Green Solar Academy: GREEN eLearning Courses (PV Off-Grid Technician)

• Duration: 170 hours
• Qualification: Certificate (Accredited)

In this course, you will build on what you learned in Principles of PV Systems. You will understand the workings of off-grid PV (photovoltaic) solar power and obtain the skills to size, design, install and provide aftercare for an off-grid solar system according to your client’s unique energy requirements. The course developers have strived to infuse the content with practical elements in the form of videos and podcasts but there is no substitution for the real, hands-on thing; our recommendation is that this course is best undertaken in combination with a solar internship to round off your skills.

Course content

• Types of renewable energy, their advantages and disadvantages
• The possibilities and limitations of PV solar power
• The basics of electricity relevant to photovoltaics
• The components of a PV system and their functions
• The different PV system configurations
• How to perform a site survey and how to document your visit
• How to calculate loads and energy demand
• How to size the solar array and battery bank
• The different mounting options for solar modules
• How to detect, address and document technical problems
• How to work safer using Personal Protection Equipment
• What testing should be done when commissioning a system
• How to do online monitoring and on-site maintenance of a PV system
• How to market your business and approach clients

Career Opportunities

Off-Grid Solar Installation Technician

• Off-Grid PV Installer: Install off-grid solar systems in remote or rural areas, where conventional power infrastructure is unavailable. Technicians ensure that solar panels, inverters, batteries, and other components are correctly installed and connected.
• Field Technician: Provide hands-on installation and maintenance of off-grid solar systems, ensuring systems are working efficiently and providing reliable power.

Off-Grid Solar System Designer

• Off-Grid System Designer: Work with clients to design customized solar solutions for off-grid locations, factoring in energy needs, geographic conditions, and available space. Designers calculate energy storage requirements, panel capacity, and optimize the system for maximum efficiency.
• Solar Energy Consultant (Off-Grid): Advise individuals, communities, or businesses on the best off-grid solar solutions for their energy needs, helping them select the right system and components.

Off-Grid System Maintenance Specialist

• Solar Maintenance Technician: Provide regular maintenance and troubleshooting services to ensure that off-grid solar systems operate efficiently. Tasks may include cleaning solar panels, inspecting battery storage systems, and replacing faulty components.
• Service Technician: Specialize in maintaining and repairing off-grid systems, addressing technical issues, and performing system upgrades to improve performance.

Renewable Energy Consultant

• Off-Grid Energy Consultant: Help clients assess their energy needs and implement off-grid solar solutions. Provide guidance on system selection, financing options, and long-term maintenance strategies to ensure sustainability.
• Sustainability Consultant: Focus on integrating off-grid solar solutions as part of broader sustainability strategies for businesses, NGOs, or communities. Provide advice on energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Project Manager (Off-Grid Solar Systems)

• Off-Grid Solar Project Manager: Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of off-grid solar systems. Manage timelines, budgets, and coordinate teams to ensure that off-grid projects are completed successfully and meet client expectations.
• Project Coordinator: Assist in managing off-grid solar projects by handling administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that systems are installed on time and within budget.

Solar Sales and Business Development

• Solar Sales Specialist: Sell off-grid solar solutions to homeowners, businesses, or NGOs in need of energy independence. Provide customers with information on the benefits of off-grid systems, answer technical queries, and guide them through the purchasing process.
• Business Development Manager (Off-Grid Solar): Identify new business opportunities in the off-grid solar market, develop relationships with stakeholders, and promote solar energy solutions to underserved areas.

Off-Grid Solar System Auditor

• Solar Performance Auditor: Assess the performance of existing off-grid solar systems, identifying inefficiencies, and providing recommendations for improvements. Perform energy audits and suggest system upgrades to ensure continued optimal performance.
• Energy Auditor (Off-Grid): Conduct audits on energy usage and solar system performance in off-grid setups. Provide clients with recommendations on energy savings, system enhancements, and overall efficiency improvements.

Off-Grid Solar Trainer / Educator

• Solar Training Instructor: Teach and train others in the skills required to install, maintain, and troubleshoot off-grid solar systems. Work with training institutions, technical colleges, or organizations that specialize in renewable energy education.
• Technical Trainer: Provide hands-on training to technicians, installers, or engineers in the specific needs and requirements of off-grid PV systems.

Solar Energy Entrepreneur (Off-Grid Focus)

• Off-Grid Solar Entrepreneur: Start your own business focused on designing, installing, or maintaining off-grid solar systems. This can include targeting rural communities, remote businesses, or outdoor industries that require off-grid energy solutions.
• Small-Scale Solar Solutions Provider: Create a business offering off-grid solar kits, components, or custom solutions for homeowners, farmers, or off-the-grid establishments.

Off-Grid Solar System Distributor / Supplier

• Solar Equipment Distributor: Work as a distributor or supplier of off-grid solar components (e.g., panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters). Provide essential products to technicians, installers, and businesses in the off-grid solar sector.
• Logistics Coordinator (Solar): Oversee the distribution of solar products to various remote or off-grid locations, ensuring that parts and systems arrive on time and in good condition.

Government and NGO Roles

• Off-Grid Solar Consultant (NGOs): Work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental bodies that are implementing off-grid solar solutions in underserved or rural communities. Help these organizations design and execute solar energy programs that provide sustainable energy to remote areas.
• Policy Advocate (Renewable Energy): Advocate for renewable energy policies that support the deployment of off-grid solar systems in underserved communities, particularly in developing regions or rural areas.

International Career Opportunities

• International Solar Technician: Work in international markets that are expanding their off-grid solar capabilities, especially in developing countries or remote locations. Offer technical expertise to ensure successful off-grid installations.
• Global Renewable Energy Consultant: Work with international clients on large-scale off-grid solar projects, helping communities, businesses, or government bodies achieve energy independence through solar solutions.

The PV Off-Grid Technician course at Green Solar Academy provides students with both the technical and practical knowledge required to pursue these exciting career opportunities. With the global shift towards renewable energy, especially in off-grid applications, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Whether focused on system design, installation, maintenance, consulting, or sales, graduates can find many opportunities in the solar energy industry.