Solar Photovoltaic Systems - Installer & Designer

With fuel prices rocketing, rising CO2 levels and energy supply becoming ever more critical, one technology that is sure to make a positive impact in this country is Solar Photovoltaics. Although funding has been stopped under the Low Carbon Building Programme there is funding available under the Feed in Tarrif (FiT) for the installation of Solar PV, more information can be seen on the following website www.fitariffs.co.uk . This is a natural development for the electrical market and should be considered by any electrical installation company or engineer. More information on Solar Photovoltaics can be found on the Solar Trade Association website. For installers or businesses to gain access to the funding through the FiT programme the business must be registered through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme which is administered by Gemserve.

Aims & Objectives

The purpose of the course and assessment is to give an entry level qualification for experienced domestic / commercial electricians wishing to extend their work scope into Solar Photovoltaics. For non electrical installation staff a designer course is available, see below. The course will cover Solar Photovoltaic installations up to 5kWp output.

Target candidates - INSTALLERS

Qualified electricians who want to expand their knowledge and skills to include installation of Solar Photovoltaic’s. Candidates must have experience in testing and issuing appropriate certificates as per BS7671:2008.

Target candidates - DESIGNERS

This option is for those who will be involved in the PV supply chain but not actually carrying out the electrical installation, certification and commissioning of the PV systems i.e. site managers, surveyors and designers etc. It is not necessary to hold the electrical qualifications as required for the installer course, but some basic electrical knowledge is required.

The assessment will take the form of a multiple choice assessment with the pass mark being 100% for both the installer and designer course. For the installer course there is also a design scenario assessment and a practical assessment. For the designer course there is also a design scenario assessment.

It will be essential that the candidate will be experienced in the design & installation of domestic single phase circuits and issuing the appropriate documentation (electrical installation certificate, schedule of inspections & schedule of test results). It is also essential that the candidate holds a qualification that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of BS7671:2008 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Building Regulations.

Typically eligible candidates will be those who hold an Electrotechnical NVQ Level 3 or a Full Scope Part P qualification and 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and have at least 2 years experience.

The assessment/course will cover the predominant systems (grid connected). The course does not cover all possible variants of this subject and in any case, manufacturer’s support and guidance should always be sought when fitting equipment. The course covers the following topics

1. Background to market and grant funding routes (including MCS)
2. Regulations and standards
3. Health & Safety considerations
4. AC & DC theory
5. Cell types and benefits
6. External and internal site survey requirements
7. Circuit design
8. System design and integration
9. Setting to work and commissioning
10. Servicing and fault finding

Noted exclusion from training & assessment:

This course is not intended to cover roof or access work in detail but does cover the legislative requirements, risk assessment requirements and working at height requirements. Wherever practical we would recommend the use of an experienced roofer to install the arrays (see www.nfrc.co.uk) although collectors will require connection at roof level by an electrician, so those wishing to carry this work out should be comfortable and experienced working at height.

Tuesday 10 April & Thursday 12 April 2012, 09.00-17.00 (2 day)
Wednesday 4 July & Friday 6 July 2012, 09.00-17.00 (2 days)