Why You Don’t Want to Miss out on Our Solar Academy Training Courses

Seminars, webinars, video tutorials: More than 5,000 installers and PV system planners from all over the world make use of the SMA Solar Academy training annually. Do you want to learn how to install PV systems and integrate battery-storage systems? Or maybe you’re keen to find out about the latest technologies? Our practice-oriented Solar Academy training courses help you further develop your skills and qualifications on an ongoing basis so that you always have your finger on the pulse.

“What I liked most was the well-elaborated selection of topics and the highly motivated and qualified trainer.”
“I was particularly impressed with the trainer’s expert knowledge and their willingness to discuss any questions we had.”
“Everything was very well explained. I liked the fact that the products weren’t used for promotional purposes.”

This is just some of the feedback that we have received from participants on the Solar Academy training courses. Some feedback is particularly memorable: “The strong practical component is something that is mentioned time and again in the seminar evaluations,” said Tillmann Blume, head of the SMA Solar Academy in Germany. “This is where we receive the most praise, and it confirms the effectiveness of our concept of running small training groups and intensive workshops with real systems. In fact, most people are calling for an even greater practical component. This proves that we are on the right track and, in response, we are increasingly putting learning on real and complete systems at the center of our offering.”

By experts, for experts

This is precisely the goal of the Academy’s training courses: To convey knowledge in a targeted and hands-on manner about SMA systems, photovoltaics in general and the sustainable use of solar power. The SMA Solar Academy opened its doors back in 2004 and provides system planners, installers and electrically qualified persons from all over the world with the skills they need to perform specialist technical work on PV systems. The Solar Academy currently operates in twelve countries around the world.

Benefits of the training courses:

• Participants learn about every single aspect of PV systems — from design, installation and commissioning to maintenance and monitoring
• Training courses for all system sizes and types — from residential and off-grid systems to power plants on the grid
• Comprehensive professional service for the device to the replacement of assemblies
• Professional system maintenance opens up additional business opportunities
• The offering covers everything from the technical basics through to advanced expert knowledge
• Application-oriented training with specific tricks and tips for everyday work
• A forum for questions and honest answers

Online classes and on-site seminars with qualified SMA experts provide in-depth technical knowledge, the fundamentals of installing and commissioning PV systems and also specialist knowledge of storage integration, hybrid system commissioning and intelligent energy management.

Traditional seminars or online training?

In addition to on-site seminars, webinars are becoming increasingly common. These are particularly useful for teaching about monitoring portals and remote services or for providing quick training sessions on new devices and functions. Of course, the practical component of webinars is not as strong as with traditional, on-site seminars because the participants can interact with SMA experts only via the chat function. Thanks to digital technology, however, not only can webinars be accessed online from anywhere in the world, but installations can also be shown live via a camera link.
However, on-site seminars — whether they last for just one day or are spread across several days — give participants an in-depth understanding of complete systems and the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Another benefit is the level of personal interaction. “Installers appreciate the opportunity to get answers to specific questions arising from their day-to-day work, ” said Tillmann. “And we also receive valuable feedback from the participants. “This means that we can keep on optimizing our training courses and address the issues that are currently of particular interest.” The breaks give participants the chance to network, an activity that frequently leads to some exciting partnerships. Finally, all those involved are important ambassadors for the promotion of a sustainable energy supply, which is why the motto of the Solar Academy is ’Be a solar expert.’

Tailored trainings for different countries

More than 20 Solar Academy trainers ensure that, wherever you are in the world and whatever your language, you will always be able to find training courses and sessions near you. Our trainers are highly qualified and experienced solar experts who combine theoretical background knowledge with practical application experience. The training topics are tailored to the different countries and take into account all the local legal and normative requirements.
Training on specific topics such as large hybrid systems or the maintenance of PV power plants is provided at our main site in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany. The Solar Academy website presents in a clearly structured manner the global training offering by language, country and training format.

Three questions for Tillmann Blume, head of the SMA Solar Academy Germany

Tillmann Blume, head of the SMA Solar Academy Germany

Tillmann, what makes the SMA Solar Academy so special?

Each and every participant can sense our passion for a global energy supply powered by renewable energy. We see them as equal partners whom we support to ensure that solar power is deployed in a highly professional manner all over the world, in turn promoting the energy transition. Our motto is ‘Be a solar expert’ and this clearly expresses exactly what we stand for.

What makes a good training course?

It’s always about conveying an in-depth understanding of the system as a whole. Applying the knowledge and skills they have gained, participants can independently design, install, commission and maintain systems with all the appropriate components, not just SMA devices. We always provide, wherever possible, at least one live demonstration and a workshop where participants have the opportunity to get hands-on.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?

What I love the most is when participants praise our trainers, who do an excellent job and are very passionate about their work. Something I frequently read is that participants love the opportunity to ask questions and receive honest and practical answers. Our seminars are not intended as publicity for our products, but as forums for conveying knowledge effectively. By experts, for experts. To have this reflected in feedback from participants is the biggest compliment imaginable.

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