Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

PV GreenCard
Training Centre Guidelines
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SAPVIA PV GreenCard

Guidelines to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

August 2020
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Contents
SAPVIA PV GREENCARD .................................................................................................................. 2
BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................... 5
MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 5
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................................ 6
THE SOLAR PV SERVICE TECHNICIAN NATIONAL CURRICULUM ..................................................... 6
5-DAY PV GREENCARD INSTALLER TRAINING COURSE ................................................................ 6
2-DAY PV GREENCARD TRAINING .............................................................................................. 6
HOW TO ISSUE THE SAPVIA PV GREENCARD ..................................................................................... 7
STEP 1 – TRAINING ......................................................................................................................... 7
STEP 2 – TRAINING ......................................................................................................................... 7
STEP 3 – REGISTRATION ................................................................................................................. 7
STEP 4 – PROMOTION..................................................................................................................... 8
STEP 5 – ISSUING ........................................................................................................................... 9
REQUIREMENTS TO SET UP A PV GREENCARD TRAINING CENTRE ...................................................... 11
APPLICATION ................................................................................................................................ 11
1. HUMAN RESOURCES............................................................................................................. 11
2. LEARNING/TRAINING MATERIALS .......................................................................................... 11
3. FACILITIES (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS) ................................................................................... 11
SETTING UP THE TRAINING CENTRE................................................................................................... 12
EQUIPMENT LIST AND SETUP INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................. 12
MATERIAL FOR PV COURSES .................................................................................................... 12
THEORY ................................................................................................................................... 12
PRACTICAL............................................................................................................................... 12
SAFETY MEASURES................................................................................................................... 15
INVERTER, ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ....................................................................................... 15
ADDITIONAL HINTS ................................................................................................................... 15
NICE TO HAVE .......................................................................................................................... 16
MOUNTING ............................................................................................................................... 16
ACCREDITATION BY SAPVIA ......................................................................................................... 16
SUMMARY OF THE PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 16
PV GREENCARD TRAINING SYLLABUS ............................................................................................... 17
1. OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 17
2. USING THE SYLLABUS ........................................................................................................... 18
3. COURSE DURATION .............................................................................................................. 18
4. ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................................... 18
5. HINTS/SUGGESTIONS ........................................................................................................... 19
6. MEANINGFUL DISPLAY MODELS............................................................................................. 19
7. POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS ............................................................................................. 20
ANNEXURE A: SAMPLE GREENCARD ................................................................................................. 21
ANNEXURE B: TRAINING COURSE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................... 22
ANNEXURE C: APPLICATION FORM .................................................................................................... 24
TERMS AND CONDITIONS .................................................................................................................. 25

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List of Acronyms
AC Alternating Current

CoC Certificafte of Compliance

COIDA Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act

DC Direct Current

DGS Berlin Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenergie e.V. Landesverband Berlin Brandenburg

GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

LOGS Letter of Good Standing

NERSA National Energy Regulator of South Africa

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

PV Photovoltaic

QCTO Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

SABS South African Bureau of Standards

SANS South African National Standards

SAPVIA South African Photovoltaic Industry Association

SAQA South African Qualifications Authority

SARETEC South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Background
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is a non-for-profit industry association
that aims to promote, develop and grow the Photovoltaic (“PV”) sector as part of the wider renewable
energy industry in South Africa. SAPVIA is the representative voice of the solar PV industry in South
Africa and the advocate for the technology. Driven by its values of consistency, cohesion and
collaboration, the association’s vision is to ensure solar PV is the electricity generation technology of
choice in South Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, in support of the country’s socio-economic
development targets.
Skilled labour and quality assurance mechanisms are key issues for the sustainable development of
the PV Industry. In 2017, SAPVIA together with GIZ, SARETEC and GreenCape developed the “PV
GreenCard Training” for PV installers. This Training was developed based on the South African national
qualification for Solar PV Installers and aimed at vetting installers to ensure the integrity of the PV
industry. This Training was designed to be a voluntary undertaking by the industry and endorsed by
the industry association.
Additionally, a 5-Day PV GreenCard Installer Training Course was developed to present the minimum
knowledge requirements for Solar PV installers and prepare candidates to undertake the PV
GreenCard Training. Since 2017 SAPVIA accredited numerous training institutes to offer the 5-day
course, of which only 2 are accredited as PV GreenCard Training Centres. A list of Training Institutions
and Training Centres can be found on the PV GreenCard website:
https://www.pvgreencard.co.za/training-institutions/.

Management
SAPVIA will set up a PV Training and Training Committee (PVTAC) for self-governance of the PV
Training Centres under the SSEG working group.
Members of the PVAC will be made up of SAPVIA endorsed training or Training centre professionals.
The main task of the committee will be to;
- endorse of new training providers,
- review and update the PV GreenCard training material
- accredit new Training centres,
- co-ordinate and align the theoretical and practical Training
- ensure a standard of quality across all PV GreenCard Training and Training Centres
Each year after the first year of appointment the PV Training Centre must complete and submit a
qualitative report, which serves the purpose of a self-evaluation and providing the PVTAC with the
basis for continued monitoring, evaluation and review. Every 2 years the Training Centre may be
subject to an inspection and evaluation by a solar PV subject matter expert and accredited Assessor
appointed by the PVTAC.

