Green Solar Academy: Advanced Courses(Compliance for PV Systems)

• Duration: 1 day
• Qualification: Certificate (Accredited)

In this 1-day course, the focus lies on understanding the legislation that is applicable for PV installations, especially SANS 10142-1, and what is necessary to comply. The usually dry topic is made interesting and comprehensible by not just reading from the guidelines but applying it to real-life installations.

NOTE: A participant must have an attendance rate of at least 90% in order for GREEN Solar Academy to issue a certificate of attendance.

Target Audience

• certified electricians
• advanced solar installers who want to be able to advise electricians and check compliance

Disclaimer: Only certified electricians are allowed to work on DB boards. We are happy to share knowledge with everyone but legal restrictions apply and our training does not enable non-certified persons to carry out any tasks that exceed their qualification.

Main Topics

• Introduction to scope of the course and overview of relevant standards for PV installations
• Analysis of best practice examples incl. earth loops, bonding, trunking, DC and AC protection
• Exercise on wiring for a grid-connected PV system with storage
• Practical installation of a compliant PV system
• Commissioning procedures and testing (string voltage and polarity, insulation resistance, bonding resistance, earth-neutral test, anti-islanding test)

Career Opportunities

Compliance Officer (Renewable Energy)

• Solar Compliance Officer: Oversee the compliance of solar projects with national and international regulations, ensuring that solar systems are installed and operated in line with environmental, safety, and energy laws.
• Regulatory Affairs Manager (Solar Industry): Work for solar energy companies or consultancies, ensuring all activities comply with relevant industry regulations, building codes, and government policies on solar energy and sustainability.
• Energy Compliance Specialist: Ensure compliance with energy-specific regulations and policies, including grid connection requirements, metering standards, and safety protocols for solar installations.

Solar Project Manager (Regulatory Focus)

• Solar Project Manager: Manage the overall planning, installation, and maintenance of solar projects, with a focus on ensuring compliance with local and international standards for electrical systems, safety, and performance.
• Regulatory Project Lead: Specialize in managing projects that require close attention to regulatory standards, including coordination with authorities for permits, inspections, and ensuring that the solar project adheres to legal requirements.

Solar Industry Consultant (Compliance and Regulation)

• Solar Compliance Consultant: Advise businesses, municipalities, or governments on navigating the complexities of solar regulations, offering expert advice on meeting compliance standards throughout the lifecycle of a solar project.
• Renewable Energy Legal Consultant: Provide consultancy services for legal issues related to solar energy projects, ensuring contracts, agreements, and operations align with environmental, zoning, and energy laws.
• Energy Policy Consultant: Specialize in guiding organizations through the regulatory frameworks that govern renewable energy, helping them to comply with energy production, distribution, and consumption laws.

Quality Assurance and Safety Manager (Solar Energy)

• Solar Quality Assurance Manager: Ensure that solar systems meet the required quality standards during installation and maintenance. Focus on compliance with both industry norms and safety regulations.
• Health and Safety Officer (Solar Industry): Oversee safety protocols in the installation and operation of solar systems, ensuring that projects comply with safety laws and industry best practices to minimize risk during construction and operation.
• Risk and Compliance Officer: Manage risk analysis and ensure that all solar projects comply with risk management standards, helping companies prevent safety or legal issues associated with non-compliance.

Solar Technical Specialist (Compliance)

• Solar Design Engineer (Compliance Focus): Design solar systems that meet local regulations and standards, ensuring all technical aspects are in line with safety, performance, and compliance requirements.
• Solar System Inspector: Conduct inspections of solar installations to verify that they meet regulatory requirements, including electrical standards, safety measures, and environmental guidelines.
• Grid Connection Specialist: Focus on ensuring that solar systems are compliant with grid connection standards and policies, ensuring that installations integrate smoothly with national or local electrical grids.

Policy Advisor (Renewable Energy and Compliance)

• Renewable Energy Policy Advisor: Work with government agencies, NGOs, or private corporations to craft or advise on policies related to solar energy regulations and compliance standards.
• Sustainability Compliance Advisor: Provide strategic advice to companies or municipalities on aligning their solar energy projects with environmental and sustainability regulations and certifications.

Regulatory & Standards Auditor

• Renewable Energy Standards Auditor: Conduct audits of solar energy systems to ensure they adhere to applicable codes, standards, and regulations. This role ensures that installations are compliant with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Energy Regulatory Auditor: Focus on auditing energy systems, including solar projects, to verify compliance with energy production, consumption, and efficiency regulations.

Solar Equipment Certification Specialist

• Certification Specialist (Solar Industry): Work with solar equipment manufacturers or certifying bodies to ensure that solar products (e.g., panels, inverters, batteries) meet industry standards and legal requirements for use in specific markets.
• Compliance Certification Consultant: Help companies get their solar products certified by regulatory bodies, ensuring that they meet necessary legal and safety standards for commercial sale or installation.

Solar Installer (Compliance-Focused)

• Certified Solar Installer: Install solar PV systems with a strong understanding of compliance requirements, ensuring installations are completed according to national standards and safety codes.
• Installation Supervisor (Compliance Focus): Oversee installation teams to ensure that all aspects of the solar PV installation process comply with industry standards, legal requirements, and safety protocols.

Education and Training in Solar Compliance

• Solar Compliance Instructor: Teach and train solar industry professionals or students on the regulatory requirements and compliance aspects of solar PV systems, helping them navigate industry-specific laws and standards.
• Training Program Developer (Compliance): Develop educational content, materials, and programs aimed at educating professionals about compliance in the solar energy industry.

International Career Opportunities

• Global Solar Compliance Manager: Work for international organizations or solar companies ensuring their global solar projects comply with various regional and national regulatory frameworks.
• International Renewable Energy Consultant (Compliance): Provide consulting services to governments, agencies, or international companies to help them navigate global regulations governing solar energy projects.

Environmental and Sustainability Roles

• Environmental Compliance Officer (Solar Energy): Ensure that solar energy projects meet environmental regulations related to land use, emissions, waste management, and environmental protection during installation and operation.
• Sustainability Program Manager: Manage sustainability programs for organizations, with a focus on ensuring solar projects meet environmental standards and comply with international sustainability certifications.

The Compliance for PV Systems course from Green Solar Academy prepares graduates to become experts in navigating the complex regulatory environment of the solar industry. These roles are crucial for maintaining high standards in safety, performance, and environmental impact while ensuring that solar projects meet the legal and technical requirements for success.