Kristopher Sutton, Director of Operations at the US-based Solar Energy International (SEI), founded in 1991 as a non-profit educational organisation, on its mission...

Could you provide a history and overview of the activities of the Solar Training Division?

For over 25 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been dedicated to technical renewable energy education and training through hands-on labs, online training, and broader renewable energy education. SEI has been an official training partner for Solar Middle East since 2014. They have provided training to over 700 Solar Middle East attendees to date and have over 50,000 alumni worldwide. Their team of instructors includes 10 IREC-certified trainers and 34 NABCEP-certified solar PV Installers, more than any other solar training organisation in the industry. Named the 2015 IREC Accredited Clean Energy Training Provider, SEI’s experienced solar training team is on the forefront of renewable energy education.

What are the specific training needs that will be required for first-generation solar equipment manufacturers across the world?

The training offered by SEI is needed by manufacturers for their product developers, sales and marketing teams, managers and key decision makers. The intent is for manufacturers to understand industry standards so their products can be built to meet international codes and guidelines, along with design and installation best practices. Developing a strong technical background in the solar industry is imperative. Technical training helps employees throughout a manufacturing company understand the market dynamics of where their product fits within the existing solar product space and to evaluate the pros and cons of their product design when selling in a competitive market.

Do you intend to start any training programme in India?

Solar Energy International (SEI) has alumni from 100 countries worldwide including many students from India over the years who have completed our online and in-person training programmes. Recently, Solar Energy International (SEI) has teamed up with Saurya Urja Niketan (SUN), which is an initiative of Environmental Education Media Project India (EEMPi) to offer online solar professional training courses partnered with practical training facilities at the Saurya Urja Niketan Campus at Serampore, near Kolkata. Students based in India have the opportunity to begin solar training through SEI’s Online Campus and then go on and receive hands-on training through our training partners at Saurya Urja Niketan.

How will this training help in research and development activities in the field of solar energy?

Research and development can only lead to innovation if the researcher fully understands the products currently available in the market. Solar Energy International’s training focuses on introducing students to that full range of products, methods and applications that are pertinent to the industry.

Would such a training programme also be available for government officials and finance providers to help in drafting new policies and smoothen the process of financing solar projects?

Having a solid technical background in the solar industry is imperative, whether you are working in solar installation or manufacturing capacity or in the critically important finance and policy sectors. Participation in introductory trainings at conferences like Solar Middle East or more in-depth courses and certificate programmes at Solar Energy International enables greater efficacy in policies and programs implemented by officials in supporting fields.