Local Solar Installer Earns Industry's Most Prestigious Certification

Online, June 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Fishkill, New York - Steven Burke, partner of local business Smart Systems, has earned the industry's leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric systems (aka "photovoltaic" or "PV" systems) from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

NABCEP is the most respected and well-established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals. Designation as a NABCEP certified solar PV installer is widely recognized to be the most important and meaningful certification of its kind in the renewable energy industry.

"Receiving NABCEP's Certified Installer status is personally very satisfying," said Burke. "More important, it means we can offer our customers the added confidence of knowing their installation will be performed to the highest standards in the solar industry."

To earn his NABCEP certification, Burke was required to demonstrate his competence as a solar PV installer by passing a rigorous exam that covers the multiâ€craft aspects of being a professional PV installer. He/she needed to demonstrate knowledge on subjects as diverse as system design, electrical and job safety, the National Electrical Code, roofing and construction techniques, system commissioning, and troubleshooting.

In addition to passing the exam all certified NABCEP installers are required to show that they have realâ€world experience as a senior person on the installation crew as well as a minimum number of hours of advanced training.

"One thing you can be assured of with NABCEP Certified Installers is that your job won't be their first," said Ezra Auerbach, executive director of NABCEP. "Anyone who makes the considerable effort required to earn NABCEP Installer Certification has been required to document their experience and education as part of the eligibility process. They have also made a very real commitment to upholding high standards of ethical and professional practice. We are delighted to welcome Steven Burke of Smart Systems to the ranks of the industry's leading solar installers."

For more information, contact Smart Systems, at 845-897-5033.

About Smart Systems - Smart Systems was started in 2010 when Steven Burke of Burke Electrical Contractors of Cold Spring, NY and Matthew Pillius of Mid Hudson Plumbing of Newburgh, NY decided to merge their 15 year old companies. "We both saw a need to provide our customers with more services. Consumers want a company they can trust, do quality work and be there in their time of need and that's what we do" Smart Systems offers a complete range of Solar, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC services for residential and commercial properties with a focus on energy savings. Smart Systems is fully licensed, bonded and insured. Smart Systems professionals are there when you need them. For more information please visit Smart Systems at www.smartsystemsny.com or call us at 845-897-5033

About NABCEP - NABCEP is a nonâ€profit organization governed by a board of directors consisting of volunteer representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. To learn more visit www.nabcep.org.