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Skills Development
The Solar PV Service Technician National Curriculum
The Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician, Curriculum Code 313109001, NQF Level 5 was developed
in 2010 and registered with the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) under Qualification ID
99447 in December 2016. The National Qualification was based on the need for a national training
offering to support the growing Renewable Energy Industry. Although specifically focusing on utility-
scale installations, the qualification consists of 4 modular part qualifications (Solar PV Mounter, Solar
PV Installer, Solar PV Technician, and Solar PV Service Technician) which ensures inclusivity of career
prospects for a wide range of candidates from matric/school leaver. These part qualifications are yet
to be registered.

5-Day PV GreenCard Installer Training Course

Based on the “Solar PV Installer” part qualification, SAPVIA together with SARETEC and GreenCape
with support from GIZ and DGS Berlin, in partnership with merSETA (the appointed development and
quality partner to QCTO) have developed a 1-week reference training course tailored to PV installers
in the market.
Having a registered national qualification means that the public, as well as private training providers,
can align their PV training offering to the nationally accepted and accredited qualification. SAPVIA
supported by the GIZ and DGS Berlin developed reference training material (presentations and
supporting documents) for a 5-day PV GreenCard Installer Training Course following the exit outcomes
of the curriculum specific to the Solar PV Installer Part Qualification. The course was developed to
present the minimum knowledge requirements for Solar PV installers and prepare candidates to
undertake the PV GreenCard Training. As bulk of the installations currently are grid tied, the PV
GreenCard mainly focuses on grid connected solar PV systems, giving only a very high-level overview
on battery and hybrid systems.

2-Day PV GreenCard Training

The 2-day Training includes a theoretical as well as a practical Training where candidates are required
to mount PV installations on a simulated roof environment. The purpose of this Training is primarily
to ascertain the competency of installers and vet their abilities to gain access to the PV GreenCard
quality mechanism.
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

How to issue the SAPVIA PV

GreenCard
The PV GreenCard is a national, standardised hand-over report for embedded PV installations (Often
also called an “as-built report”). Practically, the PV GreenCard is a checklist that installers fill out after
completion of the installation and will hand over to their clients. The PV GreenCard includes detailed
information on the type of panels and inverters used, the capacity of the system, installation steps
and tests, and further useful information.
This detailed documentation helps investors and clients to trust the installer and gives proof that
everything was installed according to SAPVIA’s PV GreenCard quality guidelines. Furthermore,
structured documentation is very useful when spare parts or repairs are required after a couple of
years of operation of the system!
Only SAPVIA PV GreenCard certified installers are allowed to issue a PV GreenCard. SAPVIA’s aim is
that from now on every small-to medium-scale Solar PV installation gets a PV GreenCard.
For Installers, issuing the SAPVIA PV GreenCard is a 5-step process:

Step 1 – Training
Although not a mandatory requirement for the programme, Training is vital preparation for the PV
GreenCard Training. SAPVIA endorses training providers to offer training as preparation or a remedial
action for the Training. The training is structured to cover the basics of PV, Installation (practical work)
and basic design. Training is not a prerequisite to doing the PV GreenCard Training, but it provides the
vital background to pass the PV GreenCard Training and acts as a refresher course for those who do
not successfully complete the Training, but should be advised that they must know and understand
solar PV from first principles as a lot of in depth questions will be asked during the Training.
Experienced PV Installers can skip the training and start directly with the Training.

Step 2 – Training
The PV GreenCard programme is founded on quality and installers must pass the PV GreenCard
Training to demonstrate competence and gain access to the quality mechanism. This will allow them
to issue a PV GreenCard. The PV GreenCard Training is structured to recognise the participant’s
theoretical and practical knowledge. Participants need to enrol for the Training at one of the official
Training centres and take the theoretical and practical exam.
A list of Training Centres may be found on the PV GreenCard Website at
https://www.pvgreencard.co.za/Training-centres/.

Step 3 – Registration
Installation Companies duly registered in terms of the laws of the Republic of South Africa and which
comply with the minimum criteria will be eligible to register.
Installers can register their company at https://www.pvgreencard.co.za/reg/auth/inst-reg.php and
pay the admission fee. This can also be done before doing the course and Training. Only employees of

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the company that passed the PV GreenCard Training can register as official PV GreenCard issuer of the
company.
The minimum criteria are:
- SAPVIA Solar PV Training passed;
- Department of Labour’s Electrical Installation Regulation Registration
- Department of Labour COIDA Registration – Valid LOGS: Optional
- Declarations of compliance with the SAPVIA Installation Guidelines, relevant SABS Standards, and
all other relevant regulations when installing Solar PV systems.

