Green Solar Academy: Starter & Intermediate Courses(Solar 101)

• Duration: 3 days
• Qualification: Certificate (Accredited)

Target Audience

The Solar 101 course was developed to help non-technical people understand solar, including:

• Sales and administration staff
• Solar newcomers with no technical background
• Managers who don't need a deep dive into the technicalities of Solar
• People looking to learn the fundamentals of solar
• Solar company staff who only need basics and not design
• Youth and Matriculants looking for basic solar education

Main Topics

Day 1 and 2:

• Electro technical basics (series, parallel connection, current, voltage and their influence on yields, I-V-characteristic curve)
• PV system concepts (stand-alone, grid-tied, back-up)
• PV system components (incl. batteries), reading of data sheets
• Basics of grid-tied PV system installation

Day 3:

• Site preparation, tools and equipment,
• Practical installation of a grid-tied PV system incl. commissioning
• Routine inspections, data capturing, testing, trouble shooting, operation and maintenance

Day 4 and 5:

• Project management (timeline, laws and regulation, procedures)
• Site survey and on-site inspection
• Planning and design of grid-tied PV systems (with and without battery storage), calculation of roof-top PV systems and extension of grid-tied systems to back-up systems, fault finding and quality assurance
• Demo of PV simulation software (4 week software license PV*SOL Premium included)
• Sales, marketing and customer consultation

Career Opportunities

Solar Installation and Maintenance

• Solar Installer: Install solar panels for residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
• Solar Technician: Perform maintenance and repairs on solar power systems.

System Design and Sales

• Solar System Designer: Design customized solar solutions based on client needs and site-specific factors.
• Solar Sales Consultant: Advise clients on suitable solar products and systems, providing cost-benefit analyses.

Energy Efficiency and Consulting

• Renewable Energy Consultant: Help businesses and homeowners transition to solar power and optimize energy efficiency.
• Energy Auditor: Assess energy consumption and recommend solar solutions for cost and environmental benefits.

Entrepreneurship and Business

• Solar Business Owner: Start a business selling, installing, or maintaining solar systems.
• Solar Product Distributor: Import and supply solar components to installers and retailers.

Project Management

• Solar Project Manager: Oversee the planning, installation, and commissioning of solar power projects.
• Construction Manager (Solar Projects): Manage the integration of solar systems into new or existing buildings.

Renewable Energy Advocacy and Education

• Solar Trainer: Teach solar installation and system design to aspiring technicians.
• Renewable Energy Advocate: Promote solar energy adoption through community outreach or policy development.

Off-Grid Solutions

• Off-Grid Systems Specialist: Design and install solar systems for areas without access to traditional electricity grids.
• Rural Electrification Specialist: Work on projects providing sustainable energy solutions to remote communities.

Technical Support and Quality Assurance

• Solar Technical Support Specialist: Provide technical advice and troubleshoot solar system issues.
• Quality Assurance Inspector: Ensure solar installations meet safety and performance standards.

Advanced Career Pathways (With Further Study)

• Solar Energy Engineer: Develop and improve solar technologies and systems.
• Renewable Energy Policy Advisor: Work with governments or organizations to create policies supporting solar energy adoption.

The solar energy sector is experiencing significant growth due to global demand for sustainable energy solutions. With Solar 101, students can enter this dynamic industry equipped with foundational skills, enabling them to contribute to and benefit from the renewable energy revolution.