Last chance to earn 12 FREE NABCEP CEUs- Register for SEI’s Free Online Solar Installation Safety by August 15th!

For folks new to solar to those with years of experience, SEI’s Solar Installation Safety Training has been a huge success. Hundreds of our earliest enrollees have completed the free online safety course, with glowing reviews. Says one student, “it was well worth every minute to listen and participate in the interactive online program”- woohoo thank you! And good news is, we are open for more free enrollments until August 15th!

The course, offered to qualified individuals, was created in early 2018 after SEI was awarded an OSHA Susan Harwood Training Grant. A common message among student evaluations was that the course is valuable to those of all experience levels. Says one industry newcomer, “this was a great introduction to material I will need in my new role as a solar site surveyor, assessing hazards for our installers. I feel much more equipped to protect their safety. Thanks SEI!”. Thank YOU! Another industry veteran writes “good course even if you have a good amount of experience. Some of the fatality examples reminded me to never get lazy or in a hurry and ignore safety”. Students also appreciated the course layout and content flow; says one installer “well organized, logical topic grouping – seems like all the most relevant/important safety topics for roof installations were covered”. We’re glad to hear it!

Many folks suggested that all new employees, again regardless of their experience in the PV industry, should take this course. Says one company owner, “it would be worth it for our company to pay for our new installers to do this program in the future.’ Other students, from installers to project managers to business owners, seemed to echo the statement that this course should be mandatory for any new hires. Remember, it is great to have well-educated crews doing top quality installations, and it is even more important that every installer go home safely to their friends and family each night.

As always, this course was created by a team of SEI curriculum developers with decades of PV field experience. This experience allowed the team to bring forward their most valuable “lessons learned” to develop a safety course tailored to solar installations. Says one student, “the course material was very specific to what I do every day. It’s a great course taught by skilled people- if you have spent any time in the field, you will recognize a lot of the techniques and hazards that are covered in this course”.

SEI thrives on creating training material that helps our industry become better at what we do, presented in a way that every individual can digest and learn from. Says Dana Hickenbottom of Itek Energy, “SEI continues to be the gold standard of solar energy education and training within the industry. I can’t think of any other organization that has earned a better reputation through their incredibly knowledgeable and experience staff, well-designed courses, and community outreach”. Thank you so much Dana! And thanks to all the students who have completed the inaugural offering of our Solar Installation Safety Training.

Once again, this online course is available for FREE until August 15th. Students will have 30 days to complete the 12-hr course and earn NABCEP CEUs. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity by registering here: https://www.solarenergy.org/shop/package-deals/solar-installation-safety-training/

Note: This course runs for 30 days with NO extensions or retakes. Read more: https://www.solarenergy.org/shop/package-deals/solar-installation-safety-training/

The post Last chance to earn 12 FREE NABCEP CEUs- Register for SEI’s Free Online Solar Installation Safety by August 15th! appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/last-chance-to-earn-12-free-nabcep-ceus-register-for-seis-free-online-solar-installation-safety-by-august-15th/
via IFTTT

Members of the SEI community team up with San Juan College for a service trip in the Himalayas

For two weeks this past June, several members of the SEI family together with volunteers from San Juan College participated in a solar project in the Himalayas. In a continuation of the late SEI instructor Mike Sullivan’s humanitarian work on the Tibetan Plateau and throughout the world, SEI instructor Chris Brooks and San Juan College professor and longtime friend of Mike, Chris Strouthopoulos led the group. The volunteers raised $8,270 dollars to install a new PV system for the Student Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) school. A huge thanks is owed to all those in solar community and friends who made this all possible!

Situated in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir, India, SECMOL marries traditional Ladakhi culture with STEM education, experiential learning, animal husbandry, permaculture, natural building and renewable energy. Across the region and even India, its message has carried bringing tourists from Delhi and as far away as the states to spend time, learn, create and visit.

Each morning after the morning chai, volunteers were joined by several students from the school as the group worked on the system. Former SEI instructor Professor Carl Bickford led a group to install a new Outback Inverter with MPPT charge controller, complete with a new battery bank. SEI Spanish Instructor Pablo Hernández led AC wiring complete with the installation of a transfer switch for an existing generator. SEI contractor Gerald Espinosa helped led the wiring of the three arrays. And despite the other two chai breaks throughout the days, “high” tea at noon and chai before dinner, the project was completed with time to site see!

Following the system’s commissioning, Chris Strouthopoulos led a dedication in honor of Mike’s memory. There were stories told of his humility, his humor and his service to others the world over. And at a picturesque spot between the pole-mounted arrays with the Indus River below offering up a nice breeze, Pablo strung out Tibetan prayer flags.

