Small-scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer – Competency Grid

Knowledge

Knowledge required for competence

Qualifications required

Relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice and other sources of information and guidance.
Safe ways of working, correct and relevant tools and PPE.
The need to risk assess and the boundaries of own knowledge.
The differences between the AC and DC sides of the system.

Demonstrate knowledge of

The various types, conversion efficiencies and silicone characteristics of solar PV modules.

Details of industry recognised qualifications,

Designing a system, including the relevant shade calculations, wind uplift calculations and self-consumption with and/or without Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS).

including equivalents in devolved nations, can be found in the EAS Qualifications Guide.

Notifying the DNO under the Engineering Recommendations G98, G99 and G100 processes.

Correct documentation to be issued such as: Electrical Installation Certificate and associated Schedules, PV Array Test Report, MCS certificate and Part P notification.

Refer to Awarding Organisations’ Qualification Specifications for further details.

Integration of a solar PV system into other electrical equipment (e.g. battery storage).
Maintenance requirements for solar PV systems.
Current best practices and technological advancements of solar PV equipment, through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Skills

Skill required for competence

Qualifications required

Maintain the safety of self and others when undertaking electrical work.
Ensure correct work processes are in place to manage risk and emergencies.
Apply relevant legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice and other sources of information and guidance.
Design, plan, select and install electrical equipment for the AC and DC sides, including integrating solar PV components.

Able to

Inspect, test and fault-find on solar PV systems.

Details of industry recognised qualifications,

Accurately record test results and complete documentation.

including equivalents in devolved nations, can be found in the EAS Qualifications Guide.

Handover the system to the customer.

Utilise industry-specific tools and software for solar PV systems.

Refer to Awarding Organisations’ Qualification Specifications for further details.

Maintain solar PV systems.
Work at height and conduct manual handling.
Access and work on roof mounted solar PV systems.

Behaviours

Behaviours required for competence

Work in a safety-conscious manner putting safety of self and others first and is accountable for their actions.
Work within the regulatory framework while being commercially minded and customer focussed.
Manage time effectively to organise and prioritise tasks.
Maintain currency through CPD.

Will

Work in a multi-disciplinary team including other site services.

Provide customer service and ensure consumers are protected.

Act ethically and support an inclusive culture.

Consider the environment and sustainability.
Notes Regarding Design:

Installers working on small-scale solar PV projects may also be required to design the system. Those installers involved in design require some additional knowledge, which is denoted in the grid by green shading. The solar PV qualifications referenced in the ‘Qualifications required’ column incorporate design principles. Level 4 qualifications in electrical design are available, these typically focus on AC principles.
Qualifications Required:

Details of industry recognised qualifications, including equivalents in devolved nations, can be found in the EAS Qualifications Guide.
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