Page 8 – Everblue Training

Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification Gains Momentum

We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about the Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification (also known as the Alabama blower door certification), so we thought we’d take a moment to explain this state requirement and what you need to do to be in compliance.

Why is Duct & Blower Door Testing Required?

Across the country, states are starting to require duct and blower door testing per their residential energy codes in order to create a more energy-efficient housing stock. This ultimately leads to safer, stronger, more durable homes with lower energy costs.

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) offers a standardized set of guidelines that contractors must follow. The residential section of that code enforces energy efficiency standards on new construction homes.

A new version of the code debuts every 3 years, but it’s up to states to adopt and implement whichever version is universally agreed to be best for their region. Oftentimes, states are reluctant to adopt the newest version of the code until it proves to be cost-effective and truly better for all. This results in states lagging behind.

For example, as of the publication date of this writing, there are states on the 2009 IECC, 2012 IECC, 2015 IECC, and 2018 IECC.

Note: This image is from energycodes.gov and was last updated on March 31, 2020. It’s interesting that the map shows Alabama as being on 2009 IECC when the Alabama code requirements page specifically says that it’s on the 2015 IECC.

Why You Need the Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification

You probably work in the state of Alabama in a residential trade, such as HVAC, and by having the Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification, you’ll be able to show compliance and get more work.

But why now?

As we mentioned above, states are often slow to adopt and slow to implement the newest codes. In addition, the blower door testing requirement is often so vaguely described in the code that code enforcement officials are slow to understand what’s actually required and how to enforce it.

Here are the fast takeaways:

In October 2012, Alabama adopted the 2009 Alabama Energy & Residential Code, which first introduced the concepts of duct and blower door testing.

An updated residential code went into effect on October 1, 2016, which requires duct tightness testing on all new ductwork and R-8 insulation for all ducts in attics.

This latest requirement is based on the 2015 IECC Code, which also allows homebuilders to use the Energy Rating Index (ERI) as a code compliance pathway. The required Energy Rating Index score in Alabama that must be met is 70 or lower.

How You Can Get the Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification

As we mentioned above, the blower door testing requirement is often poorly explained in the code – and by that, I mean it’s never straightforward and never explicitly states what’s required. So that means that there are a few hoops that you have to jump through.

Understand that there are multiple duct & blower door certifications. The code does not literally require you to earn an “Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification.” That’s just how people refer to the requirement. The requirement itself is based on nationally recognized duct & blower door testing certifications. Research BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage Certification, RESNET HERS Rater Certification, BPI Building Analyst Certification, and Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier. Let us explain them to you. Call us at (800) 460-2575.
Recognize that code requirements are enforced by municipality. This means that the certification supported in X county may not be the most appropriate choice for Y county. Call your local building department or wherever you intend to offer duct & envelope testing to see which certification is preferred. Your fate (code compliance) lies in the hands of the code enforcement office, so you have to do what they say.
You must register with the state of Alabama. After you’ve earned the necessary duct & envelope testing certification, you have to pay a $50 fee, submit an application, and acquire a contractor ID from the state. This will get you listed on a registry of contractors who can perform the tests. If an inspector wants to verify that someone is qualified, they can pull the list and see if you’re on there.

How Everblue Can Help You

Here at Everblue, we offer home energy auditor training courses and exams that help you earn duct and blower door testing certification.

To show compliance with the Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification requirements, you may actually end up earning one of these nationally-recognized certifications:

Remember, the code does not literally require you to earn an “Alabama Duct & Envelope Testing Certification.” That’s just what people call it. The requirement itself is based on these nationally recognized duct & blower door testing certification programs.

Which Blower Door Testing Certification is Right for You?

The certifications listed above explain the same procedures for doing blower door and duct leakage tests.

After all, the mechanics behind setting up a blower door and performing an air leakage test in a home does not change depending on what state you’re in!

The biggest difference between the certifications, specifically the BPI and RESNET ones, is that they are owned by competing organizations, so that just means that they recommend different measurements and thresholds.

This is why there is much room for interpretation when it comes to code enforcement. The blower door testing certifications are like shades of blue; you just have to determine which is best for your region and your business needs.

For example..