Declarations of compliance with the SAPVIA Installation Guidelines, relevant SABS Standards, and all
other relevant regulations when installing Solar PV systems. Installation companies are required to
register annually to confirm their compliance with the PV GreenCard Programme, which also serves
to reaffirm the installer’s on-going commitment to implementing safe and quality Solar PV
installations.

Step 4 – Promotion
Apart from ensuring quality standards are maintained, registered companies will also have access to
latest regulatory, technical and market information while recommended companies (those who
comply with the minimum criteria) will be promoted on the GreenCard website.

The PV GreenCard programme is already established as a reliable quality criterion among clients. As
a registered installer, companies can be found on an interactive map. They can also link the map on
their website and use the PV GreenCard registration as a competitive advantage to market their
business and install their PV systems. The benefits of registration are:
- Installers are vetted and recommended by the industry association
- Installers are part of the SAPVIA endorsed installer database listed on the PV GreenCard website
- Installer are eligible to tender for projects that prescribe the PV GreenCard is a requirement
- Installers have access to the latest technological advancement in the industry and associated best
practices
- Installers are associated with an industry promoted PV installation quality label
- Add to the reputation of installers’ Solar PV installation company
- Installers have access to suppliers that prescribe the PV GreenCard as a requirement
- Installers have access to an operative dispute resolution service facilitated by SAPVIA
- Installers can collectively raise concerns regarding policy, regulations, and standards though
SAPVIA as the industry voice
- Installers enjoy the benefits of industry guidelines and installation checklists
- Sponsorship opportunity – Installers’ companies featured on the PV GreenCard website

Customers making use of PV GreenCard installers will benefit the following

- Make use of installers that are vetted, endorsed, quality checked and up to date with latest
regulations and standards.
- Know that their installation is safe, legal and will be compliant with the relevant national
standards, international best practice and regulations.
- Have access to an operative dispute resolution service facilitated by SAPVIA
- Fully understand the legal responsibility of safely maintaining and operating their solar PV system.
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

- Can find registered installers on an interactive map on the PV GreenCard website

Step 5 – Issuing
Registered installers can issue a PV GreenCard per installation. The GreenCard enforces quality by
ensuring that the correct procedures are followed and that the relevant documentation are available.
It is important to note that the PV GreenCard does not replace the Certificate of Compliance (CoC), as
a CoC must be issued for all electrical installations. The PV GreenCard rather compliments the CoC as
it supplements areas and aspects of the solar PV installation that is not tested, verified and/or
reported in the CoC.
There is a minimal fee payable per GreenCard issued.

S EE E RROR ! R EFERENCE SOURCE NOT FOUND .

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Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Requirements to set up a PV
GreenCard Training Centre
Application
Prospective Training Centre operators need to apply to become a registered PV GreenCard Training
Centre. – (APPLICATION FORM CAN BE FOUND IN A NNEXURE B ). The application should include pictures of
the facilities and equipment and CV’s of the human resources. To set up a SAPVIA PV GreenCard
Training Centre, the following minimum requirements need to be adhered to:

1. Human Resources
The training must be conducted by a trainer;
- Who has skills to deliver training
- Who has technical skills - preferably a qualified electrician/electrical engineer
- Who has Solar PV installation experience
- It is preferred that the trainer should themselves undergo the PV GreenCard training/Training.

2. Learning/Training Materials
- Reference material - SANS10142 and OEM Specifications of all used equipment;
- Compliance with all relevant health and safety requirements and may include a medical bag
or access to medical treatment, fire extinguishers, and related equipment.
- To be supplied by SAPVIA;
o PV GreenCard Guidelines,
o Training material slide deck
o Videos for trainers on how to offer the training material, to be provided by SAPVIA
o SALGA/AMEU SSEG Resource pack (Application form, requirements document,
commissioning form etc.)

3. Facilities (minimum requirements)

The applicant must have access to a suitable facility to conduct the training which includes the
following;

- Classroom facilities with a capacity to seat the maximum number of candidates that can be
trained at one time. Recommended space for 15-20 trainees
- Demonstration installation for showcase/teaching purposes
- Store facilities to store Training tools, materials, and equipment;
- Toilet facilities, resting space, etc.

The facility should include the specified equipment, be safe, secure and accessible to candidates, and
Meet the relevant standards for occupational health and safety;

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Setting up the Training Centre
Equipment List and Setup Instructions
Material for PV Courses
To successfully deliver this training course, particularly in view of the skills acquisition, certain
materials and equipment are required. A careful review of this section is warmly recommended well
ahead of the delivery of the course to ascertain availability, verify operating status, initiate
procurement or repairs and provide alternatives wherever the originally recommended item is
unavailable. The success of this training course vitally depends on practice on such material and
equipment listed below.

Theory
It is expected that any training provider wanting to offer the will have a training classroom with desks
and chairs, a projector, a flip-chart and markers to conduct the theory portion of the training.

Practical
This is the list of material required for the practical portion of the SAPVIA Solar PV Installer Training.

