“Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC Is Wilmington, NC’s First and Only NABCEP Certified Solar PV and Thermal Installer”
WILMINGTON, NC, November 9, 2010 — Cape Fear Solar Systems is proud to announce NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification, the highest recognition of knowledge and experience in the solar field, which is in addition to their already awarded NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification earlier this year. This outstanding achievement makes this locally owned solar systems installer one of only three companies in the State of North Carolina that have on board a solar professional awarded dual NABCEP Certification. Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC is Wilmington, NC’s first and only NABCEP Certified Solar PV & Thermal Installer.
This distinguishing mark for renewable energy professionals has been awarded since 2003 by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP’s rigorous competency standards for certification send a clear message to consumers, financers, and public officials that the industry stresses the highest standards in safety, workmanship, and ethical business practices.
According to NABCEP, to this date across the USA and Canada, there are about 1,400 individuals that are NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installers™ and approximately 200 individuals that are NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installers™. In the State of North Carolina, 38 solar professionals have achieved this honorable mark as of today (30 individuals are NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installers™ and 11 individuals are NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installers™), three of which were awarded dual certification. Wilmington, NC, is currently home to two NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installers™ and two NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installers™ but only one NABCEP Certified Solar PV & Thermal Installer.
NABCEP Certification demonstrates consumer protection, quality assurance, and improved system performance. “Systems installed by NABCEP certified installers have fewer problems at the time of inspection than those installed by non-certified installers,” says New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as a result of their study and as referenced on the NABCEP web site.
NABCEP Certification is the highest mark a solar installer can achieve. As solar enjoys increasing popularity among consumers, some firms have started to abuse this distinguishing mark. In order to protect the customer, the organization keeps an online database of all NABCEP Certified Solar PV and Thermal Installers to easily verify an installer’s certification. “Certified installers are grouped by state of residency and can be found at www.nabcep.org/installer-locator,” states Sue Pratt from NABCEP. “Customers are also welcome to call in order to verify a certificant,” Mrs. Pratt adds.
NABCEP Certification for solar installers is the gold standard in the solar industry. In order to apply for the exam, an installer is evaluated on his/her experience and abilities related to supervising and managing all aspects of solar installations. “Candidates for certification must demonstrate that they truly posses the skills and knowledge that their peers and experts have deemed necessary to do the job well,” NABCEP states on their web site. Some of the skills a solar expert must demonstrate are an in-depth knowledge of system design, correctly determining client needs, properly sizing the solar system, calculating and selecting system components, wiring and conduit size, securing permits and approvals, installing electrical and mechanical components, testing and commissioning the installation, supplying detailed documentation, conducting maintenance and troubleshooting activities, etc.
“I could not be happier,” states an enthusiastic John Donoghue, recipient of the dual NABCEP Certification and founder of Cape Fear Solar Systems, “the hard work over the past few years has paid off not only for us but for our customers. Our ability to design and install affordable solar systems of the highest quality is what sets us apart from the competition. We have become Southeastern North Carolina’s most qualified solar company.”