If you work for an HVAC company that wants to do duct and blower door testing as a side service, the BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage Certification is likely your best bet because it’s the fastest to earn and the most affordable.
If you work for a home performance company that regularly provides home energy audits yet still needs to be in compliance with the state requirements, you might want to pair the BPI Building Analyst & IDL certifications.
If you’re all-in on residential energy code enforcement and want to fill a niche gap in your town, you might want the RESNET HERS Rater Certification and focus exclusively on partnering with home builders on IECC code compliance.

I know, it’s not fun deciphering what the energy code says. But we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 460-2575 if you have questions about blower door certification in Alabama and need career guidance.

Learn more about Everblue's Blower Door Test Certification Training

Learn more about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater Training

How the Energy Efficiency Industry is Evolving

A Conversation with E4TheFuture Founder, Steve Cowell

Our Everblue Co-Founder, Jon Boggiano, recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Stephen Cowell, current president of E4TheFuture. Everblue specializes in both BPI training and certification. Together they discuss the state of the energy efficiency industry, how it’s being transformed, and the bright future we have to look forward to creating together. Their conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity below.

Jon Boggiano

As a serial entrepreneur, he is an innovator, leader, and investor who focuses on forging organizations that positively impact the greater good. His twin passions are building things (products, experiences, and companies) and mentoring professionals. Jon serves as a board member and advisor to a number of companies and non-profits. He holds a BS from the US Military Academy at West Point and an MS from Stanford University. In 2011, the White House recognized Jon as a Champion of Change for his work at Everblue.

Stephen Cowell

Steve founded and has directed numerous energy efficiency and renewable energy organizations, including Conservation Services Group (CSG) in 1984. He was the organization’s chairman and CEO until the 2015 sale of its assets. Under Cowell’s leadership, CSG designed and implemented conservation and renewable energy programs for utilities, state agencies, and other entities nationwide ultimately providing services to more than 3.2 million businesses and households. Cowell successfully advocated for energy efficiency as a least-cost power supply option. He helped to create and build the residential energy efficiency industry through sound public policy, legislation, and establishment of trade ally networks as well as delivery of cost-effective programs.

E4TheFuture promotes residential clean energy and sustainable resource solutions to advance climate protection and economic fairness by influencing federal, state and local policies. Their goal is to build resilient and vibrant energy efficiency and grow the clean energy sector by developing local innovative strategies.

As a well-established thought leader, E4TheFuture serves as both an actor and an enabler of others’ actions. They publish, convene, advocate, and develop demonstration projects to promote education in their industry.

E4TheFuture collaborates with industry stakeholders to provide expert policy solutions, education, and advocacy in a pragmatic way. As a small, nimble organization, they integrate smart strategies to accomplish public policy goals to advance clean energy.

As the energy industry evolves, E4TheFuture supports advancing the effective integration of energy efficiency (EE) with other distributed clean energy resources, with the goal of ensuring affordable, clean and equitable energy use for all customers.

How did you get started?

When Steve began his career, he became interested in energy conservation. In 1979, at the request of the Carter Administration during the Iran hostage and oil crisis, Steve was asked to come up with an idea of how to address the challenge that everyone faced as oil prices tripled. So he immediately reached out to the state’s weatherization program to better understand energy conservation.

After learning about low cost and no cost energy that people can achieve on their own, he was personally thanked by Walter Mondale, then vice president of the United States, and was awarded state funding to organize workshops in Massachusetts:

“We organized workshops all over the state for the next several years [and] educated hundreds of thousands of people a year on how to save energy. That was it. That was the decisive start to the concept of energy efficiency as a public policy to help our economy. To help our country. And in 1982, I left the state government to set up a vehicle that [could] bring this to reality, and that was Conservation Services Group. We started in 1984 and we essentially developed the concept of setting up and managing energy efficiency as a resource.”

Jon: “Was Conservation Services Group an advocacy group or did they actually perform audits by going into homes and doing retrofits themselves?”

Steve: We were absolutely going into homes and doing it, because “our feeling was if we didn’t do it and prove that it worked, we couldn’t advocate for it — it has to be built on something that’s clear and can be done successfully and fully replicated.”

How has Covid-19 affected our industry?

Jon: “How would you say the community is doing currently? If somebody is furloughed because of Covid-19, is this an industry that’s growing and worth coming back to? Or should they go find another job doing something else?