The students who worked alongside the group to build the system presented what they learned and how the system functions before the rest of the school. The students then presented the group with the ceremonial “khata” scarf, a Tibetan symbol to represent the spirit of the giver, draped over parting guests.

In addition to the immersion into the SECMOL community, the group’s highlights included traversing the highest road in the world at 18,380 feet. The Khardung La pass as its known, took them to the Nubra Valley with views along the way into the Pakistani mountain range and Tibet-China. Following the palaces and monastaries of greater Leh, Ladakh, the group flew back to New Delhi for a brief trip to the Taj Mahal before there time in India came to an end.

As San Juan College’s Chris Strouthopoulos aptly put it while speaking to the school upon the group’s departure, “Thank you for making me happy.” Recounting psychologist’s findings on happiness, Chris paraphrased how an enduring and whole sense of happiness is found when we serve others, something the Ladakhi people have long known and practiced. In allowing the group to come and be guests of service, all were happy.

The post Members of the SEI community team up with San Juan College for a service trip in the Himalayas appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/members-of-the-sei-community-team-up-with-san-juan-college-for-a-service-trip-in-the-himalayas/
via IFTTT

Improve your solar resume in minutes with these tips from our Student Services Team

At Solar Energy International (SEI) we train around 2,000 students per season, many of them looking to break into the solar industry as a new career path. One question we get asked all the time is, how do I format my resume with past experience in a different industry in a way that appeals to solar employers? We sat down with the SEI Student Services Team to provide some quick tips you can use to improve your resume today.  

Create a targeted resume objective:  Formulating your objective is a crucial first step in writing your resume. It is often the first thing hiring committee members read.  Be sure to make it clear and relevant to the position in which you are applying. A starting point to craft the perfect objective is asking yourself questions like: What are the specific reasons you want to work in the solar industry? What can you offer a potential employer? What transferable skills, if new to the industry, or current skill sets do you have? Often times hiring committees get hundreds of resumes and they do an initial scan of resumes.  Be clear, concise and intentional with your objective. 

Use the correct industry lingo: Take take the time to really read what the job description says, and be sure to note the specific wording used by the employer. Don’t make the hiring committee search your resume to find ways in which your skills match what they are looking for, make it obviously stated in the words you choose to write your resume. Creating a resume that speaks to the needs of the what the company is looking for, and clearly itemizing how your specific experience can meet those needs, is the key to selling yourself as the best fit for the job. Think about how your skill sets match the keywords in the job description and what the company is looking for. If you are new to the industry, you will need to be able to specifically identify how your skill set will transfer effectively to a solar-focused role. Don’t be discouraged if you lack experience in solar, many skill sets transcend industries, and your unique experience can make you an asset to a company.   

Make sure to include a well-crafted, personalized cover letter: Cover letters are your chance to set yourself apart. Hiring committees really appreciate a cover letter that not only address the skills and ways in which someone can be an asset to their team, but also clearly shows the applicant has thoroughly researched the position and the company. Think about things like: Why do you want to work for this specific company? What in their mission speaks to you?

Try out Solar Energy International’s Solar Professional Certificate Program (SPCP): SEI’s SPCP is the industry’s most rigorous training program to prepare professionals for the highly technical clean energy workforce. Certificate paths include: Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate, Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate, Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate, Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate, Renewable Energy Applications Certificate, and the Solar Professionals Trainer Certificate. Certificate paths offer the recommended trainings for a focused area of study in the solar industry.

Not sure what path you’d like to take in the solar industry? No problem! Our PV101: Solar Training- Solar Electric Design and Installation is a great place to start! For more tips, training information, and personalized resume help, contact our Student Services Team at 970-527-7657 x1 or email sei@solarenergy.org.

The post Improve your solar resume in minutes with these tips from our Student Services Team appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/improve-your-solar-resume-in-minutes-with-these-tips-from-our-student-services-team/
via IFTTT

The one thing industry experts say you must do before growing your solar business

The solar industry is growing faster than ever. Maybe you own a solar business that has been booming, or you’re looking to expand into more local markets. We sat down with Will White, Solar Energy International (SEI) curriculum developer and instructor of PVOL206: Solar Training-Solar Business and Technical Sales, to get his expert insight on the most important things to consider before growing your solar business.

Know your market

It is crucial to do your research before entering a new market. Here are some of the most important considerations:

• What competition is out there?
• How big is the potential client base?
• Are there any utility, state, or local restrictions?
• What’s an average return on investment?
• What financing options are there?

Don’t sell systems for less than cost

It might be tempting to offer ultra-competitive pricing, but selling systems at negative margins to get more jobs could easily lead to running out of funds and going bankrupt.

