The main difference between the Solar Panel Installer program (SI) and the Solar Energy Technician program (ST) is that the SI program has a focus on the practical aspects of sizing and installing solar PV systems. The ST program has more information on the theory of solar energy as well as in-depth coverage of regulatory requirements that pertain to solar PV systemsas, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and large-scale commercial solar PV systems such as solar PV farms and microgrids.
The SI graduate will have the skills and knowledge to find employment installing solar PV equipment, while the ST grad will not only be able to install the systems but can also design them, submit permits to install them, and will have a much broader knowledge of not just residential solar PV systems but also large, commercial solar PV projects.