Introduction to Utility-Scale Solar O&M – Now free for members We keep installing more and more utility-scale solar. So the need for utility-scale solar operations & maintenance will continue to grow. There’s a shortage of experienced O&M folks who can keep these systems performing, so starting today, for a limited… Continue reading “Introduction to Utility-Scale Solar O&M – Now free for members”
Getting Your NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification | Everything You Need to Know NABCEP’s PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS) Certification was created to recognize experienced solar technicians who have a deep understanding of operations, maintenance, and commissioning. These certified specialists excel at the application of verification protocols as well as preventative and… Continue reading “Getting Your NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist Certification | Everything You Need to Know”
What are the Hierarchy of Risk Controls in Electrical Work? In the field of electrical work, where potential hazards are often not immediately visible, a thorough understanding of risk assessment and mitigation strategies is essential. This knowledge empowers electricians, technicians, and anyone working near electricity to make informed decisions, implement… Continue reading “What are the Hierarchy of Risk Controls in Electrical Work?”
New Course Announcement: 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training As the electrification of everything continues to proliferate faster everyday, the risk of electrical hazards is also ever increasing. Whether you’re installing solar panels, integrating energy storage systems, upgrading building electrical systems, or installing heat pumps, a solid foundation in… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training”
Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals course is now free for HeatSpring members We need more leadership talent on utility-scale solar PV projects so starting today, for a limited time, Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals is free for HeatSpring members. Membership is super cheap and it’s a great way to develop a learning habit.… Continue reading “Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals course is now free for HeatSpring members”
The Importance of Solar O&M: Ensuring Longevity and Efficiency of Solar Power Plants I’ve now worked in large-scale solar for over ten years, contributing to over 2GW of installations and managing multiple projects exceeding 100MW in capacity. While my career has primarily focused on the development, design, and installation of solar power plants,… Continue reading “The Importance of Solar O&M: Ensuring Longevity and Efficiency of Solar Power Plants”
What are the Types of Manufacturer Warranties? Product Warranties. Performance warranties. Labor and installation support warranties. There’s a lot to compare when evaluating solar components for your projects. When home or business owners choose to invest in a solar energy system, the warranties provided by the manufacturers… Continue reading “What are the Types of Manufacturer Warranties?”
What’s the Difference Between a Product and Performance PV Module Warranty? Manufacturer warranties on solar PV modules instill confidence for homeowners as well as for the companies who install them. These warranties provide assurance regarding the durability and energy output of solar modules, offering protection against defects and performance degradation over… Continue reading “What’s the Difference Between a Product and Performance PV Module Warranty?”
What is the Purpose of Manufacturer’s Warranties? When prospective solar customers are making financial decisions about their solar equipment, understanding the purpose and coverage of manufacturer warranties is crucial for ensuring peace of mind and long-term reliability. These warranties serve as a promise from manufacturers to stand… Continue reading “What is the Purpose of Manufacturer’s Warranties?”
The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification The NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Board Certification was created for experienced energy storage professionals who have demonstrated knowledge in energy storage system development, design, installation, commissioning and decommissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M). Successful ESIP candidates work in… Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification”
2024 Solar & Storage Conferences – Will You Be There? After a few years with no in-person gatherings during the pandemic, solar and storage conferences have been slowly coming back in 2023 and certainly now in full force in 2024. Conferences are great because not only do they support professional… Continue reading “2024 Solar & Storage Conferences – Will You Be There?”
Walking on Solar Modules – Is It Really That Bad? Let’s Take a Look! Don’t scrape the backsheet. Don’t step on the panels. Don’t drop the panels. And don’t scrape up the frames. Aside from safety and how to properly use ratchet straps, those were some of the very first things I was taught… Continue reading “Walking on Solar Modules – Is It Really That Bad? Let’s Take a Look!”
Troubleshooting a String Inverter Functioning inverters are absolutely key to a successfully operating residential solar system. In the event there’s an issue with the string inverter onsite, the system downtime means the homeowner can’t use any of their own solar energy during that period.… Continue reading “Troubleshooting a String Inverter”
Strategies to Succeed in Clean Energy Business Development With the clean energy deployment moving faster than ever, relatively new companies as well as new solar professionals are coming in droves to support the transition. With each new solar system on the grid, technicians and system owners must be… Continue reading “Strategies to Succeed in Clean Energy Business Development”
New Bundle Announcement: Residential Solar Service Technician Training Package The need for experienced and knowledgeable solar service technicians is growing quickly to keep pace with residential solar deployment. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the residential solar market experienced its 6th consecutive record year in 2022, growing… Continue reading “New Bundle Announcement: Residential Solar Service Technician Training Package”
Drone Pilot Course Now Free with HeatSpring Membership Starting today, for a limited time, the Drone Pilot Boot Camp is free for HeatSpring Members. The Drone Pilot Boot Camp is different from every other drone course because it combines several key experiences you need to really do the… Continue reading “Drone Pilot Course Now Free with HeatSpring Membership”
Leadership in Utility-Scale Solar Construction I want to share some interesting stats about jobs in utility-scale solar, from IREC’s Annual Solar Job Census, which they’ve just published in July 2023: 65% of all solar jobs are doing installation & project development work, and about half… Continue reading “Leadership in Utility-Scale Solar Construction”
The Importance of Quality Management on Utility Scale Solar Sites Early in my career, before I switched into Project Management, I had the opportunity to lead the Quality department for a leading US-based EPC company – DEPCOM Power. Prior to this, I’d not seen myself as a Quality guy –… Continue reading “The Importance of Quality Management on Utility Scale Solar Sites”
Residential Solar O&M Course Now Free With HeatSpring Membership Starting today, for a limited time, Keith Rohman’s “Residential Field Operations & Maintenance” is included with your HeatSpring Membership. This is the practical residential solar O&M course you have been looking for, and it counts for NABCEP credit, too. Membership… Continue reading “Residential Solar O&M Course Now Free With HeatSpring Membership”
Troubleshooting Isolation Faults Like a Pro Isolation faults happen on PV systems when DC current leaks to ground. It can be caused by a number of issues like damaged or pinched wires, defective optimizers, or an inverter fault. In the new Residential Field Operations & Maintenance… Continue reading “Troubleshooting Isolation Faults Like a Pro”