Develop your knowledge and skills in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology with this OCN NI Level 5 Award in Green Technologies.

This course is designed for people working in, or seeking to develop their knowledge of, construction, engineering, renewable energy and related technical sectors. It provides an opportunity to gain a recognised Level 5 qualification while developing specialist knowledge of solar PV systems, their design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and application within the built environment.

The OCN NI Level 5 Award in Green Technologies is designed to develop learners' understanding of the application of green technologies, including relevant installation practices and processes. The Solar Photovoltaic Systems pathway focuses on small-scale PV systems.

The course combines flexible online study with a practical session at Northern Regional College. Course materials are available online through Canvas, allowing learners to access learning and assessment resources around their work and other commitments.

Funded places are available through the Enhanced Investment Zone (EIZ) Advance ME Further programme, subject to eligibility.

This course is suitable for people who wish to develop their knowledge of solar photovoltaic systems and green technologies, including those working within:

construction, electrical engineering, building services, renewable energy, facilities and energy management, sustainability, technical consultancy, or related sectors.

It may also be suitable for those seeking to broaden their existing technical knowledge as businesses respond to the transition towards renewable energy and decarbonisation.

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence completed throughout the course. There is no traditional final examination.

Evidence may include written work, research and design activities, practical demonstrations, and tutor observations.

The Solar Photovoltaic Systems course is designed to develop knowledge and skills associated with installing, commissioning, and maintaining small-scale photovoltaic systems. Learners will also consider system maintenance and fault finding.

During the course you will explore:

• photovoltaic energy generation and its role as a renewable energy source;
• the strengths and limitations of solar PV in relation to energy policy and strategy;
• health and safety requirements and risk assessment for solar PV installation;
• PV system design, including array sizing, positioning and energy requirements;
• protection techniques, inverters and other system components;
• installation, commissioning and operation of small-scale PV systems; and
• maintenance programmes, testing and fault finding.

The qualification includes the application of PV design principles, including designing a modular PV system to reduce the electrical consumption of a given dwelling.

Learners will also consider maintenance and system performance, including electrical testing, inverter operation and the diagnosis of faults associated with battery performance, polarity and electrical short circuits.

Successful completion leads to the OCN NI Level 5 Award in Green Technologies

Learners may progress to the OCN NI Level 5 Certificate or Extended Certificate in Green Technologies by completing additional eligible green technology units. The qualification specification also identifies progression towards higher-level study in environmental conservation and green technologies, or employment.

The knowledge developed through the Solar Photovoltaic Systems pathway may be relevant to roles and activities involving renewable energy, construction, building services, sustainability, energy management, and technical consultancy.

Applicants must:

• be aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
• hold a Level 3 qualification or have at least five years' relevant experience within construction or a related industry; and
• meet any relevant regulatory, statutory or licensing requirements necessary to undertake practical activities associated with the qualification.

Where applicants wish to have previous education or relevant industry experience considered in place of the stated academic entry requirements, they should contact the College to discuss Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Funding – Advance ME Further

This course is available with funded places through the Enhanced Investment Zone (EIZ) Advance ME Further programme.

The programme is led by the Department for the Economy and funded by the UK Government. It is intended to support workforce development, productivity and decarbonisation, with training opportunities.

To be considered for a funded place, applicants must meet both the programme eligibility criteria and the entry requirements for this course.

Applicants must:

• be aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment; and
• have the right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course. Proof of this will be required to progress application. (UK or ROI Passport, Evidence of Right to Work via Prove your right to work to an employer)

Evidence of eligibility and right to work will be required as part of the application process.