Bridging Theory and Practice: Guided Field Practices Included in PV and BESS O&M Tech 1 Training

The Solar PV and BESS Operations & Maintenance Tech 1 Training includes Guided Field Practices (GFPs) – a practical addition that helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world field work.

Here’s Amanda Bybee of the Amicus O&M Cooperative explaining how these GFPs were intended to be used with the Tech 1 Training course:

Solving the Onsite Learning Problem

Traditional field training often relies on shadowing, where junior technicians learn by watching senior staff. While valuable, this approach can be inconsistent since it depends heavily on each senior technician’s natural teaching ability – and most experienced techs weren’t particularly hired for their training skills.

The Guided Field Practices provide a structured solution by giving senior technicians clear, step-by-step training guides that standardize the learning experience.

A Well-Rounded Approach to Learning

The GFPs work as part of a three-component training strategy:

• Formal instruction through the comprehensive online Tech 1 course
• Peer learning through traditional shadowing and mentorship
• Structured hands-on practice through the Guided Field Practices

Safety-Focused Training

These initial eight GFPs concentrate on essential safety tasks including:

• Hazard identification and PPE selection
• Proper voltage testing techniques
• Operation of disconnects and isolating devices
• Current and voltage verification (Live-Dead-Live testing)
• Circuit current estimation and testing across PV systems
• Comprehensive Lockout/Tagout procedures

Practical and Flexible GFP Design

Each practice is built as a Google Doc that companies can copy and customize with site-specific information. The format includes required materials, mentor notes for trainers, clear learning objectives, and step-by-step instructions. Most practices take 30-60 minutes to complete.

Getting Started

The Guided Field Practices are included for each learner enrolled in the Tech 1 Training. Companies purchasing three or more enrollments in the full Tech 1 Training receive access to the Guided Field Practices for their senior service staff at no additional cost. This combination of comprehensive online learning with practical field training creates a more complete development program for solar PV and BESS technicians.

These Guided Field Practices represent an important step forward in standardizing field training across the industry, helping reduce time-to-competency while maintaining high safety and performance standards.

HeatSpring and the Amicus O&M Cooperative encourage feedback on these GFPs, so that they can continue to be refined and expanded based on real-world experience from companies across the industry.