Solar PV Installer Training

Lesson 1 • Photovoltaic Effect and Cell Operation

Explains the semiconductor physics behind the PV effect and how a solar cell generates current. Links atomic-level behaviour to measurable electrical output.

Lesson 2 • Solar PV Industry Landscape

Surveys market segments, supply chain roles, and career pathways in the solar industry. Contextualises the installer's role within the broader energy sector.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Introduces electrical codes, building standards, and interconnection requirements governing PV installations. Establishes compliance awareness before hands-on work begins.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Measurement and Test Equipment

Teaches proper use of multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation testers on PV circuits. Accurate measurement skills underpin safe commissioning and troubleshooting.

Lesson 2 • Grounding and Bonding Principles

Explains equipment grounding, system grounding, and bonding requirements for PV arrays. Proper grounding prevents shock hazards and equipment damage.

Lesson 3 • DC Circuit Theory

Covers Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, and power calculations applied to DC systems. Forms the mathematical foundation for PV string and array design.

Lesson 4 • Wiring Methods and Conductor Sizing

Covers conductor types, ampacity tables, voltage drop calculations, and conduit fill rules. Ensures students select correct wire sizes for safe, code-compliant installations.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Hazard Recognition

Identifies shock, arc flash, and electrocution hazards specific to PV DC and AC circuits. Hazard recognition is the first step in preventing electrical injuries on site.

Lesson 2 • Safe Work Practices on Energised Systems

Establishes approach boundaries, insulated tool use, and two-person rules for live work. These practices reduce risk when de-energisation is not feasible.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment Selection

Covers arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, face shields, and dielectric footwear selection. Matching PPE to hazard level is compulsory before any electrical work begins.

Lesson 1 • Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Covers harness fitting, lanyard selection, anchor point requirements, and fall clearance calculations. A properly rigged PFAS stops a fall before the worker contacts a lower level.

Lesson 2 • Material Handling on Rooftops

Covers safe lifting techniques, module staging, and tool tethering to prevent dropped objects. Controlled material handling protects workers below and prevents module damage.

Lesson 3 • Fall Hazard Identification

Identifies leading edges, skylights, roof openings, and fragile surfaces as fall hazards. Early hazard identification drives selection of appropriate fall protection controls.

Lesson 4 • Roof Access and Ladder Safety

Teaches ladder selection, setup angles, securing methods, and safe climbing techniques. Proper ladder use prevents falls during access to and from the roof.

Lesson 1 • Inverters and Power Conversion

Covers string inverters, microinverters, and power optimisers, including MPPT operation. Students select inverter types based on shading conditions and system size.

Lesson 2 • Solar Modules: Types and Specifications

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film modules by efficiency, cost, and application. Students read datasheets to extract key electrical parameters.

Lesson 3 • Monitoring and Communication Systems

Introduces production monitoring hardware, data loggers, and communication protocols. Monitoring enables performance verification and early fault detection.

Lesson 4 • Overcurrent Protection and Disconnects

Explains fuses, circuit breakers, and disconnect switches required in PV systems. Proper protection devices prevent fire and equipment damage under fault conditions.

Lesson 1 • System Design Documentation

Produces single-line diagrams, site plans, and equipment schedules required for permits. Complete documentation accelerates approval and guides field installation.

Lesson 2 • Load Analysis and System Sizing

Analyses customer energy bills and load profiles to size the PV system appropriately. Proper sizing balances energy offset goals with budget and roof constraints.

Lesson 3 • Solar Resource and Energy Estimation

Uses irradiance databases and simulation software to estimate annual energy production. Accurate energy estimates support financial analysis and customer expectations.

Lesson 4 • String Sizing and Array Configuration

Applies voltage and current calculations to size strings and configure arrays for a given inverter. Correct string sizing maximises energy harvest and protects equipment.

Lesson 1 • Racking Assembly and Module Mounting

Guides rail installation, levelling, and module attachment using manufacturer torque specifications. Correct assembly ensures structural integrity under wind and snow loads.

Lesson 2 • Inverter Installation and AC Connection

Covers inverter mounting, DC input connection, AC output wiring, and breaker installation. Correct inverter installation enables safe grid interconnection and monitoring.

Lesson 3 • System Labeling and Documentation

Applies required warning labels, conduit markers, and as-built documentation to the completed system. Accurate labeling supports safe future maintenance and inspection.

Lesson 4 • DC Wiring and Combiner Installation

Covers module-to-module wiring, string home-run routing, and combiner box termination. Proper DC wiring minimises resistance losses and arc fault risk.

Lesson 1 • System Startup and Commissioning

Sequences the energisation of DC array, inverter, and AC connection with live measurements. Commissioning confirms the system meets design specifications before handover.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Energisation Inspection

Performs visual and electrical checks before applying power to verify installation quality. Catching errors before energisation prevents equipment damage and safety incidents.

Lesson 3 • Preventive Maintenance Procedures

Schedules and performs cleaning, torque checks, and electrical re-testing to sustain performance. Regular maintenance extends system life and protects owner investment.

Lesson 4 • Performance Monitoring and Analysis

Uses monitoring data to compare actual versus expected production and identify underperformance. Ongoing analysis enables proactive maintenance and warranty claims.