For 30 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been dedicated to training the global solar energy workforce. SEI delivers hands-on experience, safety, and technical skills solar training to scale the global workforce at a pace to that significantly impacts climate change — whether that’s equipping utilities with the skills to operate large-scale solar farms, or helping people access clean, reliable energy for the first time. SEI offers online training as well as in-person workshops at its facilities in Paonia, Colorado. 

SEI’s Solar Professional Certificate Program (SPCP) is the industry’s most comprehensive training program. With custom program tracks, SPCP prepares professionals with foundational solar skills and technical theory in the solar industry segment of their choice. All SPCP tracks are a combination of hands-on, safety, and technical skills training.

SEI’s online and in-person training programs also count towards the training requirements for taking the NABCEP Associate and Professional certification exams.  NABCEP offers two levels of credentials: 1.) PV Associate Credential, which can be taken after training and 2.) Professional Certifications, which requires both training and field experience. 

SEI 2022 In-Person Training Program Schedule

May 2 - May 6 - PV351L: Solar Training - PV Systems - Tools and Techniques for Operations and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

May 9 - May 13 - MH101: Micro-Hydro Training - Micro-Hydro Design & Installation

May 16 – May 18 - PV110: Solar Training - Solar Water Pumping

June 20 – June 24 - PV201L: Solar Training - Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

June 27 – July 1 - PV301L: Solar Training – Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based)

August 8 – August 12 - PV201L: Solar Training - Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

August 15 – August 19 - PV301L: Solar Training – Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based)

September 12 – September 16 - PV351L: Solar Training - PV Systems - Tools and Techniques for Operations and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

September 26 – September 30 – PV201L: Solar Training - Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

October 3 – October 7 - PV301L: Solar Training – Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based)

October 10 – October 14 - PV201LW: Solar Training - Women's Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

May 2, 2022 – May 6, 2022 OR September 12, 2022 – September 16, 2022

PV351L: Solar Training - PV Systems - Tools and Techniques for Operations and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct) 

TUITION: $1595.00

Students in this class will learn the theory behind and gain hands-on experience with a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical tools. The class will focus on PV system operations and maintenance, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting techniques using tools such as the IV Curve Tracer, Insulation Resistance Tester, Thermal Camera, Multimeter, and Clamp-On Meter. 

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Before participating in the PV351L course, students MUST complete PV101 or PVOL101, PV202 or PVOL202, and PV201L OR an equivalent course from another organization, have NABCEP certification, or demonstrate field experience and pass placement quizzes. 

Students who complete the PV351 workshop will be able to:

• Determine use and analyze results from various test tools used during commissioning, performance evaluation, operations and maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Define the theory, procedures, and processes behind insulation resistance testing, IV curve tracing, infrared cameras and thermal imaging, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting
• Demonstrate proper set-up, use, and function of PV test tools including: IV curve tracers, insulation resistance testers, and thermal cameras
• Evaluate the performance of working systems using correct and complete field procedures
• Troubleshoot and locate common PV array and system faults using appropriate methodologies and testing tools

SEI Contact Training Hours: 5 days in person = 40 hours

This course provides approved credit hours towards the following NABCEP Certifications and Recertifications:

• PV Installation Professional
• PV Design Specialist
• PV Installation Specialist
• PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist
• PV Technical Sales Professional (Recertification Only)
• PV Associate (Renewal only)
• PV System Inspector (Recertification only)
• SH Associate (Renewal only)
• Solar Heating System Inspector (Recertification only)
• Solar Heating Installer (Recertification only)

May 9, 2022 – May 13, 2022

MH101: Micro-Hydro Training - Micro-Hydro Design & Installation

TUITION: $895.00

This training will cover design considerations as they apply to both low and high head micro-hydro systems. The focus will be on core concepts that may be applied to a wide range of hydro applications. Participants perform preliminary system sizing for mechanical and electrical power generation of 50-watt to 100-kilowatt capacities. The course combines class lectures with site tours and lab exercises.

Participants perform preliminary system sizing for mechanical and electrical power generation of 50-watt to 100-kilowatt capacities. This training combines class lectures with site tours and lab exercises. Hands-on exercises include: methods of flow measurement, determining head, analyzing and assembling small functioning systems. The class is taught by two highly experienced Micro-hydro installers/instructors.

Topics Include:
 • Learn safety procedures working with electricity
 • Understand fundamental water hydraulics and hydrostatic pressures. Understand the difference between static and dynamic heads.
 • Understand the various components of hydroelectric systems
 • Identify the two major hydro turbine groups (reaction and impulse turbines)
 • Learn the differences between AC and DC Systems
 • Develop site analysis skills for measuring water flow and elevation difference (head)
 • Review 6 different plan examples of hydroelectric system designs
 • Learn battery design and energy storage techniques
 • Understand controls for balancing energy production with energy loads
 • Summarize troubleshooting procedures and resources
 • Develop maintenance requirements both short and long term
 • Learn integration techniques for hybrid solar, wind and hydroelectric systems
 • Review 4 case studies using different turbine types
 • Learn legal requirements for hydroelectric systems including FERC permits, water rights and stream alteration.