Steve: “We’re coming back. They’re definitely coming back…We have been working across the industry to help facilitate the rules and procedures for how we can get back. We’re asking questions like, ‘How do we re-enter homes? What are the safety protocols? What are the health considerations? How do you comply with all [of] the new health rules that are going to be in place for at least the next year?’ We need to do a lot of training and a lot of educating to help work with the rule makers.”

Jon: “Is energy efficiency even of importance? If you look at current federal policy and the scaling back that we’re seeing, what’s your perspective on both the impact of coronavirus and the state of federal funding. Where is this going? Do you see a growing future for energy efficiency?”

Steve: “The absolute [answer] is yes. The tools that we use, the methods of communication may change, but due to the current stay-at-home recommendations, people are viewing their homes in ways that they probably didn’t when they just went in and out for dinner and went to sleep and left for work in the morning. Now they’re living there 24/7. And there are very clear comfort questions. There are health questions. We’ve been working a lot with the folks around the country who are looking at the issues surrounding how healthy is our home? Air quality, particulate matter. Considering asthma, et cetera. And so, health, and the quality of [our homes] is totally interactive and interrelated. And if we’re going to meet our climate goals, we have to make our homes more energy efficient.”

The Impact and Extension of Technology

Jon: “Everyone these days has now been getting more accustomed to doing things remotely, getting more comfortable with technology to mitigate the exposure and lower the risk of spreading Covid-19.”

Steve: “Exactly. Because more can be done online, more can be done virtually, [and] the whole issue of remote energy assessments is now on the table. Using data that’s available online. Being able to look at a home virtually with someone carrying their Facetime around. This epidemic has really shoved new tools into our lap, and provided the experience of working remotely where we have become more comfortable dealing with people in this new way rather than face to face in the same room… It’s also more efficient.”

What’s ahead in terms of public policy?

Jon: “What policy changes are coming? Is any of this current or future stimulus money going to affect our industry? What can people look for and expect either at the state or federal level? What are your thoughts?”

Steve: “There’s a proposal that’s being developed by Building Performance Association [BPA] and our team. It’s called Hope for Homes. It is a reconnection of the Home Star initiative they did in 2008 that I was leading. This was part of the 16 billion dollar energy portion of the stimulus bill. And we got that passed. This led us to the idea to take this to the next level, and move it forward- let’s do Home Star, which is basically taking the work around individual homes and accelerating it.’ But, we didn’t get it passed. We got it through the House but didn’t get it through the Senate. We came within one vote.” But, “there’s a whole coalition of folks that are putting together Hope for Homes, which would [include] incentives and technical support and tax credits, et cetera.”

Getting the Economy Back on Track

Steve: “First, you’ve got to deal with the health, right? Get people healthier. Stop the spread. But, we have to then get our economy working again. There’s a lot of discussion and talk about what do we need to do to get our economy back up and moving. Hope for Homes is one part of that equation that we’re hoping will be incorporated into the stimulus bill. Yes, one part of many… and we are working with contractors and small businesses in our industry to help them with the PPP program to help them deal with the health issues. There’s the PPP and the PPE, or personal protective equipment… BPA has a website with information on both of those things to help those in the industry navigate what’s out there.”

The Future of Energy Efficiency

Jon: “So you see lots of new opportunities for people? Any trends you see right now? What would you recommend for people? Do you see any trends in training and certifications or utility programs that people should be on the lookout for? What are the trends that you’re seeing that people can look for over the next six months to a year?”

The Road Ahead

Steve: “We have work to do. It is complex, but we can work together to evolve our industry. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to chart a new path forward.”

Jon: “Prior to the pandemic, the biggest complaint I’ve heard from a lot of businesses is just finding people, their biggest constraint to growing their energy auditing and energy efficiency, home performance business was labor. Where can they find great talent? Do we think the pandemic will change that?”

Steve: “Well, there’ll be a lot of people looking for work.”

Jon: “Yep, and hopefully we can draw them into the industry.”

Steve: “That’s right. Come on in. Is this an industry that’s got a long way to go? Absolutely. There are great opportunities [and] new skills to take advantage of. Join us.”

Thank you, Steve, for taking the time to share your thoughts on the industry with us. We really enjoyed our time together and learning about the policy changes that will help accelerate and grow the energy efficiency industry. If you’re as excited as we are to improve the industry and want to get started, check out our course catalog.”