# Material Photo Description

1 Training Roof Ground standing roof with

usual structure (rafter, tiles...).
Sufficient roof-area to mount
the system (4 modules). Tilted
angle 10° to 30°
recommended

2 Mounting System Complete system, including all

necessary components
(hooks, rails, clamps...) and
documentation

3 4 PV Modules Standard modules 60 or 72

cells
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

4 PV-cable Recommendation: PV1-F

approved or similar, optional
red/blue/black

5 PV connectors Same manufacturer as in use

at the modules,
recommendation: MC4

6 Crimping tool Provided by the original plug

manufacturer or a third party
manufacturer if suitable

7 DC Clamp, 1000V AC/DC, Current should always be

CAT III measured only with a clamp to
avoid arcing in case of short
circuit. Don’t use usual multi-
meter for measuring DC
current!
8 Electrician tools All usual tools an electrician
needs for his work
(screwdriver, side cutter...)

9 Measuring tape For training an ordinary ruler

is reasonable, on site a 5m
tape or a distance meter is
recommended

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10 Cutting tool: saw or angle Saw is more accurate, angle
grinder grinder is most common

11 Milling machine or grinder Milling machine is more

accurate, angle grinder is
most common

12 Drilling machine If reasonable

13 Wooden layer (shims) to adapt height of hook,

durable material

14 Cable ties UV resistant recommended. If

reasonable also with clamp to
attach to the frame

15 Flexible duct hose UV resistant - as additional

(convoluted tubing, UV protection for cables
“sprague”) directly exposed to the sun
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

16 Ventilation tiles (if Inlet for DC cables to building

available)

17 PPE - Safety shoes, Shoes with metal cap,

appropriate clothes reinforced sole
Durable work clothing

18 PPE - Safety gloves, As mentioned in the safety

protective glasses regulations for all tools in use

19 PPE - Hard hat / Bump For training bump caps are

caps recommended, on site hard
hats may be compulsory

Safety measures
All safety precaution regarding OHS must be fulfilled (fire extinguisher, first aid kit...).

For the practical part on a small training roof standing on the ground no scaffold or fall arrest system
should be necessary in most cases. Nevertheless, it must be ensured that all required precautions are
performed.

Inverter, electrical installation

An example for an AC-installation is recommended to discuss the installation and the necessary
measures. In the one-week course the mounting of the complete installation including the AC side is
not possible due to limited time for that.

An inverter (min 1kVA rated power, inverter according NRS 097, e.g. listed on the Cape Town
municipality home page), the DC cable between generator and inverter laid in cable ducts, the AC
cable to the meter and the meter cabinet must be installed according SANS 10142.

Additional Hints
All material and tools for the mounting systems should be discussed with the system manufacturer. A
problem using the same material for several courses: components of the system may be damaged

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after a while (this is a problem especially with roof tiles, rafters, some flat top roof systems or roof
integrated systems). Especially the rafters are damaged after a while due to the screws. Also
screwing into profiled sheeting will damage the sheeting within short time. Either it is necessary to
renew the damaged components frequently or to find another solution.

Nice to have
The following material is recommended for additional training topics.

A digital camera and an angle meter are used for on-site survey. A smart phone with corresponding
apps is suitable. Example free PV-Sol app.

Second DC clamp: String currents are below 10A, DC main line currents for MW installations can be >
100A. A clamp that can measure high current has a higher uncertainty for low current. Therefore, two
different clamps may be better. DC Voltage measurement must be at least 1000V.

Infrared camera, Isolation meter and/or EN 62446-meter, Earth resistant meter. If measurement
according EN 62446 is recommended an isolation meter or EN 62446 meter is compulsory.

Mounting
Space for flat top roof mounting, mounting system for flat top roofs. Material for matting to preserve
the roofing should be available e.g. with additional aluminium layer to prevent plasticizer to dissolve
from the matting material.

Consider also requirements in the mounting system manual.

Accreditation by SAPVIA
Once an application is received, the SAPVIA PVTAC will review and decide if the Training Centre could
be accredited based on the documents submitted or if a site
visit is required. This is to ensure that quality standards are
maintained across Training Centres. The Training Centre will
then be approved or declined with recommendations to
resubmit.
SAPVIA will provide a checklist for this accreditation based on
the presented guideline. The aspirants have to provide
documentation of the established Training Centre and proof
that they comply with the human resource requirements.

