How do I submit my practice site assessment reports?

• All reports must be submitted electronically here: Practice Assessment Report Submission Form.
• Upload practice reports for your tech mentor to review one at a time.
• If two reports are submitted at once the second report will not be reviewed.
• Reports must use the most current report templates posted in the forums.
• Reports must have spell checked, grammar checked, and format checked the document.
• Do not submit first drafts. Submit only your best work.
• Images must be resized appropriately and be of good resolution.
• Keep total file sizes close to 5 MB. Keep in mind that future reports will likely be sent electronically to your client and perhaps to a utility or public benefits program.
• For help compressing your files there are instructional threads posted in the site assessor technology forums.
• In the instance of practice reports the tech mentor is your client. Put your best foot forward.
• Technology mentors are compensated only for reviewing and providing feedback on the technical merit of a practice report.

The technology mentors are available to assist you with the technological aspects of site assessment reports and market information.

Practice assessments are not reimbursable by Focus on Energy.

What are acceptable sites for practice assessments?

Acceptable sites for residential practice site assessment reports include:

Unacceptable sites for residential practice site assessment reports include:

Is there a report template to follow?

Report templates are provided during the Site Assessment Training classes and the most recent report templates are posted at the top of the MREA Certified Site Assessor technology forums. To view the technology forums please register to become a MREA Certified Site Assessor Forum member. To register click on the Register link near the top right-hand corner of the MREA Certified Site Assessor Forum page. Keep track of your own user name and password. Please try to use your real name or business name as your user name in order to speed up the process of verifying your request. Membership and access to the forum should be granted within 48 hours of request.

What if I am not comfortable with my computer skills but want to work in renewable energy?

During the certification process a tech mentor may redirect you to the Standards section if you are submitting reports that require attention that goes beyond tech mentoring in solar electric, solar hot water, or wind. Please read the Standards and evaluate your needs and where you may need to seek additional training. An on-line request for skills assessment is available here: Computer Skills Assessment Request Form.

Check out our hands on installation labs if you decide site assessment is not for you: MREA Workshops

When do I take the certification exam?

Please make arrangements to have the Site Assessor exams proctored through your local librarian, university, testing center or tech school. Exam packets are mailed out by the MREA by the 15th of every month.

There is no fee for the exam. Please provide $6 for return postage to the library in order to return the exam packet.

The solar exams are open book, open note, open laptop and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

Exam results will be emailed by the 15th of every month. To request an exam please submit the following form: Exam Request Form

I've completed my training requirements, now what?

After completion of the coursework, practice assessments, and the exam, please contact zara@the-mrea.org and pay the certification fee. Certification fees are $300 per certification and are valid for 3 years. Sign the appropriate Code of Ethics form(s) and contact information below.

How do I pay my certification fees?

Click here to pay your certification fees:

Certification Fee Payment

When can I expect my listing to be added to the directory and my certificate to arrive?

Site Assessor directory updates and new listings will be completed twice a month no later than the 10th and 20th. Certification packets will be mailed to newly certified site assessors within a week of the assessors listing to the Certified Site Assessor Directory.

Can I save time and use the site assessment as an opportunity to make a sales call?

No. The site assessment service is a non-biased consumer education service. Site Assessors must maintain distance between a site assessment and a sales call.

Site assessment reports may not include:
  • Product sales
  • Price quotes for materials that you sell, or services that you provide

If you are an installer or sell renewable energy equipment, this Standard Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form is available to you to document the distinction between your assessment and sales services.

If you choose, you can give a copy to your customer, keep one for your records, and submit one with your reimbursement so we have one on record.

How do I stay up to date on report templates, incentives, and calculator tools?

Register as a user for the MREA Certified Site Assessor Forum. On the forums you'll find the most up to date site assessor program information. See the mreacsa.org RSS Feed section to learn how to receive recent forum updates automatically. We also send out a monthly e-newsletter to help us provide quality service.

Are there any deadlines or requirements for turnaround time for customer service?

We understand that people get busy. Please conduct your business in the most professional way possible. Professional outgoing messages and timely replies to customers are important for your business and the entire industry. Below are the suggested timeframes.

Respond to customer inquiries in the following timeframe (unless other arrangements are made with the customer):
  A. Return customer calls and emails within two business days.
  B. Visit customer site at earliest possible time that is convenient for you and the customer.
  C. Complete written report of assessment and email to Technology Mentor within 5 business days of the site visit.
  D. Upon feedback from the Technology Mentor, make changes to the site assessment and mail to the customer within 2 business days.

How do I become a Non Residential Site Assessor?

The Non Residential certifications in Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water are designed to be sequential to the residential certifications.

The requirement is that residential site assessors complete 7 residential reports prior to becoming certified for Non Residential sites.

Non Residential customers often have complex economic considerations and incentives available to them. The MREA Non Residential training deals with more commercial load analysis and training on the economic considerations a Non Residential customer may face. Reports for non residential customers may need to be ready for presentation to boards and committees in order to help them make informed decisions regarding renewable energy.