May 16 – May 18, 2022

PV110: Solar Training - Solar Water Pumping

TUITION: $495.00

This is a 3-day course consisting of classroom lecture with tours and hands-on labs. Lectures are presented in PowerPoint format with exercises, quizzes, group discussion, and homework. Tours and lab provide an opportunity for students to see systems and apply the theory they learn in lectures. This workshop is worth 24 contact training hours.

Topics Include:

• Identify the use and economics of solar water pumping 
• Understand water hydraulics and engineering fundamentals
• Develop water-well relationships and calculations
• Learn solar modules fundamentals and calculations
• Identify solar water pump types and uses
• Understand water well components and appurtenances
• Learn the various water storage systems and storage components
• Understand pressure tanks and pressure switch design
• Explore alternative water pump techniques including: Spiral pumps, hydraulic ram pumps, nose pumps, river pumps and air pumps
• Review four different example pumping systems
• Fields trips to review 6 different water lift systems

June 20, 2022 – June 24, 2022 OR August 8, 2022 – August 12, 2022 OR September 26, 2022 – September 30, 2022

PV201L: Solar Training - Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

TUITION: $1595.00

This solar training workshop offers five days of hands-on installation practice with grid-direct systems. By working in small groups, students will put what they’ve learned in PV101 to the test. Students will fully install and commission a wide variety of system types before testing the system, then de-commissioning and breaking down. Students rotate between a commercial ballasted roof, two steep roofs, a ground-mount, and a pole-mount system that contain a variety of inverters, racking hardware and mounting methods. Students will learn fall protection best practices and different harness set-ups. They will learn lockout/tagout procedures to create a safe working environment and use an assortment of meters to test systems.

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Before participating in the PV201L course, students MUST complete PV101 or PVOL101 OR an equivalent course from another organization, have NABCEP certification, or demonstrate field experience and pass a placement quiz. Please contact sei@solarenergy.org if you feel you are qualified to skip the prerequisite for PV201L.

Students who complete the PV201L workshop will be able to:

• Perform power and energy calculations
• Obtain and apply specifications for PV modules and determine their performance given various environmental and operating conditions
• Safely operate various types of digital multimeters
• Diagram and determine the power, current, and voltage characteristics of PV modules in different series and parallel configurations
• Install various mounting systems (ground, pole, roof, and trackers).
• Decipher balance-of-system equipment specification sheets to determine the critical information needed for system design
• Install a residential grid-direct system including the array, inverter, circuit conductors, and overcurrent protection
• Safely operate equipment grounding, system grounding, and components and conductors used for grounding
• Work with wires and components on schematics of residential grid-direct systems: disconnects, inverter, equipment grounding conductors, ungrounded conductors, grounded conductors, the grounding electrode(s), and the AC and DC system grounds
• Identify potential safety hazards and demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment for working on grid-direct PV systems
• List the order of installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a grid-direct PV system

Note: This class is a great complement to PV301L, the Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based).

SEI Contact Training Hours: 5 days in person = 40 hours

This course provides approved credit hours towards the following NABCEP Certifications and Recertifications:

• PV Installation Professional
• PV Design Specialist
• PV Installation Specialist
• PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist
• PV Technical Sales Professional
• PV Associate (Renewal only)
• PV System Inspector (Recertification only)
• SH Associate (Renewal only)
• Solar Heating System Inspector (Recertification only)
• Solar Heating Installer (Recertification only)

June 27, 2022 – July 1, 2022 OR August 15, 2022 – August 19, 2022 OR October 3, 2022 – October 7, 2022

PV301L: Solar Training – Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based)

TUITION: $1595.00

Safely install, test, and commission battery-based PV systems in this solar training workshop. Lab stations are comprised of both stand-alone and grid-tied with battery back-up systems, and include both AC and DC coupled systems. Integrating generator back-up will also be covered. Participants will concentrate on battery safety, wiring, and maintenance, and will wire balance of system components including: combiner boxes, disconnects, power centers, controllers, battery banks, and inverters. Set-up, basic programming, and testing of components for specific battery-based applications will be integrated into the lab sessions. Students will learn fundamental procedures for safe installation and commissioning practices, and all exercises will have an emphasis on battery safety considerations.

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Before participating in the PV301L course, students MUST complete PV101 or PVOL101, PV203 or PVOL203 OR an equivalent course from another organization, have NABCEP certification, or demonstrate field experience and pass a placement quiz. Please contact sei@solarenergy.org if you feel you are qualified to skip the prerequisite for PV301L.