Summary of the Procedure

The following procedure should be followed:
• Identify suitable site/facility;
• Procure the tools based on the tool list provided;
• Document the material, tools, and consumables to
control the issuing and return of it;
• Inform SAPVIA of the completion of the training centre
and arrange for an inspection to approve the centre.
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

PV GreenCard Training Syllabus

1. Overview
Course objective
Enable technicians with formal educational background (Where does this leave the non-electricians?)
to perform, supervise and lead the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of solar photovoltaic
systems – in conformity with the legal requirements in South Africa.
Target group
Planer and installer of PV systems, e.g. electricians, but also other persons until they have basic
understanding of an electric system and the mechanical work required.
Recommended entry criteria
Minimum age 18 years, preferably qualified as electrician
Duration
40 hours recommended (equivalent to 5 days at 8 hours per day)
Classroom size
15-20 trainees recommended
Expected tasks and duties
- Size grid connected PV systems
- Lead installation activities
- Install PV systems
- Perform maintenance and troubleshooting tasks
- Maintain records required for monitoring PV systems
- Observe health and safety regulations
- Manage and maintain relationships with customers
Teaching methods
- Highly practical orientation (“hands-on”)
- Lectures and presentations
- Practical work
- Simulations
- Field trips (if possible, on-site installation?)
- Demonstration
- Discussion
Training methods (not part of the 40-hour syllabus)
- Theoretical examination
- Practical examination
- See PV GreenCard Training for more information

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 2. Using the Syllabus
The content of each course module is broken down to topical levels. Key information guides the
trainer on the following:
- Appropriate teaching techniques and methods selected for effective delivery of contents.
- Activities to aid effective knowledge transfer.
- Materials and equipment required for training activities.

3. Course Duration
The recommended duration of this course is 40 hours. This would translate into 5 days of training for
a fulltime delivery of 8 hours per day.
The course is designed in modules, each with a recommended duration of 1 day. The recommended
amount of time to be spent by the participants in specific learning environments is suggested in the
following groups:
- Classroom: Duration suggested in a classroom setting where techniques such as discussions,
role plays, and interactive sessions, exercises presentations are deployed to engage the
students, beside traditional teaching.
- Lab/Workshop, Field trips: Duration suggested for engaging in practical aspects. This could be
field trips, site visits, laboratory experiments or any other form of engagement practical in
nature.
- Spare time: Contingency kept aside to use at discretion of the trainer. The trainer decides
what environment to use the spare time for based on the response of the class to course
content.
- Additional self-study: Duration the student is expected to engage in self-study and research
complementing classroom and practical time.

4. Activities
Several activities shall be implemented into the course. These include:
- Demo: Concepts or aspects are being demonstrated to students.
- Exercise: Activities that require the student to solve problems in the classroom.
- Workshop: The student engages in practical exercises meant to imitate real world conditions.
- Interactive session: Sessions where students are engaged in open discussions to share their
views with the class
- Site visit: Field trips that serve as a means of buttressing the point made in class by providing
the students with tangible evidence/experience of concepts taught.
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

5. Hints/Suggestions
- Information given via flip charts can be reviewed at a later time. On a white board they are
gone once they are wiped out. Don’t stand in front of the flip chart or white board while
writing otherwise the participants cannot follow your explanations.
- All information must be readable. Consider font size in your presentation. If you use photos
or screen shots where the information is too small enlarge important topics.
- If no laser-pointer is available the mouse-pointer can be used instead.
- Turn off the screensaver of your laptop.
- Calculation examples should be at hand to avoid unclear examples or numbers that could be
misunderstood. Ensure that all parameter in a mathematical formula are clearly
understandable. Don’t use the same value for different parameter (e.g. 45° for both NOCT and
ambient temperature) otherwise the participants are easily confused. Also check the results
or intermediate results and ensure that these don’t have the same value of a given parameter.
- For system sizing the use of actual data sheets is recommended. Sheets should be available as
hand-out or displayed on the screen so the participants have to look for the correct parameter
themselves.
- If you use commercial videos e.g. for mounting systems ensure that they show a state-of-the-
art installation or use wrong behavior as missing safety measures for discussion. Avoid too
specific and long videos as in the end they are not helpful and will annoy the participants.
- Ensure that the material for the practical training is complete at hand on the scheduled day.
This includes all necessary components, additional spare parts, manuals and mounting
instructions, safety measures. Also check metering equipment to avoid discharged batteries
or broken cables.
- Use appropriate analogies to explain technical issues. Voltage and potential can be described
as water columns and current as water flow. If you blow over a piece of paper you can show
suction on a module due to wind loads.
- In addition to a pause at lunch for 45min or 1hour ensure short breaks of 10min or 15min
every 2h or even more often to keep the participants observant. Name a certain time for
restart so everyone will be back in time.
- Ensure an adequate catering. A minimum requirement is drinks like water. Lunch is
recommended.
- Ensure a quiet environment as far as you can influence it (e.g. leaf blowers shouldn’t be
allowed to operate outside during the course).

6. Meaningful Display Models

Display models of PV components can help the participants to understand certain topics. The
following list is not meant to be exhaustive
Component Topics
PV Module Show internal interconnection of cells, the
connection to the bypass diode, the junction

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 box, cable, plugs, how the frame can protect
the back sheet…
PV fuse (maybe also AC fuse) Show difference to an AC fuse (dimensions,
labeling)
Components of a mounting system as short Discuss state of the art craftsmanship.
rails, hooks, clamps
Cable ties, also special implementations, trunks Discuss the necessity of proper cable laying,
and tubes how to avoid laying over sharp edges, exposure
to UV, tight bending radius, mechanical stress…
PV cables Show composition of cable (protection class II),
show problems if bending radius is too tight

Some of the display models are in use during practical installation. Even then some additional
components for the presentation are recommended as these can be used to physically show
problems and solutions.

