Alternative Energy Sources

I want to move to the field of photovoltaic design in a few years after the economy gets better and I have some more experience as a regular electrical designer. Right now, I design and spec everything after the power company's transformers in commercial and residential buildings.

As far as the job descriptions, all the ads I have seen are pretty vague. They want some solar experience, a BSEE or equivalent experience, a background in power/systems design, etc. The thing is that photovoltaic is so much of a niche industry that I never took any classes in school even mentioning it (even with 3-phase power, we only got a few weeks explaining it) and the information out there is scarce. I am thinking of NABCEP certification, but what else would be beneficial?

It looks to me like NABCEP is directed toward installer certification rather than design, but they would probably teach the NEC requirements and make you familiar with the specialized products available.

You could study the photovoltaic product manufacturer's literature and contact some of them to see if they have information not on their web sites. Go to trade shows and energy fairs and talk to the vendors. Attend seminars put on by suppliers. Keep looking for trade magazine type web sites and subscribe to any related print trade magazines you can find.

Eng-tips.com might help:
http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=731
http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=626

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