The National Roofing Contractors Association and the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing have launched Roof Integrated Solar Energy Inc., an entity created to provide a means of evaluating and certifying solar roofing professionals to support the widespread use of rooftop solar energy.

RISE evaluates and certifies solar energy installers for knowledge regarding critical roof construction and maintenance practices necessary to support successful rooftop solar energy installations based on principles regarding the installation and maintenance of rooftop solar energy systems without adversely affecting roof system performance and service life. Individuals who successfully complete the requirements set out by RISE will receive the RISE Certified Solar Roofing Professional certification. The RISE CSRP certification is a voluntary certification for professionals who plan and oversee the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs. The credential evaluates whether candidates have the underlying knowledge required for a successful roof-mounted PV system installation—one that recognizes the importance of both the roof system and the PV system for a building's value and uninterrupted use. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate basic knowledge about different PV system types and key components, benefits and risks applicable to building owners, PV systems' integration with electricity, installation guidelines, building codes and post-installation considerations.

For more information, visit www.riseprofessional.org or contact Jeanne Schehl, NRCA university's program development director, at 800 323-9545, ext. 7566 or jeaschehl@nrca.net.

NRCA is one of the construction industry's most respected trade associations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. NRCA's mission is to inform and assist the roofing industry, act as its principal advocate and help members in serving their customers. NRCA continually strives to enhance every aspect of the roofing industry. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(6) organization whose mission is to promote the development and use of environmentally responsible, high-performance roof systems and technologies. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the center serves as a forum to draw together the entire roofing industry to the common cause of raising public awareness of the strategic value of our nation's roofs in reducing energy consumption, mitigating environmental impact and enhancing the quality of the buildings in which we live and work. More information about the center is available at www.roofingcenter.org.