Solar Staffing: Green Collar Employment

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I sign up for classes?
  2. Can you tell me more about your training?
  3. Can I take SS PV 2 or SS PV 3 without taking SS PV 1?
  4. Do I need experience prior to registering for SOLAR STAFFING classes?
  5. Is SOLAR STAFFING accredited by NABCEP?
  6. What do you charge for courses?
  7. When do I have to pay for the class?
  8. If I am unable to attend the class that I registered for, can I get my money back if I cancel?
  9. Is SOLAR STAFFING on the ETPL (eligible training provider's list) for state of CA?
  10. What is the length of the courses?
  11. Where can I park my car when I arrive for the class?
  12. Can I use public transportation to get to the SOLAR STAFFING training facility?
  13. I am traveling from out of town, can I get a discount for local accommodations?
  14. What is the address for the training classes?
  15. Where can I go online to learn more about Jack London Square, where the SOLAR STAFFING facility is located?
  16. Do I need to bring anything to class?
  17. What should I wear to class?
  18. Do you give certificates of completion?
  19. Once I've completed my take home exam, where do I mail it?
  20. Am I guaranteed a job after completing SOLAR STAFFING courses?
  21. What is the contact number for SOLAR STAFFING in case I need to speak with someone?
  22. What types of jobs can people get after taking SOLAR STAFFING's classes?
  23. How much can a solar installer expect to earn?

1. How do I sign up for classes?
A: Visit www.solarstaffing.com and choose a class date from the homepage!

2. Can you tell me more about your training?
A: SOLAR STAFFING provides training for entry level PV installers, Designers, and solar sales\estimator courses to those interested in joining the fast growing solar industry. Train at a state of the art facility now and get:
  • Strong "practical" foundation in hands-on roof and ground work pertinent to solar
  • Hands-on installation of a grid-tied system
  • General knowledge of the mechanics and engineering of solar power systems
  • Basics of solar electricity, initial electrical principles, the initial concepts for solar design, how to work with the tools of the trade, how to install solar panels on to roofs, and a first level introduction to the inverters of a grid-tied PV installation
  • Solar customer service skills because the "customer is always right!"
  • Health and Safety training, in depth health and safety issues and requirements that are pertinent to the solar work place

3. Can I take SS PV 2 or SS PV 3 without taking SS PV 1?
A: You will need to take SS PV 1 as a prerequisite for SS PV 2, and SSPV 3, so that you have an industry overview and detailed understanding of grid tied solar PV systems.

4. Do I need experience prior to registering for SOLAR STAFFING classes?
A: No experience is necessary for SS PV 1. The course will cover the basic skills involved in installing solar PV systems. SS PV 1 prepares you for both SS PV 2 and SS PV 3, the sales and estimating course.

5. Is SOLAR STAFFING accredited by NABCEP?
A: NABCEP does not offer accreditation, but the course is being taught by a NABCEP-certified installer and Industry expert, and has been designed using the NABCEP task analysis as a core guideline.

6. What do you charge for courses?
A: The price for each course is shown on our website.

7. When do I have to pay for the class?
A: We require payment at the time of registration online.

8. If I am unable to attend the class that I registered for, can I get my money back if I cancel?
A: If you must cancel a class, notify SOLAR STAFFING at least 7 days prior to the class and you will receive a full refund, less a nonrefundable processing fee of $100.

9. Is SOLAR STAFFING on the ETPL (eligible training provider's list) for state of CA?
A: Yes; please contact or visit your local Private Industry Council representative for information on ETPL training and how to qualify.

10. What is the length of the courses?
A: Our 2 day courses (SS PV 1 and SS PV 2) start promptly at 9 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. SS PV 3 (sales and estimator course) is a 1 day course held from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

11. Where can I park my car when I arrive for the class?
A: Please use a designated public parking lot or surface street parking (4 hour parking requires moving vehicle once per day onto a different city block), and the following link shows parking lots near the facility, www.jacklondonsquare.com/areainformation/pdfs/parkingmap.pdf

12. Can I use public transportation to get to the SOLAR STAFFING training facility?
A: Yes, we are easily accessible by BART (12th Street Oakland Stop), as well as the ferry, Amtrak, and bus service.

13. I am traveling from out of town, can I get a discount for local accommodations?
A: SOLAR STAFFING has negotiated a discounted rate at The Jack London Square Inn, located nearby our training facility at 444 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607, and the phone number is 510.444.2032. Please mention your enrollment with SOLAR STAFFING and your price will be $79/night (standard price $109/night). For more information visit www.jacklondoninn.com.

14. What is the address for the training classes?
A: 160 Franklin Street, Suite 105, Oakland, CA 94607.

15. Where can I go online to learn more about Jack London Square, where the SOLAR STAFFING facility is located?
A: www.jacklondonsquare.com/merchantdirectory/attractions.html

16. Do I need to bring anything to class?
A: We will be providing you with a course manual. You will need to bring a pen and paper if you want to take supplemental notes.

17. What should I wear to class?
A: You will spend time outdoors in the hands-on portion of the class. Please come appropriately dressed for sun exposure and outside roof work.

18. Do you give certificates of completion?
A: Yes, all of SOLAR STAFFING's courses have an examination that must taken and passed, and afterwards a certificate of completion is mailed to the student.

19. Once I've completed my take home exam, where do I mail it?
A: 160 Franklin Street, Suite 105, Oakland, CA 94607, attention Dr. Nick Carter

20. Am I guaranteed a job after completing SOLAR STAFFING courses?
A: SOLAR STAFFING provides employers with candidates who match the experience and other requirements that they are looking for, so we cannot give you an assurance that you will find employment through SOLAR STAFFING. We recommend that you register on the SOLAR STAFFING website, www.solarstaffing.com, as part of your job search and that you also conduct a job search for relevant positions.

21. What is the contact number for SOLAR STAFFING in case I need to speak with someone?
A: 866-545-5441

22. What types of jobs can people get after taking SOLAR STAFFING's classes?
A: People with no experience in the solar industry would generally be hired in entry level jobs. People who have previous construction experience or a trade may find that are considered for jobs that require more experience.

23. How much can a solar installer expect to earn?
A: Solar installers get paid according to their experience level and vary across the United States. Average ranges in California are: an entry level installer can earn $11-17/hr, an experienced installer can make $18-23/hr, and foremen can make $25-35/hr. These are ballpark ranges and the exact amount may differ.

 

Interested in Starting Your Own Solar School?

Solar Staffing is looking for environmentally conscious entrepreneurs to join us as training partners in cities, nationwide. Please email info@solarstaffing.com or call us at (866) 545-5441. Learn More.