This course is fully funded by the Department for the Economy, under the Skill Up Programme. This course is a part of a suite of free online accredited courses that the College is offering to upskill, retrain and gain a qualification with no costs associated.

Whether you are looking to upskill, change career direction, or contribute to the transition to a net-zero economy, this course will give you the specialist knowledge and practical skills to excel in the growing solar PV sector.

What You Will Learn:

• PV Energy Generation – Evaluate photovoltaic energy as a sustainable power source and assess its strengths and limitations in line with UK energy legislation and strategy.
• Risk Assessment – Analyse health and safety requirements for PV installation and conduct risk assessments for work activities and environments.
• System Design – Apply design principles to determine PV array size and position, including creating a system to reduce household energy consumption by 25%.
• System Protection & Components – Understand PV protection methods, anti-islanding, inverter function, and other key components.
• Installation & Commissioning – Examine the processes for installing, testing, and commissioning small-scale PV systems.
• Maintenance & Fault Finding – Design maintenance programmes, use test equipment, and diagnose inverter faults and electrical issues.

Are you ready to develop advanced skills in one of the most in-demand renewable energy technologies? Our Level 5 Certificate in Green Technologies is designed for industry professionals, technicians, and those passionate about the future of clean energy.

To top up to the Certificate you must complete and pass the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems module.

Majority of this course is delivered online, with access to learning and assessment materials 24/7 via the College’s online platform, allowing you to study around existing commitments. Live online lecturers will be delivered on a Tuesday afternoon.

You will attend the College for one practical day to complete tutor-led demonstrations and hands-on assessments. The date for this practical session will be confirmed during the course induction.

The course is assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence, including written work, design tasks, and practical demonstrations.

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to opportunities in the renewable energy, construction, and electrical sectors, particularly in roles involving solar PV maintenance, and consultancy.

Progression opportunities include:

• Level 5 Certificate or Extended Certificate in Green Technologies (adding further renewable technology modules)
• Specialist training in battery storage, electrical installation, or grid integration
• Employment in solar installation companies, energy consultancies, or sustainability project teams

*This course is available for students who have previously completed the Award in Green Technologies. By completing the Solar Photovoltaic Systems can top up to the Level 5 Certificate

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must meet the Skill Up funding eligibility and the course entry requirements listed below:
• Learners must have GCSE Grade C or above in Mathematics and English (or equivalent) and hold a Level 3 qualification or have at least five years of relative experience in industry.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.