The global demand for clean and sustainable energy has fueled rapid advancements in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, making them one of the most impactful technologies in the renewable energy landscape. This training course is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in advanced PV systems, from design and installation to operation, maintenance, and performance optimization. With a strong focus on technological innovations, participants will explore grid-connected and off-grid solutions, energy storage integration, smart PV systems, and the latest trends shaping the solar energy sector worldwide.

Through a practical and comprehensive approach, the course equips professionals with the expertise to evaluate, plan, and implement PV projects across residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. Participants will also gain insights into financial modeling, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability considerations, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive efficiency, profitability, and long-term energy resilience. This training will empower learners to become leaders in solar PV deployment, innovation, and sustainable energy transformation.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience

• Solar project developers
• Electrical and renewable energy engineers
• Energy policymakers and regulators
• Financial analysts and investors in clean energy
• Utility and grid operators
• Environmental and sustainability professionals
• Architects and building designers
• Technical trainers and consultants
• Academic researchers and students in renewable energy
• NGOs and international development practitioners

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of advanced PV systems
• Learn PV system design, configuration, and applications
• Gain expertise in installation and commissioning of PV systems
• Explore grid integration and energy storage solutions
• Analyze financial and economic aspects of PV projects
• Assess regulatory and policy frameworks for solar energy
• Implement advanced operation and maintenance strategies
• Evaluate innovations and smart technologies in PV systems
• Study global PV projects and lessons learned
• Build leadership skills for advancing solar adoption

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Advanced PV Systems

• Overview of solar PV technology evolution
• PV market trends and global adoption
• Types of PV systems: on-grid, off-grid, hybrid
• Advantages and limitations of PV systems
• Role of PV in the energy transition

Module 2: Solar Resource Assessment

• Solar radiation fundamentals
• Tools for solar resource measurement
• Geographic and climatic considerations
• Site selection criteria
• Case studies of solar resource mapping

Module 3: PV System Components and Technologies

• Types of solar panels and efficiency ratings
• Inverters and conversion systems
• Mounting structures and tracking systems
• Cabling and connectors
• Innovations in PV materials

Module 4: PV System Design Principles

• Load assessment and system sizing
• Energy yield calculations
• Shading analysis and optimization
• Grid-tied vs off-grid configurations
• Software tools for system design

Module 5: Installation and Commissioning

• Pre-installation site preparation
• Mounting and wiring procedures
• Safety considerations in installation
• Testing and verification of components
• Commissioning protocols

Module 6: Grid Integration of PV Systems

• Grid connection requirements
• Voltage and frequency stability considerations
• Distributed generation challenges
• Net metering and feed-in tariffs
• Smart grid and PV integration

Module 7: Energy Storage in PV Systems

• Battery technologies and applications
• System design with storage integration
• Safety and performance of storage systems
• Hybrid PV-storage systems
• Emerging storage technologies

Module 8: PV System Performance Evaluation

• Performance monitoring techniques
• Key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Fault detection and diagnostics
• System optimization methods
• Case studies of performance evaluation

Module 9: Operation and Maintenance Strategies

• Preventive and corrective maintenance practices
• Cleaning and inspection protocols
• Remote monitoring systems
• Spare parts management
• Extending system lifespan

Module 10: Financial Analysis of PV Projects

• CAPEX and OPEX considerations
• Cost-benefit analysis methods
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs)
• Return on investment (ROI) calculation
• Financing models for solar projects

Module 11: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

• Solar energy policies worldwide
• Incentives and subsidies for PV projects
• Licensing and permitting processes
• Compliance with technical standards
• Regulatory challenges and opportunities

Module 12: Environmental and Social Impacts

• Life cycle assessment of PV systems
• Land use and biodiversity considerations
• Waste management and recycling of panels
• Community engagement and acceptance
• Sustainable deployment strategies

Module 13: Innovations in PV Technology

• Bifacial solar panels
• Floating PV systems
• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
• Concentrated photovoltaics (CPV)
• Nanotechnology in PV development

Module 14: Smart PV Systems and Digitalization

• IoT in solar monitoring
• Artificial intelligence in PV optimization
• Digital twins for solar plants
• Blockchain in energy trading
• Cybersecurity in PV systems

Module 15: Global PV Project Case Studies

• Utility-scale solar parks
• Community solar projects
• Residential rooftop PV systems
• Off-grid rural electrification
• Lessons from international best practices

Module 16: Leadership in Solar Energy Transition

• Strategic planning for solar adoption
• Building stakeholder partnerships
• Advocacy for solar policies
• Driving innovation in solar markets
• Future outlook for solar energy leaders

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.