Solar Photovoltaic Technician/Installer

7 Months – Total Clock Hours: 610

2025 – 2026 Tuition: $11,904

Start dates: 8/18/2025, 1/6/2026

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.

Course Description

This technical training program provides students with the hands-on mechanical, electrical, and specialized technical skills to excel as solar photovoltaic system installers and technicians. In addition to fundamental electrical, mechanical, and control principles, students study system photovoltaic components, design parameters and installation methods for both ground mount and roof mount systems. The program prepares students for relevant NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification tests. 

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  8

Program starts in January and July. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

• Solar Photovoltaic Installers
• Energy Engineers
• Solar Energy Installation Managers
• Solar Thermal Installers

Courses In This Program Include:

Course Description

EII-188 – Residential and Industrial Electricity
In Residential & Industrial Electricity, students’ study and apply the fundamental principles and laws of electricity such as electro-magnetism, capacitance, inductance, Ohms Law, Kirchoff’s Voltage/ Current Laws, and electrical power principles. Student’s study, wire, and troubleshoot residential and commercial electric service entrances and branch circuits as well as single-phase and three-phase power and control circuits. Additionally, they wire, configure, and troubleshoot several Variable Frequency Drives used to control the speed and torque of 3-phase motors. Throughout this course, students apply the different aspects of electrical power maintenance and safety.
(15 Lecture Hours – 205 Lab Hours)

EIM-142 – Mechanical Systems
In Mechanical Systems, students’ study and apply the principles and nomenclature of mechanical fastening systems. Students
also study and work with mechanical and fluid power systems. Throughout this course, students apply the different aspects of
mechanical power maintenance and safety.

(18 Lecture Hours – 80 Lab Hours)
EIP-168 – Process Control
In Process Control, students’ study and apply the fundamental principles of industrial automation. Specifically, students wire, configure, and troubleshoot On/Off and Continuous Control circuits utilizing a variety of physical and electronic sensors, Programmable Logic and analog controllers, and final control elements, such as valves and pumps. Students also utilize digital multi-meters, as well as 4-20 milli-Amp and 3-15 psi control signal generators to analyze and calibrate process flows, level, pressure, and chemical feed control loop components. Throughout this course, students apply the different aspects of process control maintenance and safety.
(30 Lecture Hours – 115 Lab Hours)

EER–170 – Renewable Energy Systems
In Renewable Energy Systems, students study the principles of solar energy systems with a primary focus on the design and installation of residential photovoltaic systems. Specific design parameters studied include module open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current, solar insolation, and peak-sun values. Students utilize standardized methods and techniques to install photovoltaic modules; inverters; racking systems; and electrical conductors, conduit, and circuit protection devices that comprise roof and ground mount systems. Article 690 of the National Electric Code, which governs the installation of photovoltaic systems, is emphasized throughout this course, as is the different aspects of photovoltaic systems maintenance and safety.
(70 Lecture Hours – 77 Lab Hours)