7. PowerPoint Presentations
The content in the power point presentations provided by SAPVIA are the minimal requirements for
a training course leading to the PV GreenCard two-day Training.
The presentations are subdivided into the following five presentations
- 01_Basics_Electricity_2017_II.pptx
- 02_Introduction_Irradiation_Cells_Modules__2017_II.pptx
- 03_Inverter_2017_II.pptx
- 04_Mounting_2017_II.pptx
- 05_Commisioning Operating Measurements_2017_II.pptx
The expectation is that candidates should be familiar with the content of
01_Basics_Electricity_2017_II.pptx before starting the course. It is recommended to send a PDF of
this presentation to everyone in advance. A detailed discussion might be necessary if the
participants are not comfortable with these topics.
The other presentations are subdivided based on the respective content. Each one covers roughly
one day of the five-day course. In addition to the presentations the training course shall contain
some practical exercises such as mounting and commissioning and examples for calculations and
sizing of a PV System. Ensure that in total the course can be performed within the scheduled time of
five days.
The trainer may change the existing slides provided the content/concept remains the same. If the
existing slides are updated or changed, we strongly recommend informing SAPVIA to ensure a
correct content for both the presentations used by the trainer and the presentations provided by
SAPVIA to other training facilities.
The presentations contain hidden slides with additional information. The trainer can decide whether
to use these slides or not.
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Annexure A: Sample GreenCard

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Annexure B: Training Course Overview

Module 1. Basic electricity

- Overview - Understanding characteristic curves
- Basics - Electrical safety
- Electrical laws and rules
Module 1 is sent to the participants in advance. It is not a direct part of the course. Due to the
recommended minimum entry criteria the participants should have sufficient knowledge of the given
material. Each one has to decide on his own if he still is in need of self-studies regarding the given topics.
Module 2. Introduction to solar photovoltaics
- Introduction - Cell types and production
- Lecturer/Participants - Solar modules
- Photovoltaic history - Production
- Motivation - Electrical characteristics
- Types of systems - Quality / certificates
- Solar irradiation - By-pass diodes
- Solar energy - Shading
- Sun path, effects - Basics
- Measurement - Site survey
- Solar cells - Types of shading
- Design and function - Shading analysis

Module 3. Planning of a grid tied PV System

- Design of PV systems - Overview
- Inverter - Dimensioning
- Basic Design / internal layout - Dimensioning tools
- Electrical characteristics - Simulation
- Additional characteristics - Planning process
- System concepts - Safety

Module 4: Mounting an operating a PV System

- Mounting Systems - Safety
- Roof mounted PV systems - Sample PV Roof Top
- Structural Analysis - Practical Part
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

- Site survey - Cable laying

- Mounting a PV systems - Safety

Module 5: Commissioning / maintenance

- Commissioning / maintenance - Typical errorsAt the end of the modules
- Commissioning the learner is able to:
- Operation-Maintenance - Explain the basics of electricity related to
photovoltaics
- Typical errors
- Appreciate various applications of solar
- Commissioning / maintenance
photovoltaics
- Commissioning (Voc measurements)
- Describe the different configurations for
- Operation-Maintenance
module Interconnection

Training Preparation
The training course is also meant as a preparation for the Training leading to the permission to
issue the SAPVIA PV GreenCard. Therefore, the trainer should know the content of this Training
and be able to explain the process to candidates.

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Annexure C: Application Form

Training Centre Application Form

Note: Please complete with the most relevant up to date information. Training providers who
submit this application form could be contacted for further information and/or a site visit if
need be. *You are required to sign and return the Terms and Conditions with this application.
Training Institution Information
Full Name
Address
Number of Trainers
Type of Institution Government Private
Available Facilities Yes No
Solar PV Equipment Yes No
* Note: Please include pictures of your facilities and the equipment
Trainer Information
Full Name
ID Number
Qualifications
Training Experience
Solar PV Experience
* Note: Please include the full CV of Trainer.
If you have more than one trainer please show this on a separate Application Form
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Terms and Conditions

The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) grants the status of Accredited Training
Centre to qualifying parties. Each Training Centre and its designated representatives hereby
acknowledge and agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions contained herein for the period the
Training Centre hold its designation.

1. TRAINING CENTRE BUSINESS PRACTICES:

1.1 Training Offering
For the term of the accreditation issued by SAPVIA/ PV GreenCard, the Training Centre agrees
to offer PV GreenCard Training substantially consistent with the Application Information
approved by SAPVIA/ PV GreenCard and agrees to notify SAPVIA of any deviations from the
Training offered, including format change, Delivery Plan and/or methods 10 days prior to such
changes.

