Professional Certification Program for PV (Solar) Associate

This program is offered by ACC and does not require approval from the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)

Professional Certification Program for PV (Solar) Associate

The Professional Certification Program for PV (Solar) Associate course provides a thorough grounding in photovoltaic (PV) systems, preparing participants for a successful career in the solar industry. The course covers all essential aspects, including system design, installation, maintenance, and professional practices. Participants learn about both grid-interactive and standalone PV systems, with a focus on performance reliability, structural attachments, and system sustainability.

Training includes in-depth design instruction, such as system configuration, load analysis, and software sizing tools. Participants gain skills in selecting electrical materials, understanding interconnections, and applying grounding techniques, while also addressing site-specific factors like rooftop conditions.

Installation training involves practical skills in site planning, array layout, and the use of power tools. It covers reading electrical diagrams, preparing permits, and commissioning key components like inverters and charge controllers.

Maintenance training focuses on routine tasks, system performance monitoring, and troubleshooting. The course also emphasizes safety protocols, regulatory standards, and professional ethics.

A crucial component of the program is the sales and economics of PV systems, teaching participants to communicate benefits and address customer queries.

Career Occupation

Upon completion of the course, the student would have opportunities in various fields such as PV Service Technician, PV Salesperson, Business Development Associate, Solar PV Installer, Solar Design Technician, Solar Sales Consultant, PV System Inspector, etc. These positions involve designing, installing, managing, and maintaining solar energy systems, as well as consulting and sales.

Admission Requirements

No Prerequisites are required.

Learning Objectives

The learning objectives of the Professional Certification Program for PV (Solar) Associate typically include:

Applications of PV systems: Participants learn about grid and standalone PV systems, solar products, economic benefits, performance reliability, system balance, and environmental impacts.
Sales and Economics: Learn to discuss energy independence, environmental issues, technology, system sizing, demand charges, customer profiles, warranty limits, and maintenance costs with clients.
Design: Comprehend PV system configuration, load analysis, software sizing tools, Electrical Material and point of interconnections in PV design, grounding and bonding elements, rooftop conditions etc.
Installation: Acquire skills in site planning, array layout, tool usage, electrical diagrams, permits, racking systems, component commissioning, and codes (CEC, NEC, IEEE).
Maintenance and Operations: Acquire knowledge of routine maintenance tasks for PV systems. Understand operational considerations such as monitoring system performance and troubleshooting common issues.
Professional Practices: Learn about ethical considerations, customer communication skills, and the importance of professional conduct in the PV industry.

Method(s) of Student Evaluation

ACE Community College will conduct Quizzes, assignments, and a Practice Exam.

Completion Requirements

Successful completion of all the assignments/exams with a minimum of 50% overall average.

Required Course Materials

PV (Solar) Associate E-Book
- AUTHOR: ACE Community College
- PUBLISHER: ACE Community College
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual by Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar PV Basics by Sean White
Photovoltaic Design and Installation for Dummies by Ryan Mayfield
Solar PV Engineering and Installation by Sean White

Course Duration

The total program hours are 40.

Homework Hours

Students should complete 1-3 hours of assignments/ Practice Questions per module.

Delivery Method(s)

The delivery methods for this program include:

In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.
Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, excluding work experience hours, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.
Combined delivery: (both in-class and distance): Instruction provided through a combination of in-class and distance delivery. Program may include a work experience component (in-person).
100% of the combined program will be provided by distance (online) delivery.

The online components are:

Program delivery is 100% synchronous and 100% asynchronous.

This Course is designed to provide training in the following modes:

Online video training with Live instructor.
Online video training without live instructor at own pace.
Combination of online and in person training.
In- Class Training.

Program Organization

Title of Course/Work Experience Component	# of Hours
Professional Certification Program for PV (Solar) Associate	40

Domestic Students
Tuition: $999
Application Fee: $250
Assessment Fee: $250
Course Materials (includes access to the Learning Management System – LMS): $200
Other: $97

International Students
Tuition: $999
Application Fee: $250
Assessment Fee: $250
Course Materials (includes access to the Learning Management System – LMS): $200
Other: $97