Don’t just grow for growth’s sake

A note of caution, it may be tempting to move into a new area or market segment, but often it’s more profitable to stick to what you know. Many companies start out small with low overhead and grow to a point where the overhead becomes unsustainable and then the business fails. Be weary of growing for growth’s sake and use your discretion on how beneficial it will be to your business.

Remember to keep your focus on top-notch customer service and quality installs

Treating your customers right and providing quality installs will lead to better and more referrals. Referrals are the best leads because they close at much higher rates and they’re less expensive to obtain. Provide great customer service by communicating often and setting realistic expectations. For example, if it’s going to take 9 months from contract signing to install make sure the customer understands that timeline.

 

Train your team at SEI!  SEI offers discounts and contract trainings for businesses interested in having their employees complete SEI trainings. Learn more about SEI’s contract training offerings here: https://www.solarenergy.org/contract-training/

Learn more from Will in SEI’s PVOL206: Solar Training-Solar Business and Technical Sales.

Full class description:

There are many opportunities for different careers in the residential PV industry, including the business and sales side of it. Addressing the topics in the NABCEP PV Technical Sales job task analysis, PVOL206 focuses on technical details for sales professionals, financial analysis, and system financing. This course is geared toward students who are interested in, or who already are working in, the business or sales side of the residential PV industry and are looking to improve their knowledge and sales techniques or are working towards the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification.

The post The one thing industry experts say you must do before growing your solar business appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/the-one-thing-industry-experts-say-you-must-do-before-growing-your-solar-business/
via IFTTT

5 strategies for improving your solar sales game

Are you looking for a job in solar sales, or simply trying to improve your everyday sales strategies? We asked Solar Energy International (SEI) Instructor and Curriculum Developer Will White to share some exclusive insight on the dos and don’ts of solar sales.

Know your client

Who are you selling to? Try to understand what their limitations are in going solar. Some potential limitations could be budget, space, or how much energy they wish to offset.

What is their motivation in going solar? Maybe they are in it for the environment, financial benefits, energy independence, or even a combination of all three. Knowing your clients limitations and motivations can help you best tailor a sales pitch to fit their needs.

Be an expert on your utility, state, incentive programs and parameters

It is imperative to know any limitations the utility might pose on photovoltaic (PV) systems or if there are any specific requirements in your local area that might impact the install (think building, zoning and permitting requirements). Additionally, how does the incentive program work for their utility, do they have net metering? Let your client know you aren’t just selling them solar, you’re also an expert resource on local policies and incentive programs.

Have the right tools to turn around a proposal and a preliminary design quickly

Whether it’s developed in-house or by a subscription service, a salesperson should be able to provide a proposal with a preliminary design for the client quickly. While talking to the customer would be best to give a proposal, but aim for within 24 hours at least if that is not possible.

Follow up!

While talking to the customer, set the expectation for when they will hear from you next. Be sure to return calls, messages, and emails quickly, the more responsive you are the higher the chance of closing the sale.

Know the details of a financial analysis

You should be prepared to compare the details of your financial analysis to a competitor’s. It is important to keep in mind that different companies use different factors in a financial analysis and you should be able to justify your choices and explain why they’re the most accurate.

Interested in learning more about solar business and technical sales? Take a deep dive into the field with Will as an instructor in SEI’s PV206: Solar Training- Solar Business and Technical Sales- Online. The next class session is filling up fast!

Full class description:

There are many opportunities for different careers in the residential PV industry, including the business and sales side of it. Addressing the topics in the NABCEP PV Technical Sales job task analysis, PVOL206 focuses on technical details for sales professionals, financial analysis, and system financing. This course is geared toward students who are interested in, or who already are working in, the business or sales side of the residential PV industry and are looking to improve their knowledge and sales techniques or are working towards the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification.

The post 5 strategies for improving your solar sales game appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/5-strategies-for-improving-your-solar-sales-game/
via IFTTT

The SEI Solar Sisters String Band rocks out at Solar Battle of the Bands! And other Intersolar updates

In case you missed it… The SEI Solar Sisters String Band made their public debut performing at the 2018 Solar Battle of the Bands! This was a very historical moment for Solar Energy International (SEI). The Solar Sisters String Band proudly represented the SEI Team and our 60,000+ students and alumni from all over the world. What a night!

Check out this video of our SEI ladies warming up at sound check before the big show:

SEI Solar Sisters String Band Sound Check #4 – Solar Battle of the Bands 2018

Check out some video clips from the SEI Solar Sisters String Band sound check for Solar Battle of the Bands 2018! Stay tuned to SEI's Facebook page and eNewsletter to hear about future musical events!

