UPCOMING TRAININGS
Can’t see any scheduled trainings above? Feel free to contact us on +233 24 688 3322 or ghana@solar-training.org to chat about your solar training requirements.
ABOUT OUR COURSES
The 2-Day Sunrise course provides the technical knowledge and understanding of solar power systems. The participants will get an introduction in the electro-technical basics and the functionality of PV systems and PV components. This course focuses on equipping the participants with the fundamental and relevant knowledge to understand solar PV and is the foundational step in pursing a specialisation in PV systems in an advanced level course.
Target Audience
Everyone who is interested in taking their first steps in the PV industry:
- Administration and marketing personnel in PV companies
- Energy consultants
- Marketing administration and management personnel in PV companies
- Electrical engineers and architects
- Technicians, electricians and installers
- University students studying within the field
Main Topics
Day 1:
- Introduction to solar components
- Basics of solar electricity
- Types of PV systems
- What influences yield
Day 2:
- PV system components and data sheets
- Renewable energy situation (intro)
- Different mounting systems
- Economic efficiency
- Career options and qualifications for PV installers
Prerequisites
None
Do you want to learn how to install PV systems? Do you want more practical training instead of studying books? Then this course is for you! In the two days of training we practice PV system installation. Starting with nothing but a wiring chart and material list, we plan and execute the installation together, up to commissioning and testing of the system.
If you don’t have the time (or budget) for the 5-day course, the PV Mounter is a great alternative. It is also a good choice if you did our 5-day SuperSolarSchool already and found the practical to be a too fast or need more practice. Why not bring your installation team with you to practice all together? Team discounts are available!
Why is this course needed? Because the best PV system is only as good as its connections -be it cables or screws! So let’s train how to get the details right and build long-lasting PV systems.
Main Topics
The course focuses on how to stay safe on the roof and how to install PV systems correctly. Topics are:
- Planning an installation based on wiring charts and material lists
- Preparing the site, tools and equipment
- Do’s & Don’ts on site
- On-site safety
- Hands-on PV installation on different roof types
- Wiring of PV System
- Commissioning and programming of inverters (different manufacturers)
Target Audience
- New solar installers looking for practical experience
- Technicians and Electricians who need a crash course on solar installation
- SuperSolarSchool alumni who want to refresh the installation part
- Installation teams who need fast and efficient practical training
Prerequisites
None.
Anyone who is interested can join the course, a qualification as electrician is not required. But please note that this course is completely hands-on! For theoretical basics and knowledge on PV system components, design and planning, please book the SuperSolarSchool.
Description
Master the sun in one week: The SuperSolarSchool provides you with everything you need to know about solar PV. In the 5 days of training all important topics are covered. In every session, we set a strong focus on practical application. You learn about electrotechnical basics and functionality of PV systems, how to install systems correctly according to international standards and how to plan and manage and sell a project as well as size the system including the battery pack according to the client’s requirements.
Interactive exercises and involvement of the participants make the course content easy to understand and interesting to follow. Facilitators with practical experience connect you with the industry, so it is the ideal course if you want a flying start in solar photovoltaics.
The Super Solar School was developed together with the DGS (German Solar Energy Society) and align with the curriculum of the SAPVIA 5-day Solar PV Installer course. The course is the ideal preparation and recommended course before doing the SAPVIA PV GreenCard PV assessment.
Please note that while the SuperSolarSchool training is highly recommended, it is neither required nor compulsory to attend this training prior to writing the SAPVIA PV GreenCard trade test. The SuperSolarSchool is not inclusive of the PV GreenCard assessment; you will need to register for the trade test separately at an assessment centre of your choosing: https://solar-training.org/events/26-sapvia-pv-assessment/region-ZA/
Target Audience
Everyone who wants a flying start in solar photovoltaics:
- Technically inclined solar Newcomers
- Employees of solar companies (technical staff and technically inclined sales and management)
- Entrepreneurs and business founders
- Electricians and electrical engineers
- Professionals looking for continuous training with minimum time expenditure
- Installers who are looking for PV GREENCARD qualification (Assessment not included)
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
Accreditation
International accreditation by the German Solar Energy Society DGS e.V.
SAPVIA endorsed PV GreenCard Training course (preparation for the SAPVIA PV Assessment)
Prerequisites
Click here to do a self-evaluation to assess if you are ready for the course.
The course is open to all participants who want to gain knowledge in solar PV. Nevertheless, the pace is quite brisk. Maths skills on matric level are recommended (math literacy not sufficient) to be able to completely follow the course. If you have any doubts, do the self-evaluation before the course; once you have started the course, there is no possibility to claim back the course fee if the level of training proves to be too difficult.
Recommended NQF level to participate: 4
To prepare for the course, you can watch some videos on PV basics that we have compiled on our Youtube channel.
If you are unsure whether this course is right for you, we recommend you complete the self-evaluation and then contact us. If you don’t feel prepared for the SuperSolarSchool, we have a great alternative which is called Solar 101: fewer calculations, still 100% PV knowledge.
