After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nor-Cal Controls hosted the return of the Solar & Storage Operations Training (SSOT), May 10-12, 2022.
The Solar & Storage Operations Training is a 3-day training event in El Dorado Hills, CA, that covers topics on SCADA 101, Compliance & Risk (including NERC & cyber security), Technical Asset Management & Performance Analytics, and Advanced SCADA topics. This knowledge-packed training course is designed to benefit EPC contractors, asset owners and solar industry professionals. The training topics and principles covered can be applied to any SCADA system platform (hardware/software). Those who complete the certification training will better understand the big picture, as it applies to Solar PV & Storage plant operations within the utility scale and C & I sectors of the renewable energy market.
All solar industry professional that would like to expand their knowledge on the intricacies of SCADA systems are invited to attend. This past training included employees from companies such as McCarthy Building Companies, NovaSource, SOLV, Primoris, SB Energy and many other industry representatives.
Nor-Cal Controls partnered with Radian Generation (RadianGen) due to their expert knowledge of NERC, Asset Management, & Cyber Security. Sharing a similar culture with RadianGen, the Nor-Cal team found them to be the perfect partner for the SSOT trainings. Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) were represented by both Nor-Cal Controls and RadianGen. The entire team of SME’s put a lot of time into developing their presentations and sharing their knowledge on their respective topics. Nor-Cal Controls gives a special shout-out to Kellie Macpherson from RadianGen who kicked off the training with engagement activities that set the energy and tone felt throughout all three days of the event.
The training was held at the Holiday Inn Conference room in the El Dorado Hills Town Center. In past years, the trainings had been led at Nor-Cal’s very own facilities, but as the training grew to accommodate the increased numbers of attendees, it was relocated from the Nor-Cal Building. The Holiday Inn is the perfect choice as it is centrally located in the heart of El Dorado Hills and is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and an IMAX Theater. El Dorado Hills is a beautiful town, and there are a lot of things to explore in the surrounding areas.
A highlight of the training was the Happy Hour Meet & Greet that was held in the evening of the first day of training. Sponsored by Nor-Cal Controls, the event took place at the Brickyard Counter & Bar that is just steps away from the Holiday Inn. The Meet & Greet provided an opportunity for the attendees and SME’s to come together and socialize over some great food and drinks. There was even a live band to create a fun and social atmosphere.
Another highlight of the training was a tour of Nor-Cal Controls very own Fabrication Shop.
Led by the Nor-Cal team, attendees were shuttled from the Holiday Inn to the shop where they were able to view a completed SCADA Rack as well as receive a demonstration of a Meteorological Station Factory Acceptance Test. It was a fun opportunity for everyone to gain some hands-on experience as well as ask detailed questions.
Overall, the return of the SSOT training proved to be an overwhelming success!
What attendees said about the May Training:
“Thank you! I had a great time and please let everyone know that they did a great job with the training.”
– Jimmy Garza, Primoris
“Had a blast! Thank you and the amazing Nor-Cal team for the hospitality and educational opportunities.”
– Kristina Marriot, Miller Bros Solar
“Thank you and your team for putting together a very informative training. It was very interesting and helpful.”
– Simon Barnes, McCarthy Building Companies
All attendees who completed the course received a Level I Certificate. Coming up in 2023, Nor-Cal Controls will be introducing a Level II course that will cover advanced SCADA topics. Stay tuned for more information on Level II courses coming soon.
The SSOT trainings are held quarterly with the next one scheduled for August 16th, 2022. If you are
interested in participating in a future training, please register or contact us to learn more.
