Meet derek the solarboi:
Derek’s journey into the realm of solar began back in 2014. Already armed with six years of electrical experience, he immersed himself in the world of solar installations and discovered his true calling in troubleshooting and maintaining aging systems.
But Derek wasn’t satisfied with simply mastering the technical side of things. In 2022, he burst onto the TikTok scene as the charismatic and informative “derek the solarboi.” Armed with a mission to enlighten and entertain, Derek’s videos tackle everything from the intricacies of electrical theory to the ins and outs of rapid shutdown devices. With his infectious energy and knack for making complex concepts digestible, derek the solarboi has electrified the screens of tens of thousands, leaving a trail of enlightened minds in his wake.
We had a chance to sit down with Derek, to talk about the things that drive him and the industry forward when it comes to training solar teams:
Q: We have a client that really thinks it’s important for their installers to be able to train each other: how important is peer support or community learning in the work you do? How do you support it?
derek the solarboi: It’s incredibly important. Depending on the company you work for, the culture may have one that discourages sharing— people have this innate fear that if they share their tips and tricks, it makes them less valuable. It’s simply untrue. A valuable employee is one that shares their knowledge with their peers and builds up the team around them. Someone who learns new things and is willing to train others is always going to be valuable, ESPECIALLY in the solar industry. Despite the ups and downs, the solar industry continues to expand and requires more and more skilled workers. As a manager, if I have an employee that I know I can always throw a new guy at to train, I will absolutely claw and fight to keep that employee. But this mentality of community learning isn’t just important for the employee to absorb. The boss also needs to foster a community of learning, by being teachable, and showing they’re willing to reevaluate long-held beliefs or practices in the day-to-day work.
Q: We love your videos at Learnie – how important is video for the work you do?
derek the solarboi: I find video to be an incredibly helpful accompaniment when demonstrating a topic or teaching an idea. For a long time, there’s been a myth about learning that asserts people to be either kinesthetic, auditory, or visual learners, and that you should focus on a particular method as appropriate for the person, but the reality is that most people learn the best with all their senses. I may not be able to give thousands of people hands-on experience, but showing them what I’m seeing in the moment that it’s happening is the best I can do for now, and seems very effective.
Q: What are the most common challenges faced by trainees during their field training, and how do you address these challenges?
derek the solarboi: On the maintenance side, we often are onboarding people that have solar experience, but are still new to the vast, variable world of solar equipment and installation techniques. There are larger touchpoints you can concretely train on, for sure, but that won’t ever cover the weird, specific cases that technicians will run into. With that in mind, uncertainty is a huge battle for most technicians. “Am I stupid and the answer is right in front of me?” “How do I even start to troubleshoot something like this?” We’ve all been there. It helps to have concrete resources for technicians to reference, whether it’s a knowledge base or a boss who can help direct you in the right direction. The biggest and truest answer for the technician, is to be tenacious beyond what they’re confident in. There will always be something new to learn, and troubleshooting is always the same. Slowly remove variables in a situation, take copious notes, and if in doubt, always call tech support.
Q: How do you ensure that your training stays up-to-date with the latest solar technology and installation techniques?
derek the solarboi: All it takes is being very intentional about sharing knowledge, as soon as you gain it, no matter how small. The problem is that it’s very easy to let this kind of thing slip, especially with a larger team. Short, weekly meetings can give you a constantly available forum to share things you’ve seen or learned, whether as someone on the crew or in management. You can call them check-in meetings or standups or whatever, but anything that gives you the opportunity to bring up valuable info to the rest of the group, is going to serve you well.
Q: In your opinion, what are the key skills and qualities that make a successful solar technician, and how do you foster these in your trainees?
derek the solarboi: Like I said before, the thing I see people struggle with the most is the uncertainty. It can be easy, if you have a technical history, to solve people’s problems for them, but the most valuable practice is to only give them as much help as they’re asking for, if not a little bit less. This can change from person to person. You don’t want someone spinning their wheels, not knowing where to go, but you DO want to help people have confidence in themselves, that they know they can figure out how to proceed with a problem. In the day to day, I will usually err on the side of pointing a technician to a resource, rather than straight to the answer. It narrows down the options, but still gives them the ability to flex their troubleshooting muscles. Eventually, they realize that running into a situation they’ve never seen before doesn’t mean they’re inept. It’s simply part of the job, one they’re damn good at.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing Community Learning: Derek emphasizes the crucial role of peer support and community learning in the solar industry. Contrary to the misconception that sharing knowledge diminishes individual value, Derek highlights the immense worth of employees who actively contribute to the collective growth by sharing insights and training peers. Building a culture where team members feel empowered to share knowledge fosters a stronger, more resilient workforce.
- Harnessing Multimedia for Effective Training: Derek underscores the significance of utilizing video content as a powerful tool for training and knowledge dissemination. By combining visual demonstrations with verbal explanations, trainers can cater to various learning styles effectively. In an industry like solar, where hands-on experience may not always be feasible for large audiences, video content serves as a valuable substitute, providing learners with real-time insights and practical demonstrations.
- Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Resilience: Field training in the solar industry often presents technicians with complex challenges and uncertainties. Derek acknowledges the common struggles trainees face, such as troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment and techniques. To address these challenges, Derek advocates for tenacity and resourcefulness. Encouraging trainees to embrace uncertainty, take systematic approaches to problem-solving, and leverage available resources cultivates resilience and confidence essential for success in the field.
Conclusion:
In a rapidly evolving industry like solar energy, continuous learning and adaptation are indispensable for both individuals and organizations. Derek’s insights underscore the pivotal role of peer support, multimedia resources, and resilience-building strategies in preparing technicians for the diverse challenges they may encounter. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, embracing innovative training methodologies, and nurturing essential skills, the solar industry can empower its workforce to thrive amidst technological advancements and ever-changing landscapes.
Thanks to @thesolarboi! Keep shining that light! (that’s right, I said it;)
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