Students who complete the PV301L workshop will be able to:

• Identify and describe the basic functions of each component in a PV system
• Describe the configuration of various types of PV systems: PV direct, Stand–alone, PV/hybrid, Multimode, Zero-sell, Micro-grid, Utility-scale energy storage
• Calculate the capacity & voltage of different batteries
• Determine the state of charge of a battery by testing voltage and specific gravity
• List safety precautions & equipment required to work with batteries
• Demonstrate safe procedures for connecting and disconnecting batteries
• Demonstrate the process of adding water to batteries
• Identify appropriate battery enclosures
• Diagram and wire battery banks in series and parallel configurations, given various system parameters
• Make cables and lug connections for battery wiring
• Install temperature sensors on batteries
• Wire the battery bank for a live system
• Wire and test charge controllers through the various stages of operation
• Install and test PWM and MPPT charge controllers
• Program MPPT charge controllers based on battery and array values
• Wire and program battery SOC meters in different PV system configurations
• Set up and operate batteries during bulk, absorption, float, and equalization cycles
• Describe how maximum power point tracking and voltage step-down affect a PV system
• Identify some features, options, and metering available on different types of battery chargers
• Identify appropriate inverter types for different battery-based system configurations
• Compare available features and capabilities of battery-based inverters
• Identify specifications critical for battery-based inverters
• Wire test and program battery based inverters
• Discuss when and why breakers would be used rather than fuses
• Use a 3-line diagram to wire a system
• Discuss the order and perform safe installation practices
• Demonstrate the order of safe commissioning
• Demonstrate the order of shut-down and how to establish an electrically safe working environment

SEI Contact Training Hours: 5 days in person = 40 hours

This course provides approved credit hours towards the following NABCEP Certifications and Recertifications:

• PV Installation Professional
• PV Design Specialist
• PV Installation Specialist
• PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist
• PV Technical Sales Professional
• PV Associate (Renewal only)
• PV System Inspector (Recertification only)
• SH Associate (Renewal only)
• Solar Heating System Inspector (Recertification only)
• Solar Heating Installer (Recertification only)

October 10, 2022 – October 14, 2022

PV201LW: Solar Training - Women's Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

TUITION: $1595.00

With female-only instructors and participants, this hands-on course offers women a uniquely supportive learning environment to build their solar knowledge foundation. This course offers the same curriculum as SEI’s co-ed PV201L, but is intended to further encourage participants to get ALL those solar questions answered and offer networking opportunities with each other and existing women in the solar industry.

This solar training workshop offers five days of hands-on installation practice with grid-direct systems. By working in small groups, students will put what they’ve learned in PV101 to the test. Students will fully install and commission a wide variety of system types before testing the system, then de-commissioning and breaking down. Students rotate between a commercial ballasted roof, two steep roofs, a ground-mount, and a pole-mount system that contain a variety of inverters, racking hardware and mounting methods. Students will learn fall protection best practices and different harness set-ups. They will learn lockout/tagout procedures to create a safe working environment and use an assortment of meters to test systems.

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Before participating in the PV201L course, students MUST complete PV101 or PVOL101 OR an equivalent course from another organization, have NABCEP certification, or demonstrate field experience and pass a placement quiz. Please contact sei@solarenergy.org if you feel you are qualified to skip the prerequisite for PV201L.

Students who complete the PV201L workshop will be able to:

• Perform power and energy calculations
• Obtain and apply specifications for PV modules and determine their performance given various environmental and operating conditions
• Safely operate various types of digital multimeters
• Diagram and determine the power, current, and voltage characteristics of PV modules in different series and parallel configurations
• Install various mounting systems (ground, pole, roof, and trackers).
• Decipher balance-of-system equipment specification sheets to determine the critical information needed for system design
• Install a residential grid-direct system including the array, inverter, circuit conductors, and overcurrent protection
• Safely operate equipment grounding, system grounding, and components and conductors used for grounding
• Work with wires and components on schematics of residential grid-direct systems: disconnects, inverter, equipment grounding conductors, ungrounded conductors, grounded conductors, the grounding electrode(s), and the AC and DC system grounds
• Identify potential safety hazards and demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment for working on grid-direct PV systems
• List the order of installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a grid-direct PV system

SEI Contact Training Hours: 5 days in person = 40 hours

This course provides approved credit hours towards the following NABCEP Certifications and Recertifications:

• PV Installation Professional
• PV Design Specialist
• PV Installation Specialist
• PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist
• PV Technical Sales Professional
• PV Associate (Renewal only)
• PV System Inspector (Recertification only)
• SH Associate (Renewal only)
• Solar Heating System Inspector (Recertification only)
• Solar Heating Installer (Recertification only)

For more information on any SEI training course and to enroll today, visit: https://www.solarenergy.org/training-schedule/