Course Structure/Learning Outcomes

This programme is delivered through Zoom.

*** Please click on 'Show All Sessions' for a detailed list of dates, times, and venues for each session. *** 

This course involves theory and practical work. On completion learners will be able to:

• 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.

Assessment Method

Assignment: 40%

Examination – Theory: 40%

Skills Demonstration: 20%

Payment

All delegates are required to pay the registration fee in full, by credit card, prior to attendance at the course, workshop, seminar or event. In order to confirm your booking, you must complete the booking online via our website for public courses and by email to Mark Ruane at mark@windenergyireland.com for on demand courses.

If a membership discount is in use it must be used at the time of booking – there will be no refunds for bookings made without the membership discount code.

If the membership discount is availed of, the invoice raised will be issued to the invoicing details on the membership register. If you require the invoice to be raised for an additional company or address other than what is registered on our Membership Database the membership discount will be forfeited and the full non-member rate will apply.

Chevron College QQI Level 6 Accredited & SEAI Listed Course

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.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria as set out by the Green Tech Skillnet are as follows:

Eligibility Companies:
Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding.

• Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
• Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
• Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
• Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

Eligibility Trainees
Key requirements regarding the Trainees:

• Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
• Trainees must be employed within private enterprise.
• Green Tech Skillnet are required to collect data on the profile of trainees supported and record this data for Skillnet Ireland.