Course Content
KM-01: Workplace fundamentals
This module introduces learners to the foundational workplace knowledge, principles, and practices required within the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) industry. Learners will develop an understanding of workplace structures, employee and employer relationships, communication practices, workplace ethics, organisational processes, and workplace health and safety requirements relevant to PV environments. The module also introduces learners to the PV industry, workplace responsibilities, labour relations, communication systems, organisational structures, and the legal and safety frameworks that govern the work of a Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician.
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KM-02: Tools, Equipment and Materials
This module introduces you to the tools, equipment, materials, and measuring instruments used by a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician. You will learn how to identify, use, maintain, and safely handle various hand tools, power tools, lifting equipment, marking-off equipment, soldering equipment, and riveting tools used during PV installation and maintenance activities. You will also explore engineering drawings, wiring techniques, lifting processes, safety procedures, and equipment care practices required within renewable energy and PV environments. The module develops your understanding of how proper tool selection, safe operation, and equipment maintenance contribute to efficient, safe, and high-quality installation work.
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KM-03: Electricity and Electronics
This module introduces you to the principles of electricity and electronics required for photovoltaic (PV) installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities. You will develop an understanding of electrical concepts, electronic components, circuit operation, measuring instruments, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), rectification systems, and electrical safety practices used within PV environments. You will also explore conductors, insulators, semiconductors, electric circuits, magnetism, AC and DC electricity, opto-electronics, control devices, and testing equipment used by PV technicians. The module builds the foundational electrical and electronic knowledge required to install, maintain, test, and troubleshoot PV systems safely and effectively.
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KM-04: Wire Ways, Wiring and Earthing
This module introduces you to wire ways, electrical wiring systems, earthing, and bonding practices used within photovoltaic (PV) installations and electrical environments. You will learn how electrical conductors, conduits, cables, protective systems, and grounding methods support safe and effective electrical installations. You will also explore wire way types, cable selection, wiring regulations, electrical diagrams, electrical components, earthing systems, bonding requirements, and safe installation practices prescribed within SANS 10142-1 and related electrical standards. Understanding these concepts is essential for safe installation, maintenance, testing, and protection of PV systems and electrical equipment.
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KM-05: Electrical Supply Systems and Transformers
This module introduces you to electrical supply systems, alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), waveform characteristics, electrical circuit calculations, and transformers used within photovoltaic (PV) and electrical systems. You will learn the concepts, theories, and operating principles that govern electrical energy generation, conversion, transmission, and distribution. You will also explore AC and DC supply systems, periodic waveforms, sources of direct current, electrical calculations, transformer construction, transformer operation, and transformer applications used in PV and industrial environments. Understanding electrical supply systems and transformers is essential for safe installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation of PV systems and electrical equipment.
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KM-06: Protection Systems and Lightning Protection
This module introduces you to protection systems and lightning protection used within photovoltaic (PV) and electrical installations. You will learn the principles, functions, and applications of electrical protection systems used to protect equipment, conductors, transformers, switchgear, motors, generators, and PV systems from faults, overloads, short circuits, and lightning-related damage. You will also explore protection zones, transformer protection, low voltage protection, conductor protection, ground fault protection, over-current protection, lightning protection systems, surge protection devices, grounding methods, and safe maintenance procedures associated with electrical protection systems. Understanding these protection methods is essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant PV system operation.
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KM-07: Power Plant Basics, Power Conditioning and Control, Switch Gear and Control Gear
This module introduces learners to power plant basics, power conditioning and control, and switch gear and control gear required by a PV Technician. Learners will explore high current systems, LV/MV/HV systems, substations, sub-station equipment, grid connections, and switching systems used in hybrid systems and co-generation environments. The module also covers switchgear systems, protection systems, electrical distribution, and power control applications used within photovoltaic and electrical power systems.
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KM-08: Rotating Electrical Machinery
This module introduces learners to rotating electrical machinery required by a PV Technician. Learners will explore alternating current (AC) motors and direct current (DC) motors, including their construction, principles of operation, motor types, testing principles, and motor protection systems used within electrical and photovoltaic environments.
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KM-09: Mechanics, Hydraulics and Actuators
This module introduces learners to the principles of mechanics, hydraulics, and actuators required by a PV Technician. Learners will explore concepts of forces, torque, motion, gravity, hydraulic systems, hydraulic components, actuators, and the operation of mechanical and fluid power systems used within photovoltaic and industrial environments.
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KM-10: Renewable Energy
This module introduces learners to the concept of renewable energy and the legislative and economic frameworks that govern photovoltaic (PV) systems in South Africa. Learners will explore the development of photovoltaic technology, fossil fuel availability, environmental impacts of fossil fuels, energy security, market influences, PV system costs, and local manufacturing and development within the renewable energy sector.
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KM-12 — Designing and Installing Grid-Connected and Stand-Alone PV Systems
This module focuses on understanding the theory and principles involved in designing and installing grid-connected and stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems. The module places strong emphasis on site visits, surveys, shading analysis, PV system concepts, and mounting systems used within solar PV installations.
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KM-13 — Maintenance, Trouble-Shooting, Fault-Finding and Repairs to PV Systems
