MIDDLE EAST
SOLAR TRAINING
MIDDLE EAST
SOLAR TRAINING
Since 1991, SEI has trained solar professionals worldwide, and our Middle East and Africa program brings that same expertise to one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets. Let us help you take your expertise further.
Industry-leading Training for the MENA Region
SEI has been working across the Middle East and Africa since 2002, partnering with NGOs, governments, and local training institutions to bring industry-leading solar education to regions where clean energy can have the greatest transformational impact.
From off-grid village electrification in sub-Saharan Africa to large-scale PV system training in the Gulf, SEI adapts its world-class curriculum to meet the real needs of each unique community and market context.
Training Options
Our Training Partner
SEI is partnering with Shams Global Solutions, a local Omani company, to provide the first certified photovoltaic training program in Oman. The Shams solar training program localizes SEI’s industry leading PV curriculum to the codes and regulations put forth by the Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) and as well as certification guidelines standardized by the Distribution Code Review Panel (DCRP). We are currently offering the following courses in Oman:
PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) | PV201L: Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct) | PV207: PVsyst and Helioscope for PV System Production Modeling
Our Trusted Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Each person that successfully completes a SEI course receives a Certificate at the end of the course. Successful completion of the course entails daily attendance and class participation and a passing score (greater than 70%) on the final exam which is administered on the last day of the class. The certificate recognizes that you’ve completed 40 hours of technical training with Solar Energy International (SEI), an accredited U.S. based educational institution. These training hours are also recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), the most recognized and esteemed certification in the solar industry. These hours count toward the requirements to become a NABCEP Certified solar professional. SEI will maintain an official record of your courses and scores We can provide documentation of your credentials upon request to future employers, certification agencies or whomever may need a record of your certificate.
SEI is pleased to work with a myriad of companies, universities and other organizations to provide trainings throughout the Middle East and Africa. In order to reach our broadest audience, we are not looking for exclusive partners or agents at this time. However, we can work with you to put on SEI’s trainings on a contract basis or discuss other options to work together.
SEI doesn’t provide 3rd party accreditation or certification. We recognize the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) for professional certification in the solar industry. SEI offers training that qualifies people to sit for NABCEP exams. Your country or region might also have specific certification requirements.
We do have a Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP) which are recommended series of courses to help professionals on their respective career paths in the solar industry. This includes a “Train the Trainers” certificate which we recommend for people who will be leading courses in renewable energy but does not make them an SEI instructor. You can learn more about the SPCP and the tracks/options available here.
SEI is not currently licensing curriculum outside of the US or Canada.
Staff
Kristopher Sutton, VP of Instruction
Kristopher Sutton has worked full-time in the solar PV industry since 1999 and currently serves as Vice President of Instruction at Solar Energy International. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for instructional programs across hands-on labs, classroom learning, and hybrid delivery models, ensuring high-quality, practical training experiences that meet evolving industry needs.
Kristopher has extensive experience teaching technical trainings on the design and installation of photovoltaic systems for both residential and commercial applications, with a strong emphasis on safety and real-world application. His professional background includes work as a system installer, project manager, and owner of a solar consulting business.
Throughout his career, Kristopher has collaborated with utilities, architects, engineers, general contractors, building departments, and homeowners, supporting projects through all phases of PV system design and installation. In addition to overseeing instructional strategy and campus-based training operations, he contributes to curriculum development and instructor training, helping ensure programs remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with workforce and industry demands.