Solar Installers Now Eligible for ‘Certified Solar Roofing Professional’ Designation

To accommodate the increasing number of solar professionals and maintain a system of quality assurance throughout the industry, RISE announces an additional CSRP Eligibility Track. John Schehl, executive director of Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE), has announced a new eligibility track for its Certified Solar Roofing Professional (CSRP) designation, which will enable a greater number of solar roofing professionals to qualify for this certification.

The new eligibility track allows those who have three years’ experience, involvement in a minimum of five projects installing commercial and residential roof-mounted PV systems, and 40 hours of recognized education and training eligibility to sit for the CSRP exam.

In the past, RISE had identified three eligibility tracks to qualify to take the exam. Candidates were required to demonstrate they meet at least one of these tracks. The new track has been added to the list of the previous three minimum entry tracks, which are:

1. Three years’ experience installing roof systems as a roofing contractor or employee of a roofing contractor in addition to completing 40 hours of recognized education or training.
2. Three years’ experience providing technical roof system consulting services that include a minimum of five installed roof system projects in addition to completing 40 hours of recognized training programs.
3. Two- or four-year construction-related degree from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency or state-approved agency recognized by the U.S. secretary of education or training.

“The RISE board of directors recognized that many solar professionals possess the unique roofing and PV system experience critical to the roles of a CSRP, but who previously were not eligible to sit for the exam,” explained Schehl. “The new eligibility track opens a door of opportunity for these professionals and provides greater choice to the public.”

RISE was created in 2010, by the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing and the National Roofing Contractors Association to provide a rigorous set of standards for evaluating and certifying solar roofing professionals. RISE evaluates and certifies solar energy installers for knowledge about critical roof system construction and maintenance practices necessary to support successful rooftop solar energy installations, at all positions in the value chain, based on principles advocating the installation and maintenance of rooftop solar energy systems without adversely affecting roof system performance. RISE also provides the public with tools to identify skilled rooftop solar energy professionals in your area.

Adding Value Without Adding Cost
The CSRP credential is not just another marketing ploy. One important way it adds real value is by assuring diligent ‘risk mitigation,’ regardless from which perspective you arrive at the table — building owner, financial partner, integrator or contractor, utility etc. Schehl is quick to emphasize that, “What we mean by risk mitigation includes failure to consider and properly address all aspects of a roof-mounted PV installation that can result in massive financial losses or harm to individuals and companies. From a technical perspective, considerations when installing these systems include: life cycle performance, waterproofing, weather integrity, future replacement, maintenance, electrical safety, water drainage, access to equipment, structural impact, wind loads, warranties, building code compliance and penetration flashings, to name a few.”

In addition, PV systems may increase heat loads to membranes from concentrated reflective or absorbed solar energy. Based on what has been occurring and witnessed by roofing professionals in recent years, solar integrators, electricians and others are sometimes installing PV systems with little or no consideration for the roof platform on which they are working. It doesn’t cost any more to have a CSRP on board your next solar project to avoid these problems and potential lawsuits.

The RISE organization and the CSRP is a voluntary credential designed to benefit roofing and solar professionals by demanding a higher standard for all rooftop solar installations. RISE provides a distinguished, nationally recognized professional credential that can satisfy consumers by protecting their roofing and solar investments, increasing the number of successful rooftop solar installations, providing the public with tools to identify skilled rooftop solar energy professionals and by promoting a healthier renewable energy industry by differentiating between those who understand how to integrate solar systems with the roof safely and effectively and those who don’t.

To learn more about how to participate in this program or find a CSRP in your area visit www.riseprofessional.org or Contact: Charlotte Norgaard, (847) 493-7548, cnorgaard@nrca.net.