NABCEP PV Certifications Are Eligible for GI Bill Reimbursement

Veterans and transitioning military personnel can now use their GI Bill benefits to pursue any of these NABCEP PV Certifications:

NABCEP PV Associate
NABCEP PV Design Specialist
NABCEP PV Commissioning Specialist
NABCEP PV Installation Professional
NABCEP PV System Inspector

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the largest standards and certification body for the solar industry. The NABCEP PV certifications are ANSI Accredited, which further supports their quality and professionalism.

With this approval from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, veterans can now apply for reimbursement of exam fees, which range from $199-$500 per certification. Simply fill out the GI Bill reimbursement application.

Solar Training for Veterans

Here at Everblue, we offer IREC-accredited solar training courses that prepare candidates for the following NABCEP PV Certifications:

As a Veteran Owned Small Business, we understand how difficult it can be to transition back into civilian life and start a new career.

Note that the GI Bill will only cover exam fees. If you’d also like to receive a military discount on solar training, email a copy of your DD214 to [email protected] and we will assist you further.

Jon & Chris Boggiano — Everblue founders Chris & Jon Boggiano

NABCEP PV Certification a Great Fit for Veterans

Working in the solar industry takes leadership, teamwork, perseverance, technical skills, and attention to detail – all of the skills that veterans and transitioning military personnel learned in the armed services.

For example, as a veteran, you are accustomed to:

Executing specific mission-driven tasks

While working in the solar industry, you might be asked to install a 10-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a client.

Taking orders and delegating tasks

A project manager or solar sales rep might assign you to a client and authorize you to delegate responsibilities to your team to ensure an effective installation.

Working outside / in all kinds of weather

Solar installers commonly work on roofs of commercial and residential buildings.

Working independently and in small teams

You’ll need to communicate with the client to understand their unique needs, collaborate with team members to design an effective PV system, and (depending on the size of the company) work independently or in a small team to install the system.

Following complex instructions

Solar PV systems can be dangerous if you don’t understand circuitry, wiring, and electrical code requirements.

Protecting others around you

To ensure a safe working environment, the NABCEP PV Certifications require professionals to have an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 job-site safety card.

It’s no wonder that the federal government has been a huge supporter of solar careers for veterans. Government solar training programs, such as the Solar Training Network and Solar Ready Vets, help prepare veterans with solar job skills and connect them to employers.

How Everblue Can Help You to Begin Working in Solar

As mentioned above, we offer IREC-accredited solar training courses to help you earn any of these NABCEP PV Certifications:

Many of our courses are available 100% online (self-paced) so you can begin learning about solar energy immediately and from anywhere in the world.

We have also partnered with Fayetteville Technical Community College to offer Solar Ready Vets, so if you’re interested in participating in that unique program, we can work with you on that as well. At the end of the Solar Ready Vets program, you will be ready to take the NABCEP PV Associate exam.

Which of the NABCEP PV Certifications is Best for You?

The NABCEP PV Associate credential is the best place to start for those who are new to solar and need to obtain entry-level knowledge of PV sales, design, installation, operations, and maintenance. Obtaining this credential is viewed as a prerequisite toward earning the other NABCEP PV Certifications.

After you’ve earned the NABCEP PV Associate credential, you’ll have a better idea of what area of solar you’ll want to specialize in – design, commissioning, installation, inspecting, etc. The more advanced NABCEP PV Certifications focus on these specialties and assume that you’ve already passed the NABCEP PV Associate exam.

Despite its name, the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification offers the broadest range of knowledge, spanning topics in electricity, job-site safety, PV system design, sales, commissioning, and – of course – installation. If you’re sold on pursuing a career in solar, you should pursue the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification because that’s where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

If you have any questions on where to start or how to begin, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

Learn more about Everblue's NABCEP PV Associate Training

Learn more about Everblue's NABCEP Certification Training

LEED Online Exam Proctoring: What to Expect

Want to understand what to expect with LEED Online Exam Proctoring? The U.S. Green Building Council has now announced that in addition to their regular testing format, they are now offering LEED exams online. USGBC has long used Prometric testing centers to administer their exams, but they now have added exam proctoring through the service ProProctor to accommodate those seeking their credential during this time.

