Green Technologies (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) - Level 5 Certificate (Top Up)

Essentials

Duration: 13 Weeks Online
Number of weeks: 13
Start date: 20th January 2026
End date: 5th May 2026
Day: Tue
Time: 13:45-17:00

Course fee: FREE

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Course Content

Have you previously completed the Level 5 Award in Green Technologies and wish to Top Up to the Level 5 Award in Green Technologies? If so, you can complete this Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems module in semester 2.

This module is designed for industry professionals, technicians, and those passionate about the future of clean energy. 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.

Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals:

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.

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Assessment Methods

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

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Course Update

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.

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You must be at least 18 years of age and you must have previously completed one or more of the following OCNNI Level 5 in Green Technologies modules:

• hydrogen production systems and technologies
• anaerobic digestion
• solar thermal decarbonisation of hot water systems
• electrical vehicle charging systems
• ground and air source heat pumps
• sustainable alternative biofuels
• electrical energy storage systems

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

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