1.2 Assessor Qualifications

Instructors, Assessors and Moderators’ qualifications and skills have to comply and adhere to
requirements as provided in the Training Centre Guidelines.

1.3 PV GreenCard Training Certification

The Training Centre agrees to offer and administer the PV GreenCard Training in a manner
consistent with the procedures described in the Training Centre Guideline and in accordance
with the Accredited Entity Training Programme, in addition to other applicable Training
administration documentation provided to the Training Centre. SAPVIA will provide Training
Centres with the final most up to date versions of the required documents. To ensure an open
and transparent market, SAPVIA will not prescribe a pricing to the Training and will leave this
up to the individual Training provider.

The facility needs to be suitably staffed and equipped to offer the PV GreenCard Installer
Training. SAPVIA could at any time conduct a site visit to ensure the standard of Training is
being maintained. Training Providers need to supply SAPVIA with their Training institution logo,
relevant person’s contact details and a 100 word write up for the PV GreenCard website. Should
you have available dates for upcoming Training, this will also be included on the website as
acquired. To ensure we keep track of the Training, it is requested that within 10 days of the
successful completion of the Training session; you provide SAPVIA with a list of all participants
undertaking the Solar PV installer course with contact details

The Training Centre acknowledges the content of the PV GreenCard Training are proprietary
information owned by SAPVIA and shall therefore not be copied or reproduced or utilized in
any manner not described within the Guideline or in any associated documentation referenced
herein.

Training Centres are expected to submit an Training Register of the Training attendees to
SAPVIA on a monthly basis.

2. TRAINING CENTRE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

2.1 Prospective Training centre operators need to apply to become a registered PV GreenCard
Training centre. The application should include pictures of the facilities, equipment and CV’s
of the human resources, as well as any other documentation SAPVIA may request to reconfirm
verification of the Training Centre criteria.
2.2 The Training Centre applicant understands and agrees that SAPVIA will conduct a due diligence
process to verify the information provided in the Training Centre application. Third parties

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 may be contacted to confirm the information provided in the application. The Training Centre
applicant waives any claims against SAPVIA for breach of privacy or confidentiality during this
verification process that could arise from the good faith verification activities and/or any other
investigation that SAPVIA conducts as SAPVIA determines in its sole and absolute discretion.
2.3 In the event of any changes pertaining to Training Centre, including but not limited to change
in ownership, contact information or any other substantive changes to the information
provided within the Application Information by the Training Centre , the Training Centre shall
provide SAPVIA electronic mail notice of such changes within thirty (10) days of such changes.
2.4 The Training Centre agrees that SAPVIA, in its sole discretion, may publicly list the Training
Centre on the SAPVIA website and social media. Listing may include a link to the Training
Centre website, along with other non-confidential information associated with the Training
Centre.
2.5 Training centre acknowledges that it will abide by and uphold the terms and conditions of the
SAPVIA Agreements listed herein and the standards of the SAPVIA Code of Conduct.
2.6 The Training Centre applicant affirms, that all information provided in the application for
Training Centre Accreditation is correct and complete.

3. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

3.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
SAPVIA provides any and all services and information “as is” basis and grants no warranties of
any kind, express, implied or statutory. SAPVIA specifically disclaims any implied warranties of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
3.2 Indemnity
The Training Centre agrees to defend, indemnify and hold SAPVIA, or it’s employees and
affiliates harmless against any losses, expenses, costs or damages arising from, incurred as a
result of, or in any manner related to any claim or action resulting from gross negligence by
the Training Centre.
3.3 Non-Disparagement
You agree that you will not publish on the Internet, directly or indirectly, any statement about
SAPVIA or the PVGC Programme, SAPVIA and PV GreenCard Programme or any agent thereof
that is defamatory.
3.4 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa,
notwithstanding any conflict-of-law provisions to the contrary.
3.5 Class Action Waiver
You hereby agree to waive any class action proceeding or counterclaim against SAPVIA, its
affiliates, successors or assigns, whether at law or equity, regardless of which party brings suit.
This waiver shall apply to any matter whatsoever between the parties hereto which arises out
of or is related in any way to this Agreement or the Services, the performance of either party.
3.6 SAPVIA’s Remedies
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by you of any of the provisions of this
Agreement pertaining to intellectual property, disparagement, or unauthorized use of the
Training, you hereby consent and agree that SAPVIA shall be entitled to obtain, as a matter of
right hereby granted, a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against
such breach or threatened breach, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or
that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy.
3.7 Assignability
This Agreement is personal to you and you may not assign this Agreement or the rights and
obligations hereunder to any third party.
3.8 Survival of Terms
Guideline to set up a PV GreenCard Training Centre

Any provision of this Agreement which by its nature must survive the termination of this
Agreement in order to give effect to its meaning shall survive such termination, including but
not limited to the ownership, intellectual