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, many organizations are migrating their professional exams to online platforms. Online exam proctoring provides an alternative to having to travel to a testing center to abide by current recommendations to reduce potential risks of exposure to the novel coronavirus.

If you have already scheduled your live exam at a Prometric test center and want to change the format to the online exam, you need to cancel your original appointment by visiting Prometric and then schedule your online exam according to the steps below.

Format of the Exam

The format of the exam will stay the same. The Green Associate exam evaluates general knowledge of green building practices and how to be a support figure for those working on LEED projects. It is ideal for those new to green building and is a prerequisite for the AP, or Accredited Professional exams.

As always, we recommend to spend some time reviewing our course materials and practice questions before taking the exam. The official exam is two hours long and contains 100 multiple-choice questions.

Once you earn your credential, you must earn 15 continuing education hours within two years of passing your exam. Learn more about our LEED Green Associate CMP, which contain all of the hours you need in one place!

Steps for Taking the LEED Green Associate Exam Online:

Register for your exam on USGBC and create a user account. You will then select, register for an exam. You will need to pay for the exam before scheduling it.
From there, you will be redirected to Prometric
Search GBCI professional exams.
Select the exam you are seeking to take and choose ‘Online’.

You’ll have to make sure your computer meets all of the requirements for ProProctor and then you should be good to go! Check out Prometric’s ProProctor User Guide, which offers a systems readiness check and includes their testing environment requirements for successful online exam proctoring.

What to Expect

The USGBC will be taking LEED online exam proctoring very seriously, which is important because it will continue to protect and uphold the integrity of the exam and the value of the credential. When preparing to take the online exam, be prepared to:

Share the location in which you plan to test. You will need to show on camera the area around where you plan to test.
Empty your pockets and desk of all materials. The proctor will want to ensure that you have no materials available to help you on the exam.
Repeating the questions out loud will not be permitted. Ensure your environment is quiet and you will not be interrupted.

We don’t know how long USGBC will be allowing online exams, so if you’ve been sitting on your goal of pursuing a LEED credential, don’t wait any longer! Start today with our LEED Green Associate Exam Prep!

Register now for LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

HERS Rater Salary: How Much Do RESNET HERS Raters Make?

Here at Everblue, we provide vocational job training and professional development courses for professionals in the sustainability and energy efficiency industries. One of the popular career paths is to become a certified RESNET HERS Rater. Naturally, newcomers to the industry want to know about a RESNET HERS Rater salary before they invest in their education, so let’s take a look at that.

We reviewed the three most popular job search websites:

Indeed.com
Payscale.com
ZipRecruiter.com

And we should note that a RESNET HERS Rater salary will certainly vary depending on the company, state, and a candidate’s background.

Indeed.com seemed to have the most transparency, with the most up-to-date information from credible sources.

How Much Do HERS Raters Make?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a HERS Rater ranges from approximately $17.85 per hour to $26.77 per hour. Assuming you work a typical 40-hour work week for 52 weeks, this equates to $37,128 to $55,681.60 per year.

Indeed says that the estimate is based on past and present job advertisements on Indeed as well as feedback from HERS Raters and Indeed users over the past 36 months.

I couldn’t help but notice that the featured positions on Indeed’s website were all for HERS Rater jobs in California, which actually skews our data a bit. The California HERS Rater designation is a different beast than the RESNET HERS Rater Certification known in every other state. So let’s spot-check a few other states to see if this salary estimate holds up.

Maryland: $24,960-$37,440
New Mexico: $55,000-$60,000
North Carolina: $40,000
Pennsylvania: $40,000
Texas: $41,600

Yup, it sure does.

HERS Rater Salary by State

ZipRecruiter.com also posted its estimates for HERS Rater salary by state, broken down by hourly wage and annual salary.

ZipRecruiter, however, offered the least transparency on how they came to these estimates, so take it with a grain of salt.

