The above course together with the QQI Level 6 Electrical Installation and Commissioning of Micro Generators Award (6N0307) will qualify you to register with SEAI as an approved contractor for Solar PV grants. This course also meet the Dept of Agriculture requirement for contractors to register on TAMS Solar PV installers register.

Micro Solar Photovoltaic Systems Implementation

The purpose of this award is to equip you with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to implement micro scale solar photo-voltaic (p-v) projects, up to 11 kilowatt, according to the applicable standards, legislation, guidelines, and manufacturer’s specifications, whilst working autonomously.

Part 1 Implementation
Date: Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th of August 2025
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Online

Part 2 Electrical
Please book part 2 of the courses here.

Practical Day

Monday 1st or Tuesday 2nd of September

Exam
Wednesday 3rd of September

Minimum Level 5 Certificate – relevant life or work experience may also be accepted.

• Describe the main p-v cell technologies including the characteristics, configurations, and components of solar p-v systems.
• Describe factors affecting solar p-v output to include tilt, orientation, over shading and p-v module mismatch.
• Describe the relationship between rated output at standard test conditions and actual output in use.
• Summarise the planning requirements for solar p-v installations including any possible exemptions.
• Summarise relevant legislation, standards and regulation to include CE marking and New Approach 2 directives, product testing and certification standards and building regulations.
• Describe maintenance requirements for solar p-v systems to include cleaning, checking torque of fixing bolts and visual inspection of array integrity and electrical connections.
• Propose an appropriate mounting technique based on aerodynamic and static load considerations.
• Describe the potential hazards and mitigating action associated with solar p-v operation to include electrical hazards, “always live” systems, labelling and signage requirements and fixing of panels.
• Describe the relevant health and safety requirements for installation to include working at height, securing ladders, safety requirements for scaffolds, guard rails and personal safety equipment.
• Describe the recommended installation sequence for solar p-v systems identifying relevant standards and guidelines applicable to each phase of installation.
• Outline the main considerations for roof-mounted solar p-v systems including roof types, construction, loading, integrity and weather proofing.
• Assess roof loading and load bearing capacity and recommend suitable mounting and weather sealing techniques.
• Use the recommended tools for deploying all required solar p-v system components in accordance with manufacturer’s specification.
• Carry out a feasibility study for solar p-v system to include a resource assessment and economic evaluation.
• Generate a design layout for a solar p-v system to include a specification of array location, mounting techniques, cable runs and inverter location.
• Assess the conformance of a solar p-v system in accordance with standards for module fixings, fixing of the array, weather proofing, and integrity of the array.
• Test a solar p-v installation to include normal shutdown, emergency shutdown, and power control against solar intensity.

• Assignment: 40%
• Examination – Theory: 40%
• Skills Demonstration: 20%

Learner will receive QQI level 6 minor awards in the following: Micro Solar Photovoltaic Systems Implementation 6N0306.

On successfully completion of both awards (Part 1 & Part 2) learners meet the qualifications requirements for SEAI’s register for PV installers.

The course will cater for a variety of adult learners with a minimum Level 5 Certificate/ Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard of education. You should have previously have completed a relevant Level 5 award.

Chevron College is Ireland’s largest renewable energy training provider and the 1st provider to be approved to deliver the new QQI level 6 Solar Photovoltaic installer training course.

Our course trainer Toddy Byrne is one of the foremost experts on Solar Photovoltaic technology in Ireland today. His company Southern Wind and Solar has supplied and installed Solar PV systems nationwide to private and commercial customers along with public sector organisations. Toddy was a also a member of the standards development committee for the development of this QQI accredited course.

Domestic Solar Photovoltaic systems can be financially attractive projects for many electricity consumers due to the systems ability to significantly reduce electricity costs, e.g. a typical domestic Solar PV system can produce 50% of the annual electricity consumption of an Irish home. Furthermore, any surplus electricity generated by the Solar PV system may be exported back to the Grid, thus creating an additional income stream for the consumer.

Therefore the Department of Energy sees PV systems as an essential part of Government energy policy.

In order to optimise the full benefits that can be derived from a domestic Solar PV system, it is essential that the system is installed by a competent individual. Consequently, Chevron College delivers Solar PV training programmes which aim to impart learners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to competently install domestic Solar PV systems. These programmes examine both the Implementation of Micro Scale Solar PV Systems and the Electrical Installation and Commissioning of Microgenerators. These courses will be accredited by QQI.

It is essential that candidates participating on the Electrical Installation and Commissioning of Microgenerators course will have obtained the appropriate qualifications related to electrical installation, knowledge of the IEE Wiring Regulations and inspection and testing.