Qualification

SAQA ID 120883

NQF Level 04

Registered

National Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer

Purpose:

Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.

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Qualification type

National Occupational Cert

Credits

211

Sub-framework

OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework

Providers listed

Qualification snapshot

Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.

Originator

Development Quality Partner- MERSETA

Quality assurance functionary

Field

Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction

Subfield

Electrical Infrastructure Construction

Qual class

Regular-Provider-ELOAC

Recognise previous learning

Important dates

These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.

Registration start

2023-05-30

Registration end

2028-05-30

Last date for enrolment

2029-05-30

Last date for achievement

2032-05-30

Purpose and entry context

Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.

Purpose and rationale

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Standalone System Installer.

A Solar PV Standalone System Installer, plan and install PV systems according to client needs ensuring that the installations meet regulatory and quality standards. The installer will also ensure that the system is set up optimally and will conduct basic inspections and maintenance of the systems, ensuring that they optimise the efficient conversion of sunlight into energy. A competent learner will demonstrate, amongst others, the following key attributes: Effective communicator, Detailed orientation, Logical thinker and problem solver, Compliance orientation, High energy levels and stamina.

Typical learners who will access this qualification are new to the industry as well as current operators in the industry who want to progress or obtain a formal qualification.

There is one similar qualification registered on the NQF: Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician, NQF Level 5 which caters for the next operational level.

A qualified learner will be able to

Plan PV system configurations based on customer needs and site conditions.
Measure, cut, and assemble the support structure for solar PV panels.
Install solar modules, panels, and support structures according to building codes and standards.
Connect PV panels to the electrical system.
Apply weather sealant to equipment being installed.
Activate and test PV systems.
Perform routine PV system maintenance.

Rationale

The use of renewable energy, on and off the national energy grid, is a key imperative for economic growth and environmental protection. Africa's rapid economic expansion creates a daunting energy challenge, combined with rising expectations of improved resilience and sustainability. Finding a sustainable way to meet growing energy needs is one of the core development challenges for the continent. Africa is rich in renewable energy sources, including hydro, sun, wind and others, and the time is right to accelerate our capability to meet the challenges and opportunities offered by this emerging sector.

This qualification creates an ideal opportunity for the upskilling of current and new employees in the industry and it will enable us as a nation to meet this challenge, ensuring that we install quality, safe and sustainable infrastructure in urban and rural areas.

This qualification provides the opportunity for currently unemployed community members to develop the capabilities that will facilitate their employability and having these competencies also creates a basis for eventual self-employment.

This qualification also serves as the mother qualification for the part qualification Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone System Mounter. There are currently no professional bodies associated with these qualifications.

Entry requirements and RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements

NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics.

Replacement note

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

Structure and assessment

Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.

Qualification rules

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

313109-001-00-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 4, 9 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-02, Tools equipment and materials, Level 4, 7 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-03, Electricity and electronics, Level 4, 18 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-04, Wireways wiring and earthing, Level 4, 11 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-05, Electrical supply systems and transformers, Level 4, 9 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-06, Protection systems and lightning protection, Level 4, 8 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-07, Renewable energy, Level 4,3 Credits.
313109-001-00-KM-08, Components of PV systems, Level 4, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 85

Practical Skill Modules

313109-001-00-PM-01, Mitigate and respond to hazards associated with PV system installation and maintenance, Level 4, 8 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-02, Work at heights, Level 4, 4 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-03, Use tools measuring instruments and equipment, Level 4, 7 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-04, Design construct and test electrical and electronic circuits, Level 4, 4 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-05, Plan and prepare for the installation of a PV system, Level 4, 10 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-06, Install the mechanical components of a PV system, Level 4, 10 Credits.
313109-001-00-PM-07, Install the electrical components of a PV system and inter-connect the system, Level 4, 15 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 58

Work Experience Modules

313109-001-00-WM-01, Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace,

Level 4, 4 Credits.

313109-001-00-WM-02, Processes to plan and prepare for installation and commissioning of PV systems, Level 4, 22 Credits.
313109-001-00-WM-03, Processes to install mechanical components of PV systems,

Level 4, 15 Credits.

313109-001-00-WM-04, Processes to install electrical components of PV systems and to commission the systems, Level 4, 27 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 68

Exit level outcomes

Use applicable knowledge to plan and prepare for PV system installation.
Use applicable to plan and prepare for PV system installation.
Demonstrate the installation electrical components of solar PV system (stand-alone).
Maintain, test and replace PV panels components.

