Photovoltaic (PV) Installer & Design Specializations

Obtaining energy directly from the sun is becoming more affordable and common place.  Using arrays of modules (panels) on roof tops or ground-mounted, the sun’s energy can be converted into electricity to offset home electricity costs.  Solar is one of the best ways for builders and homeowners to reach the Net-Zero Energy-Ready target of the BC Energy Step Code for new construction by 2032.

The PV Design Specialization offered by Camosun consists of three micro-credentials designed to provide participants with the foundation knowledge required for the design and installation of PV systems.  This specialization will be of interest to trades, professionals and individuals who want to learn more about the application of solar to their building projects and for those contemplating employment in the solar industry. 

These specializations consists of the following micro-credentials:

You will start by learning about a variety of renewable energy sources, the fundamental terms used in describing power and energy, and how the sun’s energy is captured and stored.  Next you will learn all about the fundamental principles of state-of-the-art solar photovoltaics including the application, sale, economics, design, installation, operation and maintenance of PV systems.  Lastly, you will be provided with advanced skills to design PV systems including a deeper understanding of codes, standards, permits, construction staging, snow and seismic loads, electrical design, interconnections, storage systems, and storage sizing.

Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Specialization

Completion of the CEEB 150V and CEEB 152V micro-credentials qualifies you to obtain Camosun’s PV Installer Specialization. This specialization will be provided automatically to all students who complete both micro-credentials with an overall grade of 70% or higher.

Photovoltaic (PV) Design Specialization

Completion of the CEEB 150V, CEEB 152V and CEEB 154V micro-credentials qualifies you to obtain Camosun’s PV Design Specialization. This specialization will be provided automatically to all students who complete each of the three micro-credentials with an overall grade of 70% or higher.

NABCEP PV Associate Credential

Students who successfully complete CEEB 150V and CEEB 152V are eligible to write the optional NABCEP PV Associate Exam. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals) has set standards for individuals working or seeking employment in the solar industry. Obtaining the PV Associate credential is a first step to obtaining other NABCEP certifications including the PV Design Specialist and PV Installer Specialist.  Camosun is an authorized NABCEP PV Associate exam provider. There is a fee for writing the optional NABCEP PV Associate exam, which automatically registers you with NABCEP.


This program qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which provides funding of up to $3500 per person for short-term skills training. Please visit the ProSIT StrongerBC page to confirm your eligibility and to learn how to apply.

As part of the StrongerBC future skills grant program, this course has the option to use grant funding to subsidize the cost of the NABCEP PV exam. If you have grant funding remaining and would like to use it towards your exam fee, this can be done by submitting proof of payment to prosit@camosun.ca, for a reimbursement of up to $205.

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Supported by the Province of British Columbia