
As leader of the Systems Integration Group at SunPeak, John Schwarzmeier oversees the SunPeak teams that are responsible for the interconnection, commissioning and long-term reliable operation of customer systems. The company website states, “He is an expert in PV system Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and has advanced knowledge of system monitoring and reporting. John also leads customer education and training initiatives for installed systems.”
John Schwarzmeier, group leader of Systems Integration at SunPeak in Madison, Wisconsin, sees two sets of skills for solar technicians and the emergence of a third set of critical IT skills.
First, this is what he considers the “traditional” attributes for all solar technicians:
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- knowledge of electricity, circuits, solar energy, and the national electrical code;
- understanding of the means and methods for installing solar energy systems;
- fluency with construction terminology and tools;
- experience with construction and job-site safety; and
- a good work ethic.
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The second set of skills is for forward-thinking individuals who want more advanced solar technician roles. They need to be able to use specialized tools such as global positioning systems (GPS), unmanned aircraft systems or drones, or special test equipment that is specific to the solar industry.
“Experience in some of these special tools and equipment would definitely give them a leg up,” he said. Continue reading “SunPeak’s Systems Integration Leader Talks about Traditional, Advanced & Critical New Skill Sets for Solar Technicians”