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Diversify into Solar Service with HeatSpring’s Solar Service PRO Badge

Brit Heller Brit Heller

Millions of solar systems are already installed across the US. These systems will operate for 25+ years, and every single one will need maintenance, troubleshooting, and occasional repairs. Yet many solar companies have historically focused exclusively on new installations while leaving a massive revenue opportunity on the table.

The installation boom may be slowing. But the service opportunity is just beginning.

Why O&M Is the Industry’s Next Big Opportunity

The US has 255.4 GW of installed solar capacity as of Q2 2025 – enough to power over 42.5 million homes. The country installed nearly 18 GW in the first half of 2025 alone. The Solar Energy Industries Association predicts solar deployments to be at 256 GWdc from 2025-2030.

Every single one of these systems will need maintenance, troubleshooting, and occasional repairs over their 25+ year lifespan. 

What makes O&M particularly attractive is its recurring revenue model. Service contracts provide predictable income. Troubleshooting and repair work can command premium rates. And unlike new installations, O&M work doesn’t disappear when incentives change or interest rates rise.

The challenge is most solar professionals were trained to install systems, not service them. There is a knowledge gap in how to safely troubleshoot energized equipment, systematically identify issues using thermal imagery, or build profitable service operations. That’s a massive opportunity for those who develop these skills.

What You’ll Master with Solar Service PRO

The Solar Service PRO badge develops these skills through four specialized courses covering electrical safety, diagnostics, and O&M fundamentals across residential and utility-scale systems.

6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training

Instructor: Jason Brozen

Master electrical safety fundamentals with an arc flash survivor who teaches from 28 years of real-world experience as a Master Electrician. Learn to accurately perform and document comprehensive risk assessments, identify hazards when working on or near electricity, evaluate risks, and select appropriate control methods. Understand approach boundaries, energized electrical work permits, and how to create electrically safe work conditions using NFPA 70E standards.

Residential Field Operations & Maintenance

Instructor:  Keith Rohman

Learn systematic approaches to residential solar O&M from commissioning through reactive maintenance. Understand preventative maintenance protocols, troubleshoot common field issues, work effectively with equipment manufacturers, and understand the business considerations for building profitable residential service operations.

Introduction to Utility-Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance

Instructor: Andy Nyce

Gain foundational knowledge of utility-scale O&M operations from a professional with experience across 2GW of projects. Understand the basics of solar O&M at scale, operational techniques, and learn industry best practices for managing large commercial and utility installations.

Identifying Issues on PV Systems Using Thermal Imagery

Instructor: Fred Brooks

Build thermal imaging expertise for solar diagnostics from an instructor with over 18 years of experience. Learn systematic pre-inspection procedures, identify critical component issues (inverters, combiner boxes, microinverters), detect panel hotspots and diode failures, apply proper safety protocols, create effective documentation for warranty claims, and understand drone program fundamentals for scaling your services.

Getting Your Solar Service PRO Badge

Step 1: Complete All Required Courses Work through four comprehensive courses at your own pace.

Step 2: Pass the Final Exam Demonstrate your knowledge by getting 80% or higher on a comprehensive 50 question multiple-choice exam.

Step 3: Earn Your Badge Receive your Solar Service PRO digital badge – a verifiable credential that shows your expertise to employers, customers, and colleagues.

Why HeatSpring PRO Makes Sense

Solar Service PRO is part of HeatSpring’s comprehensive PRO subscription program—your pathway to becoming an indispensable energy professional. For $890 annually (or $89/month), you get access to all four PRO badge programs:

Plus, you’ll join monthly PRO Circles—exclusive networking sessions with other ambitious energy professionals where you can share challenges, get actionable advice, and build relationships that advance your career.

The individual courses included in Solar Service PRO alone are worth over $1,600, making the annual subscription exceptional value for comprehensive professional development.

Ready to Capture the Service Opportunity?

The solar O&M market is experiencing massive growth as installations continue worldwide and systems age.

Service work offers different advantages than new installations. The potential for recurring revenue, steadier workflow, and resilience against market volatility. While installation companies may struggle with incentive changes and utility rate fluctuations, service businesses have the ability to maintain consistent income from existing systems.

Don’t miss the opportunity of millions of installed systems needing maintenance. Subscribe to HeatSpring PRO today and start building your O&M expertise that can drive recurring revenue for years to come!

Brit Heller
Written by

Brit Heller

Director of Program Management @ HeatSpring. Brit holds two NABCEP certifications - Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PVIP) and Photovoltaic Technical Sales (PVTS). When she isn’t immersed in training, Brit is a budding regenerative farmer just outside of Atlanta where she is developing a 17-acre farm rooted in permaculture principles. She can be found building soil health, cultivating edible & medicinal plants, caring for her animals or building functional art.

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