Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Installer Course Teesside

Solar Panel (PV) Electrical Installation Course

Solar PV is making a big impact on the UK energy market and is increasingly being seen as one of the solutions to energy shortages and global warming issues.

The electrical industry is embracing this new technology and Solar is a skill that all electrical installers should consider as a way to increase their skills and to remain current with industry changes and trends.

Funding is available from the Low Carbon Building Programme and the Cert scheme. Information can be found on the STA website.

The Solar PV North East course has been designed for two different entry levels resulting in two different qualifications.

All those learners who are currently experienced electricians and hold all the pre-requisites and want to expand their skills to offer Solar PV to clients, will have the option of studying for the full Solar Photovoltaic course which includes the electrical installing of the PV system.

However, those learners who don’t have all the pre-requisites for the PV installer course can still study the Solar course but will qualify to design and verify a PV system. These learners will not be able to connect the actual electric system.

Both versions cover solar panel installations up to 5kW output and focuses on predominant systems (grid connected).

Areas of Study

The Solar PV course Durham teaches photovoltaics by including the following subject areas:

• Background to the market and Grant and Funding routes (including MCS)
• Regulations and Standards
• Health & Safety considerations
• AC & DC theory
• Cell types and benefits
• External and internal site survey requirements
• Circuit design
• System design and integration
• Setting to work and commissioning
• Servicing and fault finding

This course does not cover roof access in detail, however the nature of the work requires installations on a roof and means that the course covers legislative requirements and risk assessments for working at height.
The Solar PV training roof has all the different roof coverings that could be encountered when installing solar PV.

Teesside Solar PV Examination

The Solar PV training course in Teesside is assessed by a multiple choice examination and a practical assessment.

Qualification Gained

Once a learner has successfully completed this course, they will receive a qualification dependent upon which option they took. Learners will either receive one of the following:

• A Logic Certificate of Competence in Solar PV Installation and a Logic accredited ID card, or
• A Certificate for the Design and Verification of Solar PV.

Course Duration

The Solar PV course is three days long.
 

Who is the Solar PV course suitable for?

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in Solar PV. However, those who want to apply for MCS accreditation must have the pre-requisites listed below.

Those learners without the pre-requisites can still do the course but for a different qualification certificate.

What are the Pre-requisites for the Solar PV course?

If you want to apply for MCS accreditation:

Learners must be working as an electrician and have good electrical skills. It is important that candidates hold a 17th Edition and a Part P qualification.

If you do not have these electrical qualifications:

It is still possible to do the Solar PV course but you gain a different qualification to the electrician who does hold the pre-requisites.

This option is for those who need to design and verify Solar PV and could include site managers, surveyors and designers.

What can I do after this course?

All those completing this course would be able to study for further electrical qualifications if desired.

Those on the electrical installer option will be able to approach MCS for accreditation.

Essential Reading

There is no essential reading for the solar course however, it is essential that candidates are experienced in the design and installation of domestic single phase circuits and issuing the appropriate documentation (electrical).