The Solar Electric Power Association is partnering with energy education specialist Enerdynamics to offer a two-day training course on the electric utility industry to solar business leaders, addressing how solar products and services fit into the utility business model.

The two-day interactive training, “Introduction to Electric Utilities for the Solar Sector,” combines the core of Enerdynamics’ Electric Business Understanding course with new solar-specific content from SEPA to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of this complex and strategically important industry. It will help solar business leaders better understand the utility industry as they learn more about this key strategic market for the growth of solar power.

“SEPA has always been dedicated to helping utilities understand solar,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “This training works to bridge the gap from the opposite direction – helping solar companies learn about the specific needs and various business models used by utilities in order for them to be successful.”

For both newcomers to and veterans of the solar industry, this training is designed to provide a real world, current perspective of the utility industry, the solar sector, and how the pieces fit together. Among other topics, attendees will learn:

• The key forces likely to drive future evolution in the electric business
• How electricity deregulation has changed the business
• Who the key industry participants are and the strategies they employ to be successful
• Utility perspectives on the short- and long-term impact of solar and its potential

“Our partnership with SEPA allows us to expand the value of our energy education offerings by focusing on how the rise of solar is changing the traditional business of the electric utility,” said John Ferrare, CEO of Enerdynamics.

Sessions will be held in November and December in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Orlando, and Phoenix.