What happens when a solar technician calls themselves a “Level 2,” but no one knows what that actually means?

For years, solar O&M has lacked the structure and standardization seen in other trades. The result? Confusing job titles, wage inflation, inconsistent training, and safety risks. But that’s all about to change.

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Nico Johnson is joined by Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, and Karo Fernandez, Technical Training manager at AES Clean Energy. Together, they have helped create and rollout ANSI/SEIA 301, the first ANSI-accredited standard defining technician levels in the solar industry! They share how a diverse coalition of stakeholders—from co-ops to giants like AES—came together to define skill levels, competencies, and a real career ladder for solar techs.

"It takes seven stakeholders to operationalize training. Otherwise, it’s just a checkbox." - Amanda Bybee

Amanda breaks down the origin of the standard, why it’s necessary, and how it was shaped through broad consensus (60+ companies!). Karo brings it to life, showing how AES is rolling out hands-on, real-world training that prioritizes safety and clarity.

If your business hires solar technicians—or wants to keep them—this episode is a must-listen.

Expect to Learn:

🔹 Why lack of technician standards leads to industry-wide wage inflation

🔹 How ANSI/SEIA 301 enables clear career pathways for solar workers

🔹 The 5 learning modalities AES uses to implement tech training

🔹 The surprising data benefits of standardized technician levels

RESOURCES:

Connect with Amanda Bybee:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Karo Fernandez:

• LinkedIn

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Check out  Amicus O&M Cooperative:

• Website | LinkedIn

Check out  The AES Corporation:

• Website | LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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Find more about the new SEIA standards here:

• SEIA 301: https://standards.seia.org/product/seia-301/

"Training is safety. They’re not separate things - they’re the same thing." - Karo Fernandez