State	Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
Alabama	$19.05	$39,624
Alaska	$16.68	$34,685
Arizona	$17.70	$36,816
Arkansas	$16.79	$34,918
California	$18.73	$38,954
Colorado	$17.90	$37,226
Connecticut	$19.18	$39,885
Delaware	$17.92	$37,376
Florida	$16.09	$33,475
Georgia	$17.07	$35,516
Hawaii	$19.88	$41,347
Idaho	$19.05	$39,624
Illinois	$16.70	$34,728
Indiana	$17.59	$36,580
Iowa	$17.25	$35,870
Kansas	$17.62	$36,657
Kentucky	$18.27	$38,000
Louisiana	$17.42	$36,243
Maine	$17.50	$36,391
Maryland	$19.18	$39,898
Massachusetts	$20.70	$43,051
Michigan	$16.80	$34,943
Minnesota	$17.97	$37,371
Mississippi	$16.51	$34,334
Missouri	$16.47	$34,253
Montana	$19.05	$39,624
Nebraska	$18.89	$39.296
Nevada	$19.05	$39,624
New Hampshire	$20.14	$41,899
New Jersey	$18.19	$37,829
New Mexico	$16.84	$35,032
New York	$20.90	$43,462
North Carolina	$15.32	$31,875
North Dakota	$19.05	$39,624
Ohio	$17.78	$36,981
Oklahoma	$17.56	$36,522
Oregon	$17.92	$37,281
Pennsylvania	$18.08	$37,600
Rhode Island	$19.02	$39,561
South Carolina	$17.98	$37,405
South Dakota	$18.23	$37,911
Tennessee	$17.91	$37,249
Texas	$16.88	$35,108
Utah	$17.62	$36,641
Vermont	$18.92	$39,346
Virginia	$18.64	$38,781
Washington	$20.55	$42,750
West Virginia	$18.16	$37,783
Wisconsin	$17.74	$36,893
Wyoming	$19.05	$39,624

The website listed $39,624/year as the national average, with the majority of HERS Raters ranging between $32,000 and $45,000.

How HERS Raters Compare to Other Occupations

Payscale.com couldn’t specifically link to a HERS Rater job description, but based on the salaries of similar occupations (such as Energy Auditor at $37k, Energy Analyst at $43k, Sustainability Consultant at $58k, Sustainability Director at $82k), it seems they were able to determine an average salary for a HERS Rater to be around $54,000 per year.

Now I would argue that the HERS Rater job description is more closely aligned with the Energy Auditor than it is the Sustainability Director.

When I think of Sustainability Director, I typically think of a white-collar office job implementing corporate social responsibility policies at a Fortune 500 company like Walmart. For an Energy Auditor, I typically think of a blue-collar job where a person’s primary work environment is “in the field” (in this case, a home).

A RESNET HERS Rater’s job does fall somewhere in between the two but is more similar to an Energy Auditor’s job. In fact, HERS Raters conduct energy audits but they also perform more sophisticated analyses using energy modeling software. And unlike the Energy Auditor, who primarily works for homeowners, a HERS Rater can be employed by homeowners, builders, municipalities, and residential code enforcement agencies.

Now that you have an understanding of the average HERS Rater salary, continue pursuing your goal by registering for the RESNET HERS Rater training program. Still have questions? Give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

What Online Solar Courses Look Like: Screenshots of the Platform

At Everblue, we make online learning easy. This post will tell you what you can expect your online solar course experience to be like.

Our aim with all of our training is to help you find success. Whether that’s learning a new skill, getting a job, getting promoted, or growing a business, we aim to provide you the best professional development you’ve ever experienced. To that end, we are always innovating and improving our offerings to help make you as successful as possible.

Accessing Your Online Solar Course

First, gaining access is easy. Logging in takes you directly to your course dashboard.

The interface is super simple to use and accessible on any device, anywhere in the world.

We have designed the entire experience to be simple and straightforward. Here is a preview of the interface:

Getting Started With Your Online Solar Training Course

Each course features a welcome message and an introduction. If needed, our staff is here to help you to ensure that get the most out of your learning experience.

Take Your Solar Training One Module at a Time

Each course is composed of distinct modules that make the experience more digestible. You will complete one module at a time.

Each module shows you how long it is, what the activities included look like, and whether or not that module is completed.

Some modules have practice exercises, quiz questions, documents to review, etc.

The course clearly lays out what is expected and as students provide feedback, we are constantly tweaking the courses to keep them current and to provide for the best possible experience.

What a Solar PV Installation Module Looks Like

Within each online solar course module is typically a video, practical exercises, and a set of review questions immediately following:

On the left hand side, the course modules are listed out individually. You simply work through each module to complete the course.