We offer two online courses:
Principles of PV Systems, which is FREE of charge, and is an incredible starter course for students of all ages and experience levels who want to learn more about PV Solar.
and
PV Off-Grid Technician, which costs 50 Euros, and gives you the skills to size, design, install and provide aftercare for an off-grid solar system according to your client’s unique energy requirements.
In both cases, you can work through the easy-to-follow narrated slides at your own pace and we’ve also included downloadable learning guides so that you can read about the topics in more detail to ensure that you fully understand the subject matter. This courses also include podcasts, which are great for learning on-the-go, videos, videos and interactive quizzes, plus a final exam where you can test yourself on what you’ve learned during the training.
Head on over to GREEN’s global website to learn more about our online courses in solar energy and to register.
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ACADEMY PARTNER
GREEN Solar Academy Ghana is managed by Critical Energy Solutions (CES). CES is made up of a team of experts in the energy industry for grid-connected and stand-alone installations, and hybrid connections. CES also has expertise in energy systems analysis, project feasibility study reporting, environmental impact assessment as well as the economics of energy.
TIPS FOR BECOMING A SOLAR INSTALLER IN GHANA
The sun is a source of energy for every living thing on the planet and cannot only contribute to the production of energy and growth in countries that commit to PV solar energy, but create opportunities, jobs and improve the of quality of life. Ghana is ideally positioned to grow its solar industry in a meaningful manner in the future. In countries like Germany the government took initiative to make PV solar financially viable and create an environment for the industry to grow and now it is one of the best producers of solar power in the world.
Germany gets about half the sun that Ghana does and so if the Ghanaian government were to implement law and begin backing the use of solar power in the country the opportunity for rapid growth and renewable energy independence are great. By investing in PV, implementing renewable energy law and financing a levy within the electricity cost of all end clients Ghana could rapidly grow their solar industry. And just as Germany did, by investing in PV when it was expensive, after the boom the prices will drop, and solar energy will become a cheap and sustainable source of energy for the country.
Despite this there have been consistent power supply challenges in the country. This can be attributed to the lack of fuel supply, water level problems with Akosombo Dam and the countries dependence on natural gas-powered generation. The government tried a solution to sign PPA contracts for 2,300 MW was on a take-or-pay basis, meaning that the payment is due if the power is used or not. This has led to USD 500 million in costs yearly (2.5 billion Cerdis) in unused electricity.
The introduction of solar energy to the Ghanaian power problem could be a great boon to the country and its people. It would reduce dependence of fossil fuel energy, introduce decentralised supply of energy sources, reduce dependence on Akosombo Dam, reduce transmission loss, reduce energy costs for citizens and create a stable energy supply to help cut demand peaks.
The benefits of solar energy in Ghana are great and would help the government achieve its goal for universal access to electricity. By reducing its dependence on more costly and depleting forms of energy and providing in benefits for purchasing PV electricity via feed-in and net metering, they would create low generation costs and help to undercut the countries generation capacity problem.
In a recent study it has been estimated that a total of 20 manufacturing job-years and 13 installation job-years are created for each Mega-Watt power (MWp) of solar panels installed. GREEN has seen the fruit of this in South Africa and the countries involvement in GREEN’s solar academies and courses. The need for high-level quality and professional courses in the PV solar industry is important and GREEN hopes to provide that.
For GREEN, the most important goal is to support your career in the solar industry and make it as easy as possible to find your personal way.
GREEN is currently leading a consortium of European solar and storage companies to venture into the Western African markets. We are continuously looking for partners in the industry who would like to enter or establish themselves in an African market using our courses as an entry point and offer different ways of cooperation. We use our experience not only in training but also in wholesale and project development in Africa and Europe to shape and manage (multi-national) projects around renewable energy topics.
Overall, solar power has been in common usage since 2013 and this is growing rapidly with countries like China, Japan, Germany and the United states leading the way. You can join this renewable energy revolution and it can all start here with GREEN.
From the start Ghana can begin to develop its reliance on renewable forms of energy that are more reliable, like PV solar power. The advantages of this are great as the government can reform the current implementation of energy supply to its citizens and the means of regulation. By connecting the customer with the distribution utility and installing isolation and protection devices citizens can begin using the process of net-metering in powering their homes. This would change the face of the energy economy and be both advantageous for the customer and the distribution utility.
The move to solar would also decrease the overall tax the production of energy has on the environment and create a system that would protect rather than destroy Ghana’s natural environment and its ecosystems. Ghana would also be contributing to the prevention of climate catastrophes and reduce the likelihood of droughts and other environmental challenges brought on by the consumption of fossil fuels.
Ghana is in a prime position to foster a rewarding and empowering solar industry that can carry the country into a future of dependence on renewable energy and universal access to electricity. Is there a market for PV in Ghana, are there PV programmes available, are solutions for every requirement available, does PV have government support and technical and legislative back falls? Yes, to all.
So why wait? Sign-up today and become part of GREEN.
As a result of all the experience we have and our unique approach, you can expect a very high level of quality and professionalism in all our training courses. For us, the most important goal is to support your career in the solar industry and make it as easy as possible to find your personal way.
Sign up today and become part of the GREENetwork!