Posted by Solar Energy International (SEI) on Thursday, July 12, 2018

We’re so proud of the solar sisters! Stay tuned for future performances.

Intersolar North America

SEI represented last week at Intersolar North America in San Francisco with a team of 12 at our booth and conducting trainings. Training topics included: PV Systems and the National Electric Code, Large-Scale PV: Considerations and Installation Case Studies, and Practicas Recomendadas por Expertos en la Industria y el NEC 2014. If you missed us at Intersolar, check out our online class schedule and enroll in an online training to start your solar education anywhere, self-paced.

 

The post The SEI Solar Sisters String Band rocks out at Solar Battle of the Bands! And other Intersolar updates appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/the-sei-solar-sisters-string-band-rocks-out-at-solar-battle-of-the-bands-and-other-intersolar-updates/
via IFTTT

Solar Energy International (SEI) opens its first International Solar Training Center in Costa Rica

With this facility SEI seeks to accelerate and expand access to solar training to Spanish speakers throughout Latin America

CARTAGO, COSTA RICA- Solar Energy International (SEI), an industry leader in solar energy technical training, opened its first International Solar Training Center in Costa Rica through a partnership with CFIA (Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica) and CIEMI (College of Electrical, Mechanical and Industrial Engineers).

This new training facility will accelerate and expand access to world-class solar training to Spanish speakers throughout Latin America, building a strong solar industry in the region with qualified workforce in line with SEI’s vision of a world powered by renewable energy. Since the beginning of SEI’s Spanish Program in 2013, SEI has trained over 9,000 Spanish speakers, empowering Latin Americans with solar education, which has increased energy access for their communities.

The Solar Training Center SEI-CFIA is located in the province of Cartago, Costa Rica, inside the facilities of CFIA’s Integral Training Center Uxarrací.

The center is fully equipped with the best tools to construct, commission and test solar electric arrays. It has 3 solar PV systems installed in compliance with the US National Electrical Code (NEC), which allows students to learn about the most up-to-date design and safety parameters. The systems are composed of leading technologies and popular products available internationally for students to build and wire photovoltaic arrays from the roof up.

As it is SEI’s commitment to bring the highest level of safety and training to Latin America, the center is constructed in compliance with OSHA regulations modeling the safest possible working environment for the students’ learning experience. Equipment to teach safest procedures such as harnesses, electric insulating gloves, helmets and protective glasses are available and required for all students.

Industry professionals hired as instructors take SEI’s leading curriculum and apply it for Latin American students to take a hands-on approach to system assembly, wiring and commissioning.  As photovoltaic arrays are modular, they are able to extrapolate the system to much larger sizes and capacities.

Marco Calvo, President of CIEMI Board of Directors said in regard the opening of the new center:
“By partnering with SEI, we are fulfilling the responsibility to offer our community the security that things are being done as they should, with high quality professional standards. From CIEMI we seek to offer solutions to the professionals of the solar industry so that they are able to build efficient, safe and reliable installations. The solar industry is growing in Costa Rica and in Latin America, and we want our workforce to be prepared to occupy the new jobs that the sector generates. We trust in the trajectory of SEI and the quality of its instructors to provide qualified education”.

Matthew Harris, LatAm Business Development Director, said:
“The Costa Rica campus is an invaluable opportunity for SEI to bring high quality PV education to a growing Latin American market. Over 26 years of time-tested and evolving techniques stand behind SEI’s academic and hands-on curriculum. It is SEI’s mission to bring solar electricity to people around the world empowering people, business and communities”

Enrollments to take SEI’s spanish courses in Costa Rica are now open. To learn more, contact the SEI Spanish Program Student Service team at programahispano@solarenergy.org or call +1-970-527-7657 xt. 8.

About Solar Energy International: SEI was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization with the mission to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities and businesses worldwide. SEI envisions a world powered by renewable energy. To learn more about the Spanish Program visit www.solarenergy.org/es

About CFIA: The Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica ensures the excellence and decorum of its members, for the development of an efficient, responsible and interdisciplinary professional exercise of engineering and architecture, to contribute to the security and sustainable progress of Costa Rica.

About CIEMI: The College of Electrical, Mechanical and Industrial Engineers (CIEMI) is one of the five colleges that make up the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica. The role of the CIEMI is to regulate the professional practice of all those professional areas of engineering that are attached to this school in Costa Rica and that currently correspond to 28 specialties.

The post Solar Energy International (SEI) opens its first International Solar Training Center in Costa Rica appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/solar-energy-international-sei-opens-its-first-international-solar-training-center-in-costa-rica/
via IFTTT