How Do I Track My Progress?

Within your online solar course is a progress bar to help you track your completion status.

What If You Need Help?

If you run into trouble or have questions, our team is here to help ensure your success.

If you have any questions or hesitations, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

Learn more about Everblue's PV101 Training

NABCEP PV Associate Exam Now Available with Live Online Proctoring

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has announced its plans to offer live online proctoring for the entry-level NABCEP PV Associate exam.

What is the NABCEP PV Associate Exam?

The NABCEP PV Associate exam is the first-level credentialing exam for aspiring solar professionals.

Previously known as NABCEP PV Entry Level, the PV Associate credential highlights fundamental knowledge in the solar industry, such as:

Types of Solar PV Systems
Solar Industry Drivers
Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar PV
PV System Sizing
Basics of Electricity
Solar Energy Principles
PV System Components
Relevant Codes
Safety
PV System Maintenance

What is Live Online Proctoring?

This method of online exam proctoring means that candidates can now earn the NABCEP Associate credential on their own computer and without having to leave their home.

The benefits of live online proctoring include:

Reduced costs associated with traveling to testing sites
Reduced safety concerns
Reduced carbon footprint
Greater accessibility

When will Live Online Proctoring be available?

Eligible candidates can schedule to take the NABCEP PV Associate exam by way of live online proctoring right now.

To qualify for the NABCEP PV Associate exam, a candidate must satisfy one of these prerequisite pathways:

Complete an approved training program (such as our NABCEP PV Associate course) or
Document 6 months of work experience in a solar PV field

If you are qualifying through the education pathway, you will be asked to complete a Candidate Eligibility Form that we provide as part of our program. After you return the completed form to us, we will verify that you completed the program and then upload the application to your myNABCEP account and pay your NABCEP PV Associate exam fee. You will then log into your myNABCEP account and sign up for live online proctoring (LOP).

Candidates may schedule to take their exam through LOP now, but live online proctored exam sessions will only begin on May 1, 2020.

What are the technical requirements for the NABCEP LOP exam?

To take your NABCEP PV Associate exam in a live online proctored environment, your computer must meet the following system requirements:

A well-working computer with 1 GB of RAM or higher
An Internet speed of at least 2 Mbps upload and 2 Mbps download.
A webcam with 640×480 video pixel resolution
Working speakers connected to the computer
A microphone connected to the computer
Browser compatibility: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari

A laptop with built-in webcam and built-in microphone is best.

What if I’ve already taken the NABCEP PV Associate exam?

Great! Now you can start preparing for NABCEP’s advanced certifications – what they call the Board Certifications.

NABCEP is actively working on converting its Board Certifications to be offered on the LOP platform and will announce those scheduling and launch dates soon.

In the mean time, make sure that you’ve satisfied all of the educational / training prerequisites. Check out our solar training courses to best prepare for certification exams like NABCEP PV Design Specialist and NABCEP PV Installation Professional.

Here at Everblue, we offer high-quality, accredited solar training courses to help you break into a new career, start a new business, and earn NABCEP certification. Start today!

Federal Energy Subsidies: Let’s Stop Funding Things That Kill Us

When we first started Everblue, I always felt a little guilty that solar and other forms of renewables couldn’t survive without a state or federal energy subsidy. It went against the free market, right?

But over time, I realized that we give far more subsidy to other forms of energy. Anyone downwind of a coal plant, downriver of a coal mine, or with drinking water near coal ash storage suffers health and environmental effects ranging from asthma to cancer. What’s the cost of this hidden subsidy?

We’ve spent $7 trillion in the Middle East since 9/11, mostly fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you know why we care about the Mideast? Because it sits on top of a lot of oil. Sure, the U.S. produces about 10-11 million barrels of oil per day, but we consume twice that amount and import the shortfall. Have you ever noticed how the U.S. doesn’t really care what happens in places that don’t have big oil reserves? For $7 trillion, we could have an entirely carbon-free economy, cured cancer, and a colony on Mars with money left over.

This past week, President Trump worked with Russia and Saudi Arabia to coordinate a reduction in global oil output by about 10 million barrels a day in response to the Coronavirus. While I am happy to see less oil getting burned, the president’s motivation was ostensibly to prop up U.S. oil producers. U.S. consumers will now spend an extra $200 billion per year in the form of higher gas prices. That’s a federal energy subsidy, folks.

