The NCCETC Training Program offers a dynamic range of educational training opportunities tailored to meet the needs of clean energy professionals at every stage of their careers. From hands-on workshops for solar installers to advanced courses for project managers and maintenance technicians, our programs are designed to equip professionals with the skills to thrive in this evolving industry. By partnering with top clean energy companies and organizations, we ensure our courses stay innovative and relevant, reflecting the latest advancements and best practices in the field.

One pivotal partnership for NCCETC’s Training program is the collaboration with IronRidge, an Enstall company. IronRidge designs and manufactures structural hardware used in residential and commercial solar systems. Their mission is to “Make Solar Stronger” by manufacturing high quality products while also supporting individuals and organizations with resources that streamline the solar design, procurement, and installation process. These resources include an online training hub through Atlas Academy, in which individuals can watch virtual courses that will allow them to access free courses on installation best practices, solar building codes, and how to use design assistant for solar systems. IronRidge also offers hands-on certification opportunities to gain experience with the tools, products, and environments that solar professionals experience daily. Both the online and in-person trainings earn North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) continuing education credits.

The online training was developed about four years ago by Susan Stark, Senior Manager of Training at IronRidge. Stark initially reached out to Spencer Wright to evaluate the new training courses and provide expert feedback. Wright promptly agreed and was subsequently hired to implement the hands-on aspects of the courses nationwide.

Prior to accepting his role at IronRidge, Wright had 16 years of solar industry experience working with companies such as Tesla and SolarCity. He was inspired to be a trainer to make a difference in his community. Wright grew up in inner city Philadelphia and helped to rehabilitate previously incarcerated individuals through workforce development training in the growing clean energy industry. Wright says he was eager to work with IronRidge as he “always wanted to be there to build that installer base and train solar technicians – to know the why behind the how”.

Now as IronRidge’s Training Development Manager, Wright heads the Installer Certification Program, conducts field training with installation companies, and travels to large distribution corporations to demonstrate solar installation. Through the Installer Certification Program, he connects with universities and schools to donate solar equipment, then visits the specific location to host a skills assessment. Participants in the Installer Certification Program get to network with other industry professionals and gain a holistic understanding of how the skills will be applied in the workforce.

Prior to the in-person skills assessment, the participants must complete the 2-hour online course through Atlas Academy, titled Installing on a Pitched Roof – Comp Shingle. This pre-requisite provides the opportunity to earn two NABCEP continuing education credits, before earning three more credits during the hands-on skills assessment.

North Carolina State University and NCCETC have partnered with IronRidge to host the Installer Certification Program and have previously held four skills assessments. There is another in-person, skills assessment opportunity on November 6, 2024, at NCCETC’s Solar Training Yard. Wright encourages not only installers to attend, but sales representatives, solar distributors, and anyone interested in the material. He says “the more a sales person understands the benefits of a component, the better they can sell it.”

The in-person course structure itself includes about an hour of classroom instruction on array math, followed by a walk to the Solar Training Yard, where participants will be assessed on the following 12 competencies:

• Marking the array
• Finding rafters/drilling pilot holes
• Installing roof attachments
• Measuring and cutting rails
• Splicing rails
• Squaring rails
• Attaching and leveling rails
• Placing and attaching MLPE
• Array bonding and ground
• Wire management – rails and modules
• Installing modules
• Array aesthetics

Wright says everyone gets on the roof to demonstrate their abilities, emphasizing that attendees must wear proper footwear for their safety. Participants will have the opportunity to install a six modular rooftop array with two rows. Individuals who pass the assessment will receive a certification certificate. Wright says this in-person event is focused on training people on how to install solar properly. He ensures that everyone on his team comes from an installer background with at least 10 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge to those learning the technical skills of the industry.

IronRidge has provided solar racking rail, connectors, fasteners, roof attachments, and fastening systems to NCCETC’s Solar Yard. Wright takes pride in ensuring the equipment is well maintained and ready to be used for the various training courses NCCETC holds.

Those interested in attending the November 6, 2024, IronRidge Installer Certification skills assessment at NCCETC must be sure to complete the online course and register for the skills assessment. Both the online course and in-person assessment are free of charge.

The Training program is grateful to have partners like IronRidge that support the Center’s mission to prepare skilled clean energy industry workers through education and outreach.