Since Roof Integrated Solar Energy™ (RISE™) Inc. began conferring its Certified Solar Roofing Professional™ (CSRP™) designation in 2010, nearly 50 individuals from 20 states and Canada have passed the comprehensive exam and hold the elite distinction.
The CSRP credential proves the individuals have been evaluated and certified as solar energy installers for knowledge regarding critical roof system construction and maintenance practices necessary to support successful rooftop solar energy.
As solar rooftop options become more prevalent, more building owners will seek roofing professionals with extensive knowledge of solar and photovoltaic (PV) roofing options. A CSRP has that knowledge and will bring considerable expertise to any rooftop solar or PV project.
To help candidates obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the exam, RISE offers several online resources, including a study guide. And this year, NRCA and Penn State, University Park, Pa., developed a special CSRP online study course to further prepare individuals for the CSRP exam.
The course, Rooftop Photovoltaic System Installations, takes about 15 hours to complete and discusses safety requirements; structural, roof assembly and PV system design issues; basic electrical systems principles and practices; estimating, contracting and selling a rooftop PV system; and managing and directing rooftop PV installations.
In addition, NRCA offers its Photovoltaic Roof Systems: Energizing Your Business course. The course addresses the terminology, benefits, design considerations, construction details, electrical considerations, code compliance, and business and legal issues associated with PV roof systems.
Becoming a CSRP—or even simply familiarizing yourself with the PV sector—surely will help your business and increase your knowledge of roofing industry developments.
The next scheduled CSRP exam is Feb. 7, 2013, in San Antonio; candidates also can arrange to take the exam at a location near them. For more information about RISE or becoming a CSRP, log on to www.riseprofessional.org. The next scheduled NRCA PV class is Feb. 4, 2013, also in San Antonio during NRCA's 126th Annual Convention and the 2013 International Roofing Expo.® More information about NRCA's PV class can be found at www.nrca.net.
Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's senior director of communications.
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