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
4.1 I understand that SAPVIA PVGC Programme is not, nor is affiliated with, a governmental
agency, and that the Solar PV Industry is not regulated by any authority.
4.2 SAPVIA’s PV GreenCard Accreditation(s), Certification(s) and Bodies of Knowledge are
voluntarily adopted by professionals in the Solar PV Industry.
4.3 I understand that when SAPVIA uses terms such as “Industry”, “The Industry”, “Industry
Standard”, “International Best Practise”, “Generally Accepted” and other generalized terms,
the terms are meant as a generalization of SAPVIA’s characterization of what it believes to be
the industry standard and/or majority view of what constitutes the industry standard.
4.4 I understand that SAPVIA endeavours to represent the voice of the industry’s majority, and
that because it is not practical to survey and interview every organization and professional
involved in Solar PV Industry, SAPVIA has used reasonable methods and efforts to define and
establish Solar PV Installation standards for the purpose of supplying the Industry with
standards that are viable and practical minimum competency standards.
4.5 I understand that my engagement with SAPVIA, as described herein, constitutes my
agreement with, alignment towards and support of, the PV GreenCard Programme standards,
and I will use my best efforts, judgment and actions to uphold and defend these standards.
4.6 I understand and agree that SAPVIA maintains the right to modify all Terms and Conditions
herein as it deems necessary from time to time without notice, and that it is my responsibility
to review all Terms and Conditions on a regular basis.
4.7 I understand and agree that the following are incorporated into and made a part of this
Agreement:

5. PV GREENCARD TRAINING CENTRE CODE OF CONDUCT

5.1 SAPVIA is a voluntary, member organization that is dedicated to promoting Solar PV and
suitable levels of Skills Development requirements and Installation Best Practice, therefore
demanding the highest professional and personal conduct by its Training Centre Partner.
5.2 All Training Centres of PV GreenCard Programme are expected to demonstrate such conduct
in all dealings with employers, customers, clients, colleagues and the general
public. Personal interest or advantage must at all times be secondary to those of others.
5.3 SAPVIA recognizes that a professional accreditation and certification creates an expectation
in the community that the Training Centre Partner will discharge professional
responsibilities with integrity, objectivity, due care and genuine interest. At all times these
professional responsibilities must respect the confidentiality as agreed by the parties
involved in the delivery of such services.
5.4 Reports that Training Centre Partners are suspected of breaching this Code of Conduct will
be reviewed and investigated. The Training Centre Partner in question will be contacted
and will be given the opportunity to fully respond to the potential breach. Proposed action
may include censure, suspension or termination of the Partnership. Any proposed action
will be subject to the SAPVIA/ PV GreenCard Appeals procedure.
5.5 Reports of Breaches of Code of Conduct
Any Report of conduct that could reasonably construed as violating the SAPVIA/ PV
GreenCard Programme Code of Conduct will be assigned to SAPVIA for
investigation. Immediately upon referral, a letter of notice will be sent to the alleged
violator with a summary of the reported violations. SAPVIA will maintain full confidentiality
regarding the allegations during the investigation period. During such investigation SAPVIA

3
 will strive to protect the identities of the parties involved to the extent reasonably possible
within the investigation process.
5.6 Investigation of Reports of Breach
The investigation process will be thorough and impartial. It will be the objective of SAPVIA
to complete the investigation with a period of sixty days. This timeline may not be possible
if the alleged violator refuses to cooperate in the investigation. The findings of the
investigation shall be in writing.
5.7 Levels of Severity for Breach
The severity of the level of breach of the Code of Conduct shall determine the proposed
restrictions to be imposed on the violator. Each situation will be evaluated
separately. Restrictions can range from a letter of warning, criticism, suspension or
termination.
5.8 Proposed Restrictions and Penalties for Breach
Warning – In the event the breach is determined to be minor and potentially unintentional,
written warning will be issued to the Training Centre. Evidence of corrective measures will
be adequate to avoid any further actions. It will not be made public.
Condemnation – A breach of a serious nature that is suspected of being done intentionally;
a letter of condemnation will be issued. The censured Training Centre will be given the
opportunity to correct the conduct – failure to promptly address the issue will result in
posting of such action on the SAPVIA website.
Suspension – A serious breach and failure to promptly correct the breach will result in a
suspension of the SAPVIA designation for a period of up to 90 days. Corrective action will
allow for a reinstatement of Training Centre designation.
Termination – Failure to correct a serious breach of the Code of Conduct after a period of
suspension will result in a termination of the Training Centre designation.

6. LOGO USAGE POLICY

6.1 Associated with the Accreditation and Certification Designations are Logos. Upon an
individual or entity’s achievement of a Designation, the appropriate Logo may be used on
stationary, promotional material and websites. Logos must be used in the exact
configuration and colorization as shown in Schedule A – Logo.
6.2 Training Providers need to make a formal request for use to both the SAPVIA and PV
GreenCard logos in advertising the Solar PV Installer Training course. SAPVIA reserves the
right to deny any use of the Logos it determines to be inconsistent with the objectives of
SAPVIA in its sole discretion.

7. Point of Contact
7.1 For any questions, queries and any other matter and support required, please contact
[email protected]