Episode 834
834: The New Solar Standard You Should Know About | w/Amanda Bybee & Karo Fernandez
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.
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
If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/
You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:
