It is no secret that the Solar Energy sector in South Africa is going from strength to strength, but with growth comes the need for regulation and structure. Installing Photovoltaic panels (PV) requires a particular set of skills. Training of installers and solar entrepreneurs is vital to preserve the integrity of the industry. With that comes the responsibility of creating a training standard.
Genergy recognizes the need and benefit of a well-regulated industry for customers, installers, municipalities and the State utility.
Training at Genergy
Since 2017, Genergy has been providing PV GreenCard preparation training. However, as of late 2020, we have partnered with GREEN Solar Academy which is the leading training provider for the solar photovoltaic industry in Africa.
Together, we are bringing regulated world-class PV installation training to the Eastern Cape. This partnership allows for a standardized training offering of a consistently high quality across many different GREEN academies in sub-Saharan Africa.
About SuperSolarSchool the GREEN Academy Training
SuperSolarSchool covers the basics you need.
It deals with designing, installing and maintaining state of the art PV systems. The course spreads out over the duration of four days of theoretical training and one day of practical installation. The training is suitable for a broad range of experience. However, a decent understanding of electrical concepts and components is beneficial.
It is accredited for 5 CPD points by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, SAIEE.
The course receives regular updates by a working group of German and South African experts. It uses training materials developed to standards approved by German Solar Energy Society (DGS). The SuperSolarSchool course aims to equip participants to install safe, high quality PV systems, and covers the theoretical and practical knowledge required for assessment to become a capable PV GreenCard certified installer.
Following GREEN Academy’s unique approach and quality assurance system, the training sessions in Gqueberha / Port Elizabeth are also based on the same training materials and guidelines at all the other GREEN Academy locations. The aim is to standardize the quality of the training across South Africa.
About PV Green Card
The South African PV GreenCard is a safety certification, a quality assurance standard and training program for solar PV installers.
With specialized education and training we can ensure Quality and Safety.
This is provided to solar PV installers prior to them being certified and registered on the PV GreenCard database.
This certification means that the installers are proficient and compliant with all of the relevant national and municipal electrical regulations.
Future Academy expansion plans
Genergy and GREEN Academy are exploring the option of offering additional training courses at our PE Academy. We are hoping to offer a 2-day hands-on installation course, the “PV Mounter”, and a 3-day solar design course “Designer for commercial size PV systems” in the near future at Genergy Headquarters.
We are also in the process of becoming accredited as a PV GreenCard assessment center which will give Eastern Cape residents the option to complete the assessment without the additional expense of traveling to either the Western Cape or Gauteng.
