New Courses: Introduction to Hand Tools and Power Tools for Solar

HeatSpring is excited to announce two new courses from Jenny Conrardy: Introduction to Hand Tools for Solar and Introduction to Power Tools for Solar.

Who These Courses Are For

These courses are built for new solar employees, apprentices, and career changers who are building their foundation in the trades. If you’re preparing for your first solar installation job, working through a training program, or just want to feel more confident on a job site, these courses cover exactly what you need to know.

They’re also a natural fit for workforce programs and employers who want to make sure new hires can hit the ground running from day one.

Introduction to Hand Tools for Solar

This course covers 20 essential hand tools used on solar job sites. Jenny walks through each tool – what it’s called, what it does, and how to use it correctly – covering everything from utility knives and tape measures to linesman pliers, wire strippers, crimpers, pipe benders, and more.

The format is straightforward: short video demonstrations for each tool, followed by a quick knowledge check to reinforce what you just learned. By the end, you’ll be able to identify and correctly use the hand tools you’ll encounter on any solar installation.

What you’ll learn:

• Identify and name the essential hand tools used in solar installations
• Demonstrate proper usage techniques for each tool category
• Select the right tool for common solar installation tasks

Introduction to Power Tools for Solar

Power tools are the workhorses of a utility-scale solar job site. Crews use them to install hundreds of thousands of components across large areas, so knowing each tool by name and purpose matters, not just for speed, but for safety and quality.

This course covers the key power tools used in solar work: drills, impact drivers, saws, and more. Jenny demonstrates proper selection, operation, and safety procedures for each, with a focus on what new workers need to know to operate equipment confidently and avoid common mistakes like under-torquing critical connections or using the wrong tool for a task.

What you’ll learn:

• Identify and select appropriate power tools for specific solar installation tasks
• Demonstrate proper safety procedures and operation techniques
• Evaluate tool performance and maintenance requirements for solar work environments

Meet Your Instructor  

Jenny Conrardy is a Journeyman Electrician and NABCEP PVIP Certified solar professional with field experience since 2019. Jenny is a member of Solar for Women and WRISE and is an advocate for equity in the trades.

Both courses reflect her practical, field-first approach to training built through her years of experience working onsite.

Included in HeatSpring CORE: Comprehensive Construction Training Program

Both courses are included in the HeatSpring CORE: Comprehensive Construction Training Program, a 24-course bundle covering safety, electrical, construction, and trade skills. If you’re building out a first-year curriculum for new trades workers, CORE is worth a look.