Green Solar Academy: Advanced Courses(PVA Prep Course)

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

Target Audience

GREEN Alumni who did the SuperSolar School a while ago and seek a refresher before taking the SAPVIA PV GreenCard Assessment.

Main Topics

Theoretical refresher (morning)

• PV basics, terminology, electrical basics
• PV components and operation
• Site visits
• PV Design basics Installation planning
• Compliant installation (SANS 10142 regulations, inspection and testing)

Practical refresher (afternoon)

• Installation best practice
• Practical application of SANS 10142 regulations
• PV system testing

Career Opportunities

Photovoltaic Assessment (PVA) Specialist

• PVA Consultant: Advise solar energy companies, property owners, or governments on conducting detailed assessments of existing solar PV systems. Provide recommendations for improving system performance, maintenance, and overall efficiency.
• PVA Auditor: Conduct audits of PV systems to evaluate their compliance with performance standards, safety regulations, and industry best practices. This role may involve providing reports and certifications for solar installations.

Solar System Performance Analyst

• Performance Monitoring Specialist: Monitor and analyze the performance of PV systems over time, identifying inefficiencies or malfunctions and providing recommendations for optimization or repairs.
• Data Analyst (Solar Industry): Analyze data from solar PV systems, including energy output, performance trends, and operational conditions, to evaluate the effectiveness of installations and suggest improvements.

Solar Energy Consultant

• Solar Consultant (Assessment Focus): Provide expert guidance to businesses or individuals looking to install, upgrade, or assess the performance of solar PV systems. Specialize in conducting PVA assessments to ensure solar systems are operating at maximum efficiency.
• Sustainability Consultant: Focus on advising organizations on integrating solar energy solutions with sustainability goals, and ensure that their PV systems are functioning optimally through regular assessments.

Solar System Designer (Performance & Assessment Focus)

• PV System Designer: Design new PV systems with a focus on ensuring optimal performance and efficiency based on PVA findings. Work closely with clients to tailor solutions that meet their energy needs while considering future system assessments.
• Design Engineer (Solar PV): Specialize in designing photovoltaic systems that meet specific performance criteria based on detailed PVA reports and system evaluations.

Solar Installation and Maintenance Specialist

• PV System Installer: Install solar systems with an emphasis on performance optimization and ensuring that systems are designed for long-term efficiency, based on PVA assessments.
• Solar Maintenance Technician: Perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of PV systems to ensure they meet the expected performance standards, identifying issues based on PVA results and implementing corrective measures.

Solar Project Manager (Performance & Compliance Focus)

• Project Manager (Solar PV): Manage solar installation projects, ensuring that the systems are designed and installed according to PVA standards, with an emphasis on achieving optimal energy output and system performance.
• Compliance Manager (Solar Projects): Ensure that solar PV projects comply with regulatory standards and perform according to the assessments outlined in PVA reports. Work with teams to rectify any deficiencies identified during assessments.

Energy Efficiency and Optimization Specialist

• Energy Efficiency Consultant: Advise businesses on improving energy efficiency through optimized PV system installations and upgrades. Conduct PVA assessments to determine where improvements can be made to increase energy production and reduce costs.
• System Optimization Specialist: Focus on optimizing the performance of existing PV systems by assessing their current output, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing upgrades or corrective actions based on PVA findings.

Technical Trainer/Instructor in Solar Assessment

• Training Specialist (Solar PV Assessment): Train and educate solar industry professionals on conducting photovoltaic assessments and optimizing system performance based on assessment results.
• Instructor (Renewable Energy/Photovoltaic Assessment): Teach students or professionals the technical aspects of solar system assessments, focusing on PVA methodologies, industry standards, and troubleshooting techniques.

Renewable Energy Auditor

• Energy Auditor (Solar Focus): Conduct audits of renewable energy systems, particularly solar PV installations, assessing their performance, energy production, and overall efficiency. Provide detailed reports and recommend actions to improve system performance.
• Solar Compliance Auditor: Focus on ensuring solar PV systems meet all regulatory requirements and industry standards, conducting audits to verify their compliance with national and international standards.

Solar Equipment Supplier (Assessment-Focused Roles)

• Solar Equipment Sales Specialist (PVA Focus): Work with manufacturers or distributors of solar PV equipment, providing clients with products that meet specific performance and efficiency criteria based on PVA assessments.
• Technical Support Specialist: Provide technical support to customers on solar PV equipment, focusing on performance evaluation and ensuring that products are compatible with optimal PV system assessments.

Research and Development in Solar Technology

• R&D Specialist (Solar PV): Work with research teams to develop new solar technologies and systems designed for optimal performance, using insights gained from photovoltaic assessments to guide innovations.
• Product Development Specialist (Solar Equipment): Design and improve solar products, such as panels or inverters, with an emphasis on enhancing efficiency and performance based on insights from PVA assessments.

International Career Opportunities

• Global Solar Consultant (PVA Focus): Work internationally as a consultant, helping organizations assess the performance of solar installations in diverse climates and regulatory environments, using global PVA methodologies.
• International Solar Assessment Specialist: Provide expertise on solar PV assessments for international projects, helping companies in various countries improve the performance of their solar installations.

Environmental and Sustainability Roles

• Environmental Compliance Officer (Solar): Ensure that solar PV systems comply with environmental standards, particularly focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of installations based on PVA evaluations.
• Sustainability Manager: Manage sustainability initiatives for companies by overseeing the performance of solar installations and ensuring that systems meet both environmental and energy efficiency targets through regular assessments.

The PVA Prep Course from Green Solar Academy prepares graduates to become experts in evaluating, optimizing, and managing solar PV systems, with a focus on ensuring that these systems operate at peak efficiency and in compliance with industry standards. These roles are vital for maintaining high performance, achieving energy savings, and ensuring that solar installations contribute effectively to sustainable energy goals.