This module focuses on the maintenance, troubleshooting, fault-finding, and repair of photovoltaic (PV) systems used in both PV farms and domestic stand-alone installations. Learners will develop knowledge and practical understanding of maintenance procedures, monitoring systems, troubleshooting methods, repair techniques, and safe working procedures associated with PV systems.
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PM-01: Mitigate and Respond to Hazards Associated with PV System Installation and Maintenance
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to workplace hazard mitigation, emergency response procedures, first aid, and fire-fighting procedures associated with PV system installation and maintenance environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to: * identify workplace hazards, * apply emergency response procedures, * perform first aid activities, * conduct fire-fighting procedures, * apply workplace safety standards, * and respond appropriately to operational emergencies within PV installation and maintenance environments. The module focuses on: * workplace hazard response, * emergency preparedness, * first aid procedures, * fire-fighting techniques, * operational safety compliance, * incident response, * and workplace emergency coordination.
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PM-02: Apply and Maintain Safety During PV Installation and Maintenance Activities
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to applying and maintaining operational safety during PV installation and maintenance activities. Learners will develop practical skills required to work safely at heights, apply electrical safety procedures, use personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain safe work environments, and comply with workplace operational safety standards during PV system operations. The module focuses on: * workplace operational safety, * working-at-height procedures, * electrical safety procedures, * PPE usage, * safe tool and equipment handling, * lockout and isolation procedures, * housekeeping and site safety, * and workplace safety compliance. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely perform PV installation and maintenance activities while maintaining workplace operational safety standards.
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PM-03: Install Solar PV Modules
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the procedures required to install Solar PV modules safely and according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. Learners will develop practical skills required to: * prepare PV installation sites, * position and mount PV modules, * install mounting structures, * secure PV modules correctly, * perform electrical connections, * verify installation quality, * and apply workplace safety and compliance procedures during installation activities. The module focuses on: * PV module installation procedures, * mounting structure installation, * rooftop and ground-mount preparation, * electrical connection procedures, * alignment and positioning, * operational safety, * equipment handling, * and installation quality verification.
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PM-04: Install and Maintain DC PV Components
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, connection, testing, inspection, and maintenance of DC PV components used within Solar PV systems. Learners will develop practical skills required to install and maintain DC electrical components safely and according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * DC PV component installation, * DC cabling and connections, * combiner box installation, * DC isolator installation, * electrical testing and verification, * maintenance procedures, * troubleshooting procedures, * and workplace operational safety compliance. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely install, maintain, inspect, and verify DC PV system components within workplace operational environments.
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PM-05: Install and Maintain AC PV Components
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, connection, testing, inspection, and maintenance of AC PV components used within Solar PV systems. Learners will develop practical skills required to install and maintain AC electrical components safely and according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * AC PV component installation, * AC cabling and distribution systems, * inverter installation and configuration, * AC isolator installation, * electrical testing and verification, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * operational safety procedures, * and workplace compliance documentation. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely install, maintain, inspect, and verify AC PV system components within workplace operational environments.
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PM-06: Install and Maintain PV Earthing and Lightning Protection Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, testing, inspection, maintenance, and verification of PV earthing and lightning protection systems used within Solar PV installations. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install grounding systems, bonding systems, surge protection devices, and lightning protection components according to workplace operational standards, electrical regulations, and manufacturer specifications. The module focuses on: * PV earthing system installation, * grounding and bonding procedures, * lightning protection systems, * surge protection installation, * earthing continuity testing, * electrical safety verification, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * and workplace operational compliance. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely install, inspect, maintain, and verify PV earthing and lightning protection systems within workplace operational environments.
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PM-07: Install and Maintain Solar PV Storage Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, connection, testing, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Solar PV storage systems used within PV installations. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install and maintain battery storage systems, battery management systems, charging equipment, and associated storage components according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * battery storage system installation, * battery bank configuration, * battery management systems, * charging system installation, * electrical testing and verification, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * workplace electrical safety, * and operational compliance documentation. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely install, maintain, inspect, and verify Solar PV storage systems within workplace operational environments.
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PM-08: Install and Maintain Solar PV Water Heating and Pumping Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, connection, testing, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Solar PV water heating and pumping systems used within Solar PV installations. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install and maintain water heating systems, solar pumps, controllers, piping systems, and associated electrical and mechanical components according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * solar water heating system installation, * solar pumping system installation, * piping and fluid system connections, * pump and controller installation, * electrical and mechanical testing, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * workplace safety procedures, * and operational compliance documentation. The module equips learners with the practical skills required to safely install, maintain, inspect, and verify Solar PV water heating and pumping systems within workplace operational environments.
