Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician. A Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician performs maintenance (preventative, scheduled, unscheduled) on PV systems in compliance with Department of Energy and related regulations, isolate the PV system (in the case of a PV farm this is done with authorisation obtained from the plant controller); perform fault finding (trouble-shooting), identify deficiencies; analyse information, carry out maintenance, repair (including removing and replacing components), and find solutions to a range of problems. A Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician may be employed either at a photovoltaic farm or at standalone PV installations. Hence, there is the Photovoltaic (PV) Service Technician (PV Farm) and the Photovoltaic (PV) Service Technician (Standalone Installation). A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan for the installation of a photovoltaic system. • Install a photovoltaic system. • Maintain, diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical components of PV systems.

South Africa has many resources of renewable energy like sunshine and wind. Hence, there has been a drive to harness and exploit renewable energy, which is gaining huge momentum. This stems from two very important factors: firstly, the possibility of decreasing dependence on coal-fired power stations and thereby reducing the concomitant degradation of the environment and, secondly, the recurrent energy generation problems being experienced nationally. A number of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) farms have been set-up across the country and many companies and individuals have stand-alone roof-top installations, all of which require Solar PV Technicians to maintain, service and repair them. Proficiencies recognised by industry as employment opportunities were identified in this occupation. These are: • Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Installation. • Solar Photovoltaic Standalone System Mounting. • Solar Photovoltaic Farm Servicing. • Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Servicing. During the development of this occupational qualification the above mentioned proficiencies were provided for as part qualifications. Typical learners for this qualification are artisans, school leavers and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates. Learners who enters this qualification with competencies related to this qualification will receive recognition and thus may be able to complete the qualification in a much shorter time. These Solar PV Service Technicians will either be employed on solar PV farms or companies that install and maintain solar PV installations. Those with an entrepreneurial drive may establish their own businesses and create employment for others.

Recognition of Prior Learning (PRL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification with mathematics.

• Plan and prepare for PV system installation.
• Install mechanical components of solar PV system (stand-alone).
• Install electrical components of solar PV system (stand-alone).
• Maintain, test and replace PV panels components.
• Maintain, test repair and replace inverters and transformers.
• Maintain, test and replace cables, cable inter-connections, smart boxes, PV junction/string boxes, string diodes, connectors, fuses, switchgears and control gears and repair switchgears and control gears.
• Maintain, test and replace batteries and charge controllers and repair charge controllers where possible.