Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar PV Systems

This regulated qualification is for those wishing to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

The qualification has been designed in conjunction with the latest IET Code of Practice and is recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

This qualification has been updated to BS7671:2018 Amendment 2 (2022) and current industry requirements.

• Know the health and safety risks and safe systems of work associated with solar photovoltaic system installation work
• Know the requirements of the relevant regulations/ standards relating to practical installation, testing and commissioning activities for solar photovoltaic system installation work
• Know the fundamental differences between AC and DC circuits within solar photovoltaic systems
• Know the purpose of solar photovoltaic system components
• Know the types, silicon characteristics and typical conversion efficiencies of solar photovoltaic modules
• Know the fundamental design principles used to determine solar photovoltaic system module array size and position requirements.
• Know the preparatory work required for solar photovoltaic system installation work
• Know the layouts and the requirements for installing solar photovoltaic module arrays
• Know solar photovoltaic system DC and AC circuit installation layouts within the scope of the relevant Engineering Recommendation for grid tied systems
• Know solar photovoltaic system protection techniques and components
• Know the requirements to test and commission solar photovoltaic systems
• Know the requirements to handover solar photovoltaic systems
• Be able to plan and prepare for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system
• Be able how to install solar photovoltaic system components
• Be able how to inspect and test a new solar photovoltaic system installation
• Be able to commission a new solar photovoltaic system installation
• Be able to handover a new solar photovoltaic system installation
• Know the requirements for the routine inspection, service and maintenance of solar photovoltaic system installations
• Know how to diagnose faults in solar photovoltaic system installations
• Know how to rectify faults in solar photovoltaic systems
• Be able to undertake the routine service and maintenance of a solar photovoltaic system installation
• Be able to undertake fault diagnosis work on solar photovoltaic system installations
• Be able to undertake fault rectification work on solar photovoltaic system installations

his qualification is aimed at electricians working within domestic and/or non-domestic premises and they shall hold as a minimum;

• A Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671 (current edition) and
• A Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations or a combined award including Periodic Inspection & Testing

 Scottish equivalents through SELECT;

• A SELECT customised Award in Requirements for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 (218) and
• A SELECT customised Award in Initial Verification (209) or a combined award including Periodic Inspection & Testing (214)

 If the applicant does not hold a Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations or SELECT equivalent as above, then they must hold one of the following;

• A Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment
• An SVQ in Electrical Installations (SCQF level 7)
• A Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings
• An Experienced Worker Qualification
• An ECS Gold Card (Installation or Approved Electrician)
• Be a member of a competent person scheme, as a Qualified Supervisor that meets the requirements of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS)

• Multiple choice on-line examination and Practical Assessment

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

no fees

This regulated qualification is for those wishing to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the installation and maintenance of small scale grid tied Photovoltaic systems. This qualification is based upon the National Occupational Standards as published by industry and is recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme registration bodies as an acceptable qualification to join the scheme.