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PM-09: Install and Maintain Hybrid Solar PV Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, configuration, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Hybrid Solar PV systems used within residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install and maintain hybrid PV systems integrating PV modules, battery storage systems, inverters, AC and DC systems, backup power systems, and monitoring equipment according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * hybrid PV system installation, * hybrid inverter configuration, * battery storage integration, * AC and DC system integration, * backup and changeover systems, * system testing and commissioning, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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PM-10: Install and Maintain Grid-Tied Solar PV Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of grid-tied Solar PV systems used within residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install and maintain grid-tied PV systems, grid synchronization systems, inverters, monitoring systems, AC and DC components, and protection systems according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * grid-tied PV system installation, * grid synchronization procedures, * inverter installation and configuration, * AC and DC integration, * monitoring and communication systems, * electrical testing and commissioning, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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PM-11: Perform Solar PV System Inspection, Testing, Fault Finding and Commissioning
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the inspection, testing, fault finding, commissioning, verification, and operational handover of Solar PV systems used within residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to inspect, test, diagnose faults, commission, verify, and certify Solar PV systems according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * Solar PV system inspection procedures, * electrical testing and verification, * fault finding and diagnostics, * commissioning procedures, * system performance verification, * operational troubleshooting, * compliance inspections, * and workplace operational documentation.
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PM-12: Perform Solar PV System Monitoring, Performance Analysis and Energy Efficiency Optimization
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the monitoring, analysis, optimization, inspection, and maintenance of Solar PV system performance within residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to monitor Solar PV system performance, analyze operational data, identify system inefficiencies, optimize energy performance, and maintain operational efficiency according to workplace operational standards and manufacturer specifications. The module focuses on: * Solar PV system monitoring, * operational performance analysis, * energy efficiency optimization, * monitoring and reporting systems, * fault detection and performance diagnostics, * system efficiency improvement procedures, * operational maintenance activities, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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PM-13: Install and Maintain Off-Grid Solar PV Systems
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of off-grid Solar PV systems used within residential, commercial, agricultural, and remote environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to safely install and maintain off-grid Solar PV systems integrating PV modules, battery storage systems, charge controllers, inverters, backup systems, and monitoring equipment according to workplace operational standards, manufacturer specifications, and electrical compliance requirements. The module focuses on: * off-grid Solar PV system installation, * battery storage integration, * charge controller installation and configuration, * inverter and backup system installation, * AC and DC system integration, * electrical testing and commissioning, * maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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PM-14: Perform Solar PV System Design, Load Assessment and System Sizing
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the assessment, calculation, design, sizing, configuration, and verification of Solar PV systems used within residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to assess electrical loads, calculate energy requirements, size Solar PV systems, select system components, prepare installation layouts, and verify design compliance according to workplace operational standards and manufacturer specifications. The module focuses on: * load assessment procedures, * energy demand calculations, * Solar PV system sizing, * inverter and battery sizing, * cable and protection sizing, * component selection, * installation layout preparation, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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PM-15: Perform Solar PV System Project Planning, Costing and Resource Coordination
Module Summary This practical module introduces learners to the planning, costing, scheduling, coordination, and operational management of Solar PV installation projects within residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial environments. Learners will develop practical skills required to prepare project plans, estimate system costs, coordinate resources, manage installation schedules, control operational risks, and maintain project compliance according to workplace operational standards and manufacturer specifications. The module focuses on: * Solar PV project planning, * project costing and budgeting, * material and resource estimation, * installation scheduling, * operational coordination, * risk and safety management, * project quality control, * and workplace operational compliance documentation.
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WM-01: Perform Workplace Safety, Hazard Control and Emergency Procedures During Solar PV Installation Activities
Module Summary This work experience module provides learners with workplace exposure to applying safety procedures, hazard control measures, emergency response activities, and operational safety compliance during Solar PV installation and maintenance activities. Learners will progressively develop workplace competence in: * identifying workplace hazards, * applying safety procedures, * responding to workplace emergencies, * participating in first aid and fire response activities, * maintaining safe operational work environments, * and complying with workplace operational and safety standards. The module exposes learners to real workplace operational activities involving: * workplace hazard management, * electrical safety procedures, * working-at-height safety, * emergency response coordination, * incident reporting, * operational safety inspections, * and workplace compliance procedures. Learners will progress from workplace observation and assisted safety activities to independently applying workplace operational safety procedures under limited supervision.
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Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician

