LEARN THE SOLAR BASICS

LEARN THE SOLAR BASICS

Whether you are looking for a stable, hands-on profession in a growing industry or simply want to master solar technology, the journey begins here. Our PVOL101 curriculum translates complex energy concepts into clear, actionable expertise, providing the foundational blueprint you need to design, build, and manage the future of energy with confidence.

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SKILLS YOU’LL LEARN

Course Introduction & the PV Market

Get an overview of SEI’s training programs and the trends driving growth across the solar industry today.

Components & System Configurations

Explore PV system components, their functions, and how different system configurations work together to deliver power.

Energy Use & PV Production

Analyze energy use, utility billing structures, and grid connection rules to design cost-effective, grid-direct PV systems.

PV Modules

Discover how PV modules are constructed and convert sunlight into usable electricity.

PV Module Performance

Learn how temperature and irradiance affect PV module output, and how to interpret manufacturer specification sheets and I-V curves.

Meter Testing

Learn to use multimeters, clamp meters, and PV-specific test equipment to safely verify installations and troubleshoot system performance.

Series & Parallel

Learn to wire PV modules in series and parallel configurations to match array output with inverter requirements.

Site Analysis

Learn to evaluate a site, including shading and electrical system details, to determine its suitability for solar installation.

Solar Resource

Track the sun’s path across the sky to site and orient a PV array for optimal year-round energy production.

PV Mounting Systems

Learn how to evaluate and select the right PV mounting system for any site, and install it properly. View sample lesson.

Grounding & Bonding

Master the terminology, methods, and materials for proper PV system grounding and equipment bonding.

Inverters

Learn the fundamentals of how inverters convert DC power to AC, and what to consider when selecting one for your application.

Grid-Direct Inverters

Learn how to select a grid-direct inverter, then compare microinverters, string inverters, and central inverter types.

Grid-Direct System Sizing

Apply practical calculations and tools to size grid-direct systems based on energy needs and site conditions.

Conductors & Wiring

Understand conductor types, color-coding standards, and wire sizing fundamentals for PV system AC and DC circuits.

Disconnects & Overcurrent Protection

Learn the disconnects and overcurrent protection devices that safeguard PV system conductors and equipment.

Safe Practices & Commissioning

Focus on jobsite safety: PPE, lockout/tagout procedures, and electrically safe work practices, plus basic commissioning tests.

EXPERIENCE THE CURRICULUM

Ready to see our training in action? This 10-minute module from PVOL101 covers the seven essential mounting systems available on the market. Explore everything from standard roof mounts to advanced shade structures and learn which system is best suited for each project.

VIEW LESSON SAMPLE

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Career Seekers & Changers looking for a stable, hands-on profession in a growing industry.
Business Owners & Managers expanding into renewables or leading solar installation teams.
Homeowners & Enthusiasts seeking energy independence or a deep understanding of their own investment.

WHY START HERE?

Thousands of students have started their solar education here. PVOL101’s NABCEP-aligned lessons provide the technical foundation that prepares you for certification, employment, and real-world system design and installation—whether you’re launching a new career, adding skills to an existing one, or exploring solar for personal use.

EMPLOYERS WHO TRUST SEI FOR THEIR TRAINING

TRAINING PERKS

Flexible Online Courses – with Real Instructor Support

Our online courses are self-paced with weekly structure. You’ll have access to instructors, support from student advisors, and a community of fellow learners.

World-Class Training

For over 30 years, our experienced instructors have delivered industry-leading solar education through a curriculum that evolves with the technology.

NABCEP-Aligned Curriculum

Our coursework is NABCEP approved and can be used towards meeting educational requirements to qualify for NABCEP exams and recertification.

Get Apprenticeship Credit

In certain states, your SEI training hours can be transferred into year 1 of a 4-year Registered Electrical Apprenticeship, accelerating your path to journeyman-level licensure.

HOW STUDENTS FEEL ABOUT SEI

Luciano D

The PV 101 online course offered by SEI was an invaluable resource for me as it both allowed me to learn at a comfortable pace, never feeling stressed out about the deadline, and also challenging me to stay focused and really let the lessons sink in. Navigating the website was a breeze, which was accessible 24/7. All the lessons were very clear and easy to follow in my opinion, sometimes requiring me to slow down and often replaying certain details, but still easy and clear to follow along. The presenters are great, the quizzes reasonable, and the instructors were accessible to answering any questions. I can honestly say that this course met my expectations and even exceeded them for being an entry level 101 course. For that I am quite content and I plan to continue taking more courses here at SEI online.

Maneesha Madhuhansi

I would like to sincerely thank the SEI team for providing these valuable courses free of charge. I am genuinely grateful to have found this program, and it has greatly supported me in stepping forward on my career path.

Divine Ejike

The course I took was really packed with knowledge and insights for anyone who is willing to learn about Solar and renewable energy. I would highly recommend SEI. I also loved the delivery from all the instructors. A big thank you to SEI for putting the Intro to RE100 together and making it accessible and free.

Miguel Benero

I just want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity SEI provided me to participate in its solar installation training program.

This experience has been profoundly enriching, both professionally and personally. Thanks to the course, I was able to strengthen my knowledge as a licensed electrician and acquire new skills in the field of solar energy. This training has opened doors for me to work as a solar system installer, allowing me to help my family achieve greater energy self-sufficiency by installing battery-based systems. This has been especially valuable in our community, which has faced repeated tropical storms over the years.

Furthermore, the course has inspired me to support others in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting independence from fossil fuels and fostering energy resilience in our region.

I would like to sincerely thank the instructors, who were always available to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. The fact that the course was offered in Spanish was essential to my learning, as it allowed me to better understand the material and successfully pass the exams that assessed the knowledge I had acquired.

I encourage other professionals interested in the solar field to consider this opportunity, as it can represent a meaningful change in their lives and communities.

With gratitude and respect,

Miguel Benero

Cristian Laverde Koenig

Solar Energy International does what many in the industry fail to do, by making available free introductory courses that can clarify what the renewable energy industry is all about for those interested to learn what an inevitable future will look like, and for those that want to be part of it.

Twyla Hermann

Such an interesting solar energy school. I found it while visiting Paonia and declared if I could ever put the time and money together at the same time I'd be back to take classes. That time happened for me this year. OMG! I'm enthralled. I highly recommend.

Ella K

This course was a very good experience for me. I enjoyed the lessons and the way the instructors explained everything. The atmosphere of the course was wonderful, very supportive, and it motivated me to continue. I am very thankful to SEI and to our instructors.

Muna A. Adem

I recently took my first solar energy course with SEI, and it was an excellent introduction for beginners. The course was informative, well-structured, and covered the key areas needed to build a solid foundation. It even inspired me to believe that the sunlight I see every morning could power a village—or even a house—helping students learn elsewhere! I especially appreciated the materials, though adding more examples from international solar projects could make it even stronger. Highly recommend SEI for anyone interested in renewable energy!

Agobeazim Ugbode

The online SEI free course is excellent. The tutors make the course easy to understand and enjoyable. This is a very fascinating field and very useful for development in the developing world. I am fascinated by the preparatory free course and would like to study the recommended courses. The deal is that I would need to practice the theory. I live in England where access to practice is a little bit difficult.

READY TO START?

Join the thousands of SEI alumni who have successfully learned the solar fundamentals by enrolling in PVOL101 today!

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