My scepticism aside, there is a real need to learn a lot of 'other stuff' whenever you take on another aspect of the electrical trade.
I must admit that I've seen very few discussions of "solar" that address even the most basic trade issues. Nor does the NEC address some of the most important ones!
For example ... what do you call a big, flat thing you stick up high? A sail, that's what. Every solar panel is situated where it will catch the wind like a sail. Not your concern? Just try carrying a sheet of plywood on a windy day. Chances are, the first panels you mount won't be anchored nearly well enough.
Add to that a need to improve your skills at sealing the leaks you just made in the roof.
Is positioning your problem? As a solar installer, it better be. We're not just running wires to something the other guy mounted. Just as the DirectTV guy needs to find the right satellite, we need to point these things the right way.
As the news led off today with yet another story of political corruption in the 'solar' business, and with my remembering similar shennanigans when Carter was in the WHite House, I am inclined to be ..... cautious. Yet, I'm not going to assume anything about NABCEP- just be wary.
I've often asserted that we need to know far more than 'just the NEC.' Whether this trade group has something to contribute is the question. I do note that they don't even sell, or post, the relevant technical materials .... just their certifications. Contrast this to BICSI, which not only certifies, but also trains and literally 'wrote the book' in their field.
As for the solar manufacturers .... while there seems to be no shortage of marketing schemes, I see very few products. I am wary of any industry that is so focused on the 'administrative' side of things. As such, they seem designed to cut the ordinary contractor out of the business. Imagine where our trade would be if, say, Square D sold its' stuff only to a handful of 'certified' installers with protected territories?