the PV System
    • Conducting a Site Survey
    • Design/Install the Array and Inverter
    • Wiring the System
    • Energy Storage Systems
    • Mounting Systems
    • Designing a Stand-Alone System
    • Job Site Safety
    • Paperwork
    • Testing and Commissioning the System
    • System Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Hands-On Labs include:

  • Using a multi-meter
  • Wire selection and termination
  • Making MC4 jumpers in the field
  • Creating a simple circuit
  • Connecting panels and batteries in series, parallel, and a combination of the two
  • Climbing safety
  • Testing a solar panel
  • Assembling and connecting a complete string inverter system (mounting panels on racks, connecting to a combiner box, hooking up a DC disconnect,  wiring the inverter, connecting to the AC disconnect, and then connecting to the circuit breaker panel)
  • Mounting and connecting micro inverters
  • Assembling a hybrid system (integrating wind and solar), testing diverted load charge controller
  • Making and testing a solar generator
  • Doing a site assessment, including working with an irradiance meter and a Solar Pathfinder
  • Sizing wire based on load and temperature
  • Selecting and pricing all components
  • Working through the design (start to finish) of a residential PV system

This course prepares students to sit for the ETA Photovoltaic Installer (PVI) Level 1. It is the first level of ETA’s certifications designed to assess renewable energy professionals. It is also a great first step for those seeking to enter the PV industry, and perhaps later prepare to sit for the ETA Photovoltaic Installer Level 2 or  NABCEP PV certification programs. 

 
Some jurisdictions (the state of Illinois, for example) require certification in order for an installer to install PV systems or apply for solar incentive programs.  The ETA PV Level 1 certification meets these requirements in most cases.
 
This course is offered  in partnership with several not-for-profits.  The fee for this six-week course is $599 and includes:  Instruction, hands-on labs, textbook and lab material, and ETA examination fees.  This course may be eligible for VA and Americorps funding.  Scholarships, on rare occasions may also be available based on need.   Group discounts may also be available.
 
Contact annie@bluerockstation.com at 740-252-6295 for further details regarding the management of fees.
Early Registration Fee:  $599 (includes ETA examination fee, online course, textbook, course materials and instructor led sessions)*
(*by registering, the student taking the solar course agrees to the terms outlined in the Waiver of Liability)

 

 

Solar PV Certification Workshop (Residential) – Hybrid (online sessions Aug 11th-Sept 15th) + hands-on labs, certification exam)