If you’re viewing this post, you’ve probably heard rumblings about the NABCEP Certification requirement in Illinois. Specifically, the Illinois Distributed Generation Law identifies NABCEP Certification as an acceptable qualification in the state.

NABCEP Certification Requirement in Illinois

To become a “Distributed Generation Installer” in Illinois, you must:

Complete one of the experience and/or training qualifications

Apply for “Distributed Generation Installer Certification” using the form, cover letter, and instructions provided by the ICC

Organizations You Should Know

NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) – authors technical guidelines on solar and awards internationally recognized solar certification to individuals

ISEA (Illinois Solar Energy Association) – a non-profit organization that promotes the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through its mission of education and advocacy and is the state resource for renewable energy-related policy developments and events

ICC (Illinois Commerce Commission) – the entity that determines whether a candidate meets the state’s “Distributed Generation Installer” requirements and can therefore install distributed generation facilities in the State of Illinois

Terms You Should Know

Distributed Generation Installer – means an organization, institution, or individual that has its own existence for legal or tax purposes and is involved in the business of installing distributed generation facilities

Distributed Generation Facility – means the equipment used by an interconnection customer to generate or store electricity that operates in parallel with the electric distribution system. A distributed generation facility typically includes an electric generator, a prime mover, and the interconnection equipment required to safely interconnect with the electric distribution system or local electric power system.

Install – means to complete the electrical wiring and connections necessary to interconnect the distributed generation facility with the electric utility’s distribution system at the point of interconnection between the facility and the utility

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the DG Installer Certification application, cover letter, and instructions? These documents are listed on the ICC website.

Where do I mail the completed application? Elizabeth A. Rolando, Chief Clerk, Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 E. Capital Ave, Springfield, IL 62701

Is there an application fee? Yes, the application fee is $50.

How long does the certification application process take? A properly filed and complete application will likely be approved within 5-9 weeks.

Can the DG Certification process be expedited? No. However, applicants may submit a draft of their application for review so that any issues with the draft application can be resolved prior to filing the application with the ICC. Staff generally provide comments on draft applications within 10 business days. Draft applications can be sent to Sanjo Omoniyi at somoniyi@icc.illinois.gov. Omoniyi can be contacted at 312-814-6072.

Does DG Installer Certification have to be renewed? Yes, every year by April 1. Certificate holders must submit a recertification report (provided by ICC). If a certificate holder does not submit a recertification report within 30 days of April 1, he/she will have to pay late fees.

How do I start with qualifying for DG Installer Certification? First, you will need to participate in a solar energy training course and qualify for NABCEP Certification. At Everblue, we offer solar training courses that align with the NABCEP Certification requirements. Our NABCEP PV Installation Professional Package offers the best value for its comprehensive range of solar installation, design, and sales knowledge.

For more information about NABCEP Certification, call us at (800) 460-2575.

For more information about the solar installer requirements in Illinois, please contact Sanjo Omoniyi at 312-814-6072.