About this course

The Solar PV and BESS O&M Tech 2 course is a 30-hour, self-paced online program designed to elevate technicians from foundational knowledge to fully autonomous field professionals.

Building on Tech 1, this  training covers critical skills including safety protocols, system inspections, electrical theory, advanced diagnostics like IV curve tracing and thermography, and hands-on troubleshooting—with specialized tracks for residential & C&I, utility-scale, and battery energy storage systems.

It aligns with the SEIA/ANSI 301 Solar and Energy Storage Operations and Maintenance Standard: Technician Training and qualifies for 30 NABCEP CEUs.

The standard asks that Tech 2 also obtain training on NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace. 

Learning Objectives

  • 1. Apply advanced O&M safety protocols including LOTO, Job Hazard Analysis, and PPE selection to perform level-appropriate electrical and mechanical work.
  • 2. Analyze solar PV system performance using environmental data, temperature coefficients, irradiance measurements, and system loss factors to compare actual production against expectations.
  • 3. Conduct preventative, corrective, and warranty-required maintenance activities using industry-standard test equipment, including IV curve tracing, thermography, and insulation resistance testing.
  • 4. Perform intermediate troubleshooting and root cause analysis to diagnose and resolve common system faults and execute recommissioning tests upon completion of corrective work.
  • 5. Interact with remote monitoring systems, interpret performance and diagnostic data, annotate plan sets, and submit warranty claims.
  • 6. Apply market-segment-specific skills across residential, commercial and industrial, utility-scale, and BESS project types, including relevant safety, maintenance, and compliance requirements for each.

Course outline

11 modules
30 - 33 hours to complete
1 minutes of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

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Module 1 • 1 assignments
Safety

Build the advanced safety skills needed to work independently on complex solar PV and BESS systems, from executing multi-source LOTO procedures and leading Job Hazard Analyses to managing fall protection and stop-work authority across all installation types. 

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Module 2 • 1 assignments
Inspections & Preventative Maintenance

Learn to independently plan and execute preventative maintenance across solar PV and BESS systems, using industry codes, service contracts, and remote monitoring tools to make informed decisions and maintain rigorous documentation standards. 

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Module 3 • 1 assignments
Electrical and Photovoltaic Theory

Develop the technical knowledge to assess system performance and protect electrical components, including calculating expected current and voltage under real-world conditions and correctly sizing overcurrent protection devices. 

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Module 4 • 1 assignments
Measurements and Testing

Master the field testing techniques Level 2 technicians rely on most, including I-V curve tracing, thermal imaging, and ground fault troubleshooting using insulation resistance testing and advanced diagnostic methodologies. 

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Module 5 • 1 assignments
Troubleshooting

Strengthen your ability to identify root causes and execute data-driven solutions for system failures, from arc fault identification through warranty claims, documentation, and full recommissioning. 

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Module 6 • 1 assignments
Residential and C&I

Prepare to safely perform O&M work on residential and commercial/industrial installations, covering rooftop safety, public protection protocols, and the unique power isolation challenges of occupied structures. 

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Module 7 • 1 assignments
Utility-Scale

Develop the skills to work safely and effectively on high-voltage utility-scale sites, including high voltage component inspections, transformer maintenance, and personal protective grounding procedures. 

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Module 8 • 1 assignments
BESS

Gain the specialized knowledge required to work safely in BESS environments, covering thermal runaway hazards, LOTO in always-energized systems, and thorough malfunction documentation practices. 

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Module 9 • 1 assignments
Cybersecurity

Understand your role in protecting critical grid infrastructure through NERC CIP compliance, physical and digital security protocols, and proper incident response procedures. 

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Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

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Continuing Education Units

Instructor

Amicus O&M Cooperative

Amicus O&M Cooperative is a community of solar operations and maintenance (O&M) providers across North America. Through a set of tools/templates/software, extensive knowledge sharing, and a training program for O&M professionals, the cooperative supports its member companies in offering safe, efficient, standardized services. The cooperative itself does not perform O&M...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

$895

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