New Course Announcement: Solar PV Ground-Fault Troubleshooting: Theory, Tools, and Field Application

Ground faults are one of the most challenging issues solar technicians face. They’re difficult to locate, potentially dangerous, and can bring PV systems to a grinding halt. Yet despite being one of the most common and costly issues in solar PV systems, comprehensive training on ground-fault troubleshooting on PV systems has been virtually non-existent – until now.

Rebekah Hren, Alex Jahp, and Brian Mehalic of Solar Tech Collective just launched Solar PV Ground-fault Troubleshooting: Theory, Tools, and Field Application – the first advanced course of its kind dedicated entirely to developing this critical skill. It’s a deep dive into one of the solar service’s most challenging technical areas, designed for professionals who are ready to become true troubleshooting experts.

Why This Course is Unique in Our Industry

Ground-fault troubleshooting has long been one of the most complex and under-taught aspects of solar maintenance. Most training programs barely scratch the surface, leaving technicians to learn through trial and error in the field – often at great cost in time, money, system downtime, and the mental exhaustion that comes from wrestling with elusive problems. This course changes that by providing the comprehensive, practical education the industry has been missing.

What makes this training stand out:

• First-of-its-kind focus: No other course dedicates this level of depth exclusively to ground-fault troubleshooting on PV systems
• Real-world application: The instructors included actual field demonstrations on large PV sites, so students can see the principles in practices
• Advanced technical depth: Goes beyond basic troubleshooting to cover inverter topologies, system grounding configurations, and sophisticated testing techniques
• Practical tools and techniques: Learn to use critical tools in the field like insulation resistance testers and digital multimeters 

Who Should Take This Course

This advanced training is designed for solar professionals who are ready to elevate their technical expertise:

• O&M technicians and providers
• Installers 
• Electricians
• Equipment manufacturers
• Solar professionals looking to advance their technical skillset

Meet Your Instructors 

Your instructors bring over 50 years of experience building PV and BESS systems, teaching industry professionals, and developing standards that shape the industry. 

Brian Mehalic brings over two decades of experience and serves as a voting member of CMP-4 for the NFPA 70 (that’s the NEC covering Articles 690, 705, and others). As a NABCEP-certified professional since 2008 and cofounder of SEI Professional Services (now part of Bowman Consulting Group), he’s designed, installed, and maintained systems of every size and complexity.

Alex Jahp combines hands-on field experience with standards development expertise. A NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional and PMI-certified Project Management Professional, Alex has worked on projects from the US to Guatemala, Peru, and Puerto Rico. His involvement in NFPA 800 (Battery Safety Code) and various SEIA standards shows his commitment to industry excellence and comprehensive understanding of safety.

Rebekah Hren got her electrical license in 2008 in North Carolina while working as a residential solar installer. As a NABCEP board member and technical committee member for multiple standards (NEC CMP-4, NFPA 800, UL 9540, UL 3741), she brings over 20 years of hands-on experience plus deep involvement in the codes and standards that govern our industry.

What You’ll Learn

This comprehensive 12-module course transforms complex technical concepts into practical, field-ready skills:

Foundation Knowledge: Deep dive into PV system grounding, bonding, and the critical role of insulation in system safety and performance.

Advanced Diagnostics: Master insulation resistance testing (IRT) and learn to analyze results like an investigator.

Inverter Expertise: Understand different inverter topologies (transformer-based vs. transformerless) and their unique grounding configurations and ground-fault detection systems.

Troubleshooting Mastery: Develop systematic approaches for tracking down both “hard” and “resistive” ground faults using digital multimeters and specialized test equipment.

Real-World Problem Solving: Learn advanced techniques for isolating circuits on string and central inverter systems, plus strategies for those maddeningly elusive faults that seem impossible to find.

Safety and Repair: Master best practices for working safely around ground faults and proper repair techniques that last.

Ready to Become Your Team’s Go-To Ground-fault Expert?

You don’t have to keep dreading ground-fault service calls. With the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can diagnose and resolve them efficiently and safely – making you invaluable to employers and clients alike.

This Solar PV Ground-fault Troubleshooting: Theory, Tools, and Field Application course embodies years of field experience, standards development, and technical expertise distilled into practical, actionable knowledge. It’s the advanced training the solar industry has needed for years.

Enroll today and tackle any ground-fault challenge with confidence!