Practical Activity 5: Perform Off-Grid System Electrical Testing, Configuration and Commissioning

Objectives

After completing this practical activity, learners will be able to:

  • Perform off-grid Solar PV system electrical testing safely
  • Configure and verify off-grid system operational settings
  • Conduct commissioning procedures according to workplace operational standards
  • Identify electrical and operational faults within off-grid systems
  • Apply workplace electrical and operational safety procedures during commissioning activities

Scenario

You are part of a solar PV installation team preparing a completed off-grid Solar PV installation for operational commissioning. Before the system can be approved for operational use, all inverters, battery systems, charge controllers, monitoring systems, AC and DC components, and protection systems must be tested, configured, verified, and commissioned according to workplace operational standards and manufacturer specifications.

You are required to conduct testing and commissioning procedures safely while ensuring operational functionality, electrical compliance, and off-grid system readiness.


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Electrical Testing and Commissioning Equipment

Prepare and verify:

  • Multimeters
  • Insulation resistance testers
  • Continuity testers
  • Voltage testing equipment
  • Monitoring equipment
  • Communication testing devices
  • PPE and safety equipment
  • Electrical isolation devices

Ensure all testing equipment is operational and calibrated correctly.


Step 2: Apply Electrical Isolation and Safety Procedures

Before testing and commissioning:

  • Verify electrical isolation where required
  • Secure isolation points
  • Prevent unauthorized energizing
  • Confirm safe working conditions
  • Apply lockout and tagging procedures where necessary

Apply workplace electrical safety procedures throughout the activity.


Step 3: Perform Electrical Testing Procedures

Verify:

  • AC and DC voltage levels
  • Correct polarity
  • Continuity of electrical circuits
  • Grounding continuity
  • Battery voltage and charging status
  • Inverter operational functionality

Record all testing results accurately.


Step 4: Configure Off-Grid System Operational Settings

Configure and verify:

  • Battery charging parameters
  • Inverter operational modes
  • Load management settings
  • Backup power settings
  • Communication and monitoring systems
  • Operational safety limits

Ensure all configurations comply with manufacturer specifications and workplace operational requirements.


Step 5: Conduct Operational Commissioning Procedures

Perform commissioning activities including:

  • System startup procedures
  • Communication verification
  • Monitoring system activation
  • Battery charging verification
  • Backup power testing
  • Operational load verification

Verify that all off-grid system components operate correctly under operational conditions.


Step 6: Identify Operational Faults and Irregularities

Identify issues such as:

  • Incorrect voltage readings
  • Communication failures
  • Monitoring system faults
  • Battery charging irregularities
  • Backup power failures
  • Configuration inconsistencies

Apply corrective actions where required.


Step 7: Complete Workplace Documentation

Complete:

  • Off-grid system testing checklist
  • Commissioning verification report
  • Operational configuration report
  • Workplace operational compliance documentation

Expected Output

Learners must produce:

  • A completed off-grid system testing checklist
  • A commissioning verification report
  • An operational configuration report
  • A workplace operational compliance report

Skills Practiced

  • Off-grid system electrical testing
  • Operational commissioning procedures
  • Inverter and battery configuration
  • Monitoring and communication verification
  • Electrical safety procedures
  • Operational fault identification
  • Workplace operational compliance
  • Operational documentation
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