Why we're the right guys to train you.
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice, there is." Yogi Berra
We're in the PV business ourselves and, as successful business owners, we know what we want and need from a well-trained workforce. Current, active installation experience is a requirement to teach for Solar Seminars - all our instructors install when they're not teaching. We give you the skills you need to thrive in this field.
Our goal is to offer you the best solar installation training available with time efficient, information efficient delivery. We deliver high quality presentations that combine concise explanations and hands-on participation. And, because we've been involved with solar and energy efficiency since the 1980s, we can offer you our own personal, hard-won advice.
In 2007, we started training HVAC installers in PV energy systems through HVAC distributor CFM Equipment. We've trained more than 800 installers. In 2009 we expanded our offerings to include a five day PV 101 for non-electricians and non-HVAC dealers. Since then, we've trained more than 100 under-employed construction workers, general contractors, vets, and college students. Most have found good, entry level positions in the PV business.
As you can read on this site, we offer PV 101 both as a Traditional, five day class and as a Blended Learning class that combines 30-50 hours online (assisted by instructors) and two days of installation practice with our staff. Successful students from these classes and then sit for the NABCEP entry level exam.
We are also offering PV 51, a concise two day class for people who want to work on large commercial solar array installations as PV techs. We focus on different skills: how to work efficiently with a large team doing project layout and construction. This course is ideal for students who want to get jobs with the enormous solar projects cropping up all over the southwest.
Glenn Bland
Glenn has been working with HVACR for almost 30 years. Among his list of accomplishments, he:
- started the successful company, Bland Air Conditioning and Heating, in 1985
- expanded from HVAC into solar in 2006
- taught HVACR Technologies at San Joaquin Valley College from 1987 to 1995
- is a NABCEP Certified PV Installer.
Glenn introduced Ground Source Heat Pumps to the San Joaquin Valley in 2000. In 2007, Glenn – who always has an eye to the future – changed his company name to Bland Solar & Air. Since then, Glenn’s company has worked extensively in California, Arizona, and Colorado installing renewable energy systems. The company has
- installed over 600 solar thermal systems
- installed over 350 residential PV systems
- installed PV systems from .4 kW to 250 kW in size
- installed residential wind systems in CA and CO.
Doug Walker
Doug is the project manager for large commercial joint ventures between SSi and Bland Solar, like a 250 kW agricultural, water pumping project completed in late 2011.
Doug has been designing and building unusually energy efficient homes for more than 35 years – homes that Energy Star building guidelines are just now catching up with. His houses integrate components including
- photovoltaics
- solar thermal heat
- ground source heat
- superior insulation
- high thermal mass, ICF, SIPs, tilt up precast construction.
Doug is a master craftsman, with extensive experience in electrical, plumbing, roofing, excavation, FRP, and welding. He has a background as well in lead acid battery R&D that has served well in various off-grid renewable energy installations. Doug is the owner of four separate patents and has consulted extensively on both national and international government projects. Glenn and Doug met when Glenn purchased one of Doug's off-grid solar homes high in the mountains of southwest Colorado.
Britt Bassett
Britt is our large PV system analyst, designer and engineer.
Britt is a computer specialist, engineer, and our Learning Management Systems designer and administrator. He is responsible for putting together the online courses and this website. Britt has an MS in Nuclear Engineering and has managed projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition to computing, engineering, and engineering management, other accomplishments include:
- Telecommunications construction management of David Skaggs Research Building in Boulder, Co;
- Several small business startups;
- Advisor to the Board of a renewable energy company;
- Frequent public speaker on renewable energy issues and policies.
After he and his wife lived off-grid on a sailboat for over four years, Britt became further interested in renewable energy development and photovoltaics in particular. Prior to joining SSI, Britt was conducting feasibility studies, researching renewable energy development, and installing PV systems in southwestern Colorado.
- Britt has designed and been involved in the construction of PV projects from 2.4kW to 250kW in size and is planning on larger projects.
Anne Markward
Anne is our sales and marketing person, as well as our administrative liaison for accreditation, compliance, and personnel. Her background is in sales and marketing - both nationally and internationally for a variety of companies, as well as research and academia through the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute.
Anne also coordinates the procurement and safety compliance for larger industrial projects.
Brandon Bice
Brandon has worked in industry since 1999 as an installer and lead installer, and has been teaching PV courses since 2009. He has installed more than a megawatt of commercial projects.