Associated assessment criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

Identify and mitigate risks and hazards through planning.
Complete all the relevant evaluations, shading analysis, and positioning of PV system accurately.
Design and size the PV system that meets the requirements of the task.
Planning and design are completed within allocated timeframes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

Install mounting system correctly and meets the requirements of the designed PV system and shows correct interpretation of drawings.
Install mechanical components of the PV system according to procedures.
Implement appropriate measures to restore site or roof original condition.
Comply with regulations relevant to the installation.
Demonstrate an understanding of the PV system installation procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

Prepare for installation that complies with all the relevant safety measures prior to instalment of electrical components.
Installation of grounding system is correct and protects the system.
Installation of wire-ways and conduits is correct and meets PV system requirement.
Electrical components of PV system are installed according to procedures.
Complete electrical inter-connections and system install instrumentation correctly.
Test and commission PV system according to procedures.
Comply with regulations relevant to the electrical component.
Demonstrate an understanding of the PV system installation procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

Demonstrate knowledge of authorisation, lock-out and isolation procedures.
Use appropriate maintenance schedules, diagrams, and documentation.
Demonstrate appropriate inspection, testing and troubleshooting techniques through accurate diagnosis.
Interpret readings correctly.
Perform scheduled maintenance activities on PV panels.
Remove and replace PV panels.
Clean PV panels.
Adhere manufacturer's specifications to in all operations.
No equipment, modules and tools are damaged.
Adhere safety requirements.
Prepare a maintenance report.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors within a period of 1 day.

Progression and comparability

Articulation options

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation

Occupational Certificate: Low Voltage Power Line Construction Practitioner, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation

Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician, NQF Level 5.
Higher Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies, NQF Level 5.

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment

To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements

None

Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers

Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code are: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer: 313109-001-00-00.

Encompassed Trades

None.

Assessment Quality Partner

MERSETA

RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS

Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone System Mounter, NQF Level 4.

International comparability

This occupational certificate was compared with the following two qualifications in Australia and the United Kingdom

Certificate III in Renewable Energy delivered by, amongst other accredited providers, Electro Group Training Queensland Australia.
LCL Awards Level 3: This Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems is delivered by, amongst other providers, the City and Guilds of London Institute.

Australia

The Certificate III in Renewable Energy offered by Electro Group Training Queensland is a broad entry level qualification targeted at new entrants into the Renewable Energy sector. The qualification provides a broad basis for building appropriate skills and capabilities to operate in this sector and it also includes several elective units that focus on the different speciality areas within the sector. The total qualification can be completed over a twelve-month period.

There are a total of 47 learning units registered against this qualification. Fundamentally the qualification covers competencies to select, install, set up, fault find, repair and maintain renewable energy equipment and systems. There are no educational requirements for entry into the qualification and it is limited to building capabilities to do the non-licensed work relating to installation and maintenance. The structure of the qualification allows the provider and learner to use electives to structure a properly contextualised qualification.

The following are the learning units covered within the qualification

Core units

Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace.
Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work.
Fabricate, assemble, and dismantle utilities industry components.
Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment.
Lay wiring/cabling and terminate accessories for extra-low voltage (ELV) circuits.
Solve problems in direct current circuits.
Solve problems in multiple path extra-low voltage (ELV) A.C. circuits.
Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes, and specifications
Participate in electronics and communications work and competency development activities.
Solve problems in direct current (D.C.) machines.
Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices.
Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector.
Solve basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus and systems.
Carry out basic repairs to renewable energy (RE) apparatus.
Diagnose and rectify faults in renewable energy (RE) control systems.
Solve problems in stand-alone renewable energy (RE) systems.
Verify compliance and functionality of an extra-low voltage renewable energy installation.

Group A

Imported and common elective units.

Deliver a service to customers.
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Provide first aid.
Operate application software packages.
Comply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processes.
Provide basic instruction in the use of electrotechnology apparatus.
Maintain documentation.
Provide quotations for installation or service jobs.
Source and purchase material/parts for installation or service jobs.

Group B: Qualification elective units.