Meanwhile, investors are flocking to solar because of its stable, long-term returns in this time of crisis.

Imagine what could happen if we stopped subsidizing forms of energy that are killing us? Just remember this next time someone complains to you about tax credits for wind, solar, or electric vehicle batteries.

How to Manage Career and Economic Uncertainty

COVID-19 has dramatically shifted the workforce and the economy everywhere. Here’s what you should know during these changing times. These recommendations will help you both mentally and professionally.

Practice Extreme Self-Care

In times of high stress like these, we recommend that everyone practice extreme self-care. This is more an art than a science but here are some great examples:

Sleep – Anxiety and stress right now might be keeping you from getting enough high quality sleep. How may of us are wide awake with thoughts and worries in the middle of the night? Now is the perfect time to adopt some of the following strategies:

Go to bed earlier
Cut out tech 1 hour before bed
Keep a consistent bedtime
Darken your room
Use a white noise machine
Cut back on caffeine
Make time for exercise during the day
Avoid sleep aids

Eating – Try to eat healthier. When we are stressed, we tend to turn to junk food which depletes us and depresses our immune systems. Now could be a great time to start new habits like starting the day with fruit or fasting.

Exercise – It doesn’t have to be extreme. A simple walk outside in the fresh air can be a great reset.

These are just a few ideas, but the bottom line is that you need to take better care of yourself more than ever.

Take Time Off

With so many people working from home, endless news stories available on our phones, and the addictive nature of social media, everyone is having a hard time simply turning it off. Limit your expose to the news. Try checking in once in the morning and knowing that while it is important to stay informed, you are doing so each day.

Everyone should take some time off to reset. Maybe it is a just an afternoon, but this time off should involve totally unplugging from technology. Disconnect for your own mental sanity. Give yourself the time and space to relax and decompress and destress.

Find Available Resources

Sick Leave Policies – First, if you are sick or caring for someone sick, you may get up to two week’s paid sick leave under a newly proposed law that has passed Congress.

Laid Off? If you’re laid off temporarily, if your job is eliminated, or if your hours are substantially reduced due to a slow-down, you could be eligible for state unemployment. These benefits provide partial wage replacement to workers who lose their jobs or have their hours reduced through no fault of their own.

Invest in Yourself – Now is the time to focus and invest in your career. Learn a new skill, earn a new certification. Commit yourself to coming out of this crisis better than before. If you do this, you’ll come back to work stronger with a more employable, dynamic skill set.

The Solar+ Decade Means Solar Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

The Solar Energy Industries Association has announced that along with their members and allies in the solar industry, they have set a goal that 20% of all U.S electricity will be generated by solar energy by 2030.

How Everblue’s Solar Training Helps The Cause

A strong, growing solar economy and an ever-increasing opportunity to land a job in the solar field. Our classes can help prepare and train candidates looking to enter the solar industry.

In order to reach this goal, sustainable energy industries must collaborate and work together to shape the future of energy systems in America. Each year, an average of 39 gigawatts must be installed to meet the growth rate of 18% necessary to reach this goal.

Solar+ Represents Huge Opportunity

Generating 39 gigawatts of solar energy will create hundreds of thousands of new U.S. based solar jobs. These jobs will be in manufacturing, distribution, sales, design, and solar installer positions. Project managers, supervisors, and more will offer professional growth opportunities. And how many people will be inspired to start a new solar businesses?

The Coming Solar Paradigm Shift

“The Solar+ Decade represents opportunity and a paradigm shift as we transform energy use in America,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA.“When we hit this goal, by 2030 we will more than double our workforce and add $345 billion in private investment, all while offsetting electricity sector emissions by 35%. But we can’t get there on momentum alone. We’ll need policies, alliances, and action from every member of the industry to make these goals a reality,” she continued.

Ultimately, with the ambitions and aggressive goals set for the next decade, we can reduce carbon emissions by hundreds of millions of tons and replace more than 150 polluting power plants. This will create economic opportunity for so many Americans as well as clean energy for our communities.

Learn more about this ambitious goal on the SEIA website.

Won’t you join us and help make this goal a reality?