As global demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, both grid-tied and off-grid renewable systems have become vital components of modern energy infrastructure. The Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Renewable Systems training course is designed to equip professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to design, install, operate, and maintain reliable and efficient renewable energy systems in diverse environments. Whether powering rural communities or supplementing urban electricity grids, these systems play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and expanding energy access.

This comprehensive 10-day course offers an integrated approach to understanding the differences, benefits, and applications of grid-connected and stand-alone systems. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in solar PV, wind, hybrid systems, battery storage, energy management, and system monitoring. The curriculum emphasizes design optimization, regulatory compliance, financial viability, and long-term sustainability—empowering engineers, project managers, technicians, and decision-makers to implement successful renewable energy projects.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience

• Renewable energy project engineers and designers
• Electrical and energy systems engineers
• Solar PV and wind energy technicians
• Energy consultants and project managers
• Government energy planners and policy advisors
• NGO and development program officers
• Utility company staff and rural electrification teams
• Sustainability officers and facility managers
• Equipment suppliers and EPC contractors
• Researchers and energy innovation specialists

Objectives

• Differentiate between grid-tied and off-grid renewable energy systems
• Design solar and hybrid systems suited for various load demands
• Assess the economic feasibility of renewable energy installations
• Integrate battery storage and energy management systems effectively
• Ensure system reliability through best practices and maintenance
• Understand regulatory frameworks and interconnection requirements
• Optimize system sizing and load analysis for performance and efficiency
• Apply monitoring tools for performance tracking and diagnostics
• Improve power quality and ensure energy access in remote regions
• Promote scalable and sustainable renewable energy deployment

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems

• Overview of renewable energy sources and technologies
• Global trends in grid-tied and off-grid system adoption
• Benefits and limitations of solar, wind, and hybrid systems
• Role of renewable energy in sustainable development
• Key terminology and system configurations

Module 2: Solar Photovoltaic System Components

• Types of PV modules and their characteristics
• Inverter technologies: string, micro, hybrid
• Mounting structures and tilt optimization
• Junction boxes, combiner boxes, and wiring
• Balance of system components and accessories

Module 3: Battery Storage and Energy Management

• Battery types: lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow batteries
• Battery sizing and depth of discharge considerations
• Battery management systems (BMS) and safety protocols
• Role of storage in both grid-tied and off-grid systems
• Backup systems and uninterruptible power supply integration

Module 4: Load Analysis and System Sizing

• Estimating daily and seasonal energy demands
• Load prioritization for critical and non-critical circuits
• Sizing PV arrays and battery banks
• Inverter and controller selection
• System derating factors and performance ratios

Module 5: Off-Grid System Design and Application

• Designing for remote locations and isolated loads
• Diesel-PV hybrid systems and fuel-saving strategies
• Load matching and generator integration
• Smart controllers and off-grid microgrids
• System resilience and community energy planning

Module 6: Grid-Tied System Design and Operation

• Grid connection standards and interconnection protocols
• Net metering and feed-in tariff models
• Anti-islanding protection and grid support features
• AC vs. DC coupling configurations
• Utility approval and compliance documentation

Module 7: Wind Energy Systems and Hybrid Integration

• Wind turbine components and working principles
• Site assessment and wind resource analysis
• Integration with solar and battery systems
• Hybrid system controllers and energy sharing
• Grid hybrid vs. off-grid hybrid system design

Module 8: Controllers, Inverters, and Power Electronics

• MPPT and PWM charge controller functions
• Central, string, and micro-inverter operation
• Inverter sizing, features, and grid compliance
• Surge protection and grounding strategies
• Power factor correction and harmonics management

Module 9: Wiring, Cabling, and System Layout

• Cable sizing and voltage drop calculations
• Conduit selection and cable protection
• Grounding and bonding techniques
• Single-line diagrams and electrical schematics
• Fire safety and lightning protection measures

Module 10: Installation and Commissioning Procedures

• Installation standards and site preparation
• Electrical connections and polarity checks
• System start-up and performance verification
• Testing equipment and commissioning reports
• Installer safety practices and PPE

Module 11: Operation and Maintenance (O&M)

• Routine inspection checklists
• Troubleshooting common system issues
• Firmware updates and remote monitoring
• Predictive maintenance using analytics
• Documentation and service contracts

Module 12: Financial and Economic Analysis

• Capital and operational cost breakdown
• Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis
• Return on investment and payback period
• Grants, incentives, and funding options
• Lifecycle costing and budgeting

Module 13: Regulatory and Policy Frameworks

• Renewable energy policies and licensing
• Interconnection standards and safety codes
• Environmental impact and permitting
• Data logging and reporting obligations
• Stakeholder coordination and compliance

Module 14: System Monitoring and Performance Analytics

• SCADA systems and IoT-enabled monitoring
• Key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Energy yield assessments
• Alarm notifications and troubleshooting alerts
• Data logging and predictive diagnostics

Module 15: Case Studies and Emerging Trends

• Real-world project case studies from diverse regions
• Floating PV and agri-PV applications
• Peer-to-peer energy trading and virtual power plants
• Innovations in storage and inverter technologies
• Future trends in decentralization and energy democratization

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.