Conduct periodic maintenance of remote area power supply battery banks.
Conduct periodic maintenance of remote area power supply generator sets.
Conduct periodic maintenance of remote area power supply photovoltaic arrays.
Conduct periodic maintenance of remote area power supply wind generators.
Maintain and repair facilities associated with remote area essential service operations.
Maintain and repair remote area power generation facilities.
Maintain safety and tidiness of remote area power supply systems.
Work safely with remote area power supply systems.
Attend to breakdowns in remote area power supplies (RAPS).
Conduct checks in the demand side use of remote area power supplies (RAPS).
Install ELV stand-alone photovoltaic power systems.
Install small wind energy conversion systems rated up to 10 kW for ELV stand-alone applications.
Install, set up and maintain ELV micro-hydro systems rated up to 6.4 kW.
Maintain operation of remote area power generation plant.
Plan periodic maintenance schedules of remote area power supplies (RAPS).
Solve basic problems in micro-hydro systems.
Solve problems in wind energy conversion systems (WECS) rated up to 10 kW.
Attach cords and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to a single phase 230 Volt supply.
Attach cords, cables, and plugs to electrical equipment for connection to 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.
Conduct in-service safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment and cord assemblies.

The ELV Level III certificates in Australia are equivalent to an NQF level 4 qualification in South Africa. It should therefore be possible to use the elective portions from the total qualification listed above to structure a qualification very similar to the National Occupational Certificate as set out in this document.

Similarities

The level of the learning in both qualifications are the same.
It is possible to structure a set of learning components very similar in both qualifications
Duration will be similar based on the extracted units and both qualifications covers theory, practical skills and work application components.

Differences

The Australian mother qualification is based on a broader approach covering the total spectrum of renewable energy.

United Kingdom

The closest comparison found in the UK is the Level 3: Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems offered by the City and Guilds of London Institute. There are no formal entry requirements for this Award, but a general communication and fundamental mathematical literacy competence is required. The Award can be completed over a six to nine-month period depending on the availability of the learner to complete the practical work exposure components.

This award covers the following learning units

Health and safety risks and safe systems of work associated with solar photovoltaic system installation work.
Requirements of the relevant regulations/ standards relating to practical installation, testing and commissioning activities for solar photovoltaic system installation work.
Fundamental differences between A.C and D.C circuits within solar photovoltaic systems.
Purpose of solar photovoltaic system components.
Types, silicon characteristics and typical conversion efficiencies of solar photovoltaic modules.
Fundamental design principles used to determine solar photovoltaic system module array size and position requirements.
Preparatory work required for solar photovoltaic system installation work.
Layouts and the requirements for installing solar photovoltaic module arrays.
Solar photovoltaic system D.C and A.C circuit installation layouts within the scope of the relevant engineering recommendation for grid tied systems.
Solar photovoltaic system protection techniques and components.
Requirements to test and commission solar photovoltaic systems.
Requirements to handover solar photovoltaic systems.
How to plan and prepare for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system.
How to install solar photovoltaic system components.
How to inspect and test a new solar photovoltaic system installation.
How to commission a new solar photovoltaic system installation.
How to handover a new solar photovoltaic system installation.
Requirements for the routine inspection, service, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic system installations.
How to diagnose faults in solar photovoltaic system installations.
How to rectify faults in solar photovoltaic systems.
How to undertake the routine service and maintenance of a solar photovoltaic system installation.
How to undertake fault diagnosis work on solar photovoltaic system installations.
How to undertake fault rectification work on solar photovoltaic system installations.

Similarities

The award covers most of the learning outcomes of the National Occupational Certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer.
There is a similarity in terms of the installation components.

Differences

The National Occupational certificate: Solar Photovoltaic Standalone Systems Installer. caters for a lower entry requirement and it contains more of the fundamental technicalities.
The National occupational certificate is longer in duration due to the lower entry requirements.

Conclusion

The approaches in the UK and Australia differs from the South African approach. In the international arena the qualifications are broader based and incorporates the broader discipline of Renewable Energy. Both qualifications also make provisioning for electives. However, the relevant learning units are found in both the international examples and the content, duration and level of those units are similar. The difference lies in the construction of the qualifications. The Occupational Certificate is specifically structured to meet the unique conditions and requirements of our sector. Based on these findings it can be confirmed that the international examples compare favourably with the occupational certificate.

Providers currently listed

This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.

No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.

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