Advanced solar training for PV professionals, engineers, electricians
Beyond the PV GreenCard
Learning to design and implement commercial PV systems will become increasingly vital as the market for solar in the C&I sector continues to grow.
Eskom is planning a significant electricity price hike of 36.15%, effective from April 2025, as part of its efforts to manage its escalating debt and operational costs. This comes on the heels of an already approved 12.74% increase for 2024/2025, which has placed additional pressure on South African consumers and businesses who are already facing rising energy costs.
Eskom’s proposed increases aim to recover costs related to its infrastructure, power generation, and maintenance, but they have sparked widespread concern, especially given the potential inflationary impact this could have on the broader economy.
Image Source: LCP Solar
The proposed hikes are driven by Eskom’s massive debt load and the need to transition to cost-reflective tariffs, which would help improve the utility’s financial sustainability. However, these increases are expected to exacerbate the financial strain on businesses, pushing many to seek alternative energy solutions like solar.
For the commercial and industrial sectors, this presents a growing case for solar energy, which is already regarded as the cheapest form of electricity. With Eskom’s rising costs, businesses can offset these price hikes by investing in solar projects, especially high-voltage battery solutions, which offer energy storage and resilience. Learning to design and implement commercial PV systems will become increasingly vital as the market for solar in the C&I sector continues to grow. This shift is not only a cost-saving measure but also an opportunity for businesses to enhance their energy independence.
Obtaining the PV Green Card certification is just the beginning.
For solar installers, obtaining the PV Green Card certification is just the beginning. While this qualification ensures compliance and competency in solar installations, advancing in the solar industry requires specialized knowledge and further skill development. The expanding Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector offers lucrative opportunities, and solar professionals need to broaden their expertise to capitalize on this growth. That’s where advanced training programs like Compliance for PV Systems and Commercial PV Design come into play.
Why solar installers should look beyond the PV GreenCard
As Eskom’s price increases make solar solutions more attractive for businesses, the demand for commercial solar installations will rise. Solar professionals with only a PV Green Card may find themselves limited in terms of project scope and responsibility. To move into higher-paying roles, installers must develop the ability to design, implement, and manage commercial-scale solar projects.
Courses like Compliance for PV Systems offer in-depth knowledge of ensuring that PV systems meet regulatory standards. This skill is crucial as the industry moves toward more sophisticated installations, especially in the commercial space where compliance is critical for securing financing and meeting government regulations.
Transitioning to commercial and industrial system design
The Commercial PV Design course is an ideal next step for those looking to advance in the solar industry. This course equips professionals with the technical skills to design large-scale PV systems, focusing on energy optimization, load profiling, and high-voltage battery integration. By completing this training, installers can open doors to new roles such as project managers, system designers, and consultants, enabling them to lead commercial projects and advise businesses on energy solutions tailored to their needs.
Promoting career advancement
To solar installers, the message is clear: growth in the solar industry doesn’t stop with installation. As the commercial market expands and technology evolves, acquiring advanced skills in system compliance and design will help professionals stand out and command higher salaries. These specialized roles are crucial as businesses transition to renewable energy solutions that provide both cost efficiency and compliance with evolving regulations
Solar installers can future-proof their careers by investing in these advanced courses, preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s energy market.
