Solar Training, Apprentice Programs & Licensing

There are rigorous requirements to become a solar PV and thermal installer in Oregon.  Please refer to the resources below for more information.

Energy Trust of Oregon Solar Trade Ally

The Energy Trust of Oregon offers a set of incentives for the installation of solar electric systems for both residential and commercial customers through their Trade Ally program. Becoming an Energy Trust trade ally requires program training, a contractor's license and insurance. For more information check their website for how to join the solar trade ally network. 

Oregon Construction Contractors Board

Contractor Licensing click here.

Oregon Building Codes Division

Individual & Contractor Licenses click here.
Electrical License Continuing Education Requirements click here.

Solar Electric Specific Licensing and Training

Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)

The Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license is a specialty electrician license. LRT's are specialty electricians trained to install renewable energy systems (solar electric, wind turbines, micro-hydro, and fuel cells) up to 25kW AC.

LRT's are regulated in the same way that all other electricians in the state of Oregon are, through the Building Codes Division (BCD) and the Electrical and Elevator Board. More information on the LRT can be found here.

For more information on the LRT program contact the program administrators at: www.solarapprenticeship.org, Dr. Michelle Maher, or email support[at]solarapprenticeship.org, 541.870.5538.

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) is the most respected, well-established and widely recognized national certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers certifications and credentials for skilled professionals, specialists and those new to working in the areas of photovoltaics, solar heating, and small wind technologies. The first NABCEP Solar PV Installer certification exam (now called PV Installation Professional) was administered in 2003. Since then, NABCEP has launched and maintained 8 Board Certification Programs and 3 Associate credentials. Visit NABCEP's website.

Requirements and Education
PV Installer Certification
Solar Thermal Installer Certification

Renewable Energy Training 

Clackamas Community College - Renewable Energy Program

Earn a degree or certificate in Renewable Energy Technology at Clackamas Community College and you'll learn to develop and install energy-efficient systems and products.

With a variety of new energy sources coming to light in recent years, technicians are needed to calculate, install and maintain the newest and most energy-efficient of those systems. By earning an Associates of Applied Science degree in Renewable Energy Technology at Clackamas Community College, you'll gain a variety of expertise in the field with possible careers as an energy audit and efficiency technician, a wind turbine technician and many others.
 
Clackamas CC can be reached at (503) 594-3318, or on the web at https://www.clackamas.edu/Programs/Renewable-Energy-Technology.aspx

Oregon Institute of Technology - B.S. & M.S. Renewable Energy Engineering

Over fifteen years ago, Oregon Tech introduced the first Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering. This program represents OIT’s commitment to sustainable power and renewable energy by emphasizing engineering principles that graduates will need to develop, promote, and implement sustainable energy technologies. Oregon Tech’s B.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering is the only ABET-accredited renewable energy engineering program in North America.

The Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) program is offered at the Oregon Tech Portland-Metro Campus. This program accommodates full-time students as well as working professionals. The MSREE program prepares graduates to be energy engineering professionals with advanced knowledge and skills that enable them to assume a broad range of technical leadership roles.