Programme Overview

As a Solar Photovoltaic Service Technician (NQF Level 5), you will gain the skills to install, test, maintain, and repair solar PV systems, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. You will be equipped to diagnose faults, optimise system performance, and deliver reliable energy solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial environments positioning you for a rewarding career in the growing renewable energy sector. Furthermore, it aligns with:

• National energy strategy
• Green economy job creation

Because this qualification is modular and stackable, it is designed for

• School leavers
• Electricians (RPL pathway)
• Renewable energy technicians

This qualification is built on three essential pillars:

• Knowledge modules (Theory) : you learn how and why systems work
• Practical Modules : you learn how to do the work
• Workplace Learning (WBL) : you gain job-ready experience.

Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL) And Exemptions

As an accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), Busara Institute of Technology can assess Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for interested candidates who meet the required competencies stipulated in the modules, and a candidate may be granted exemption for all or some of the modules depending on their formal, informal, and/or non-formal learning and/or work experiences. RPL evaluates what you already know and helps you bridge the gap to the qualification until you are ready for the Trade Test. Anyone can go through the RPL process, regardless of their background or age, and earn a formal, recognised qualification through experience. For more information, contact the Busara Institute of Technology for some advice.

Learning Pathway (How you progress)

The qualification is structured around three progressive occupational exit levels (OELOs) as defined by QCTO. These exit levels represent integrated occupational competencies required to perform effectively in the workplace.

However, At Busara Institute of Technology (BIT), we implement four progressive OELOs with the addition of foundation-level entry programme (PV Mounter) offered to support beginners and ensure accessibility for all learners.

This approach creates a 4-step pathway that scaffolds learning from basic to advanced competence, thus providing a more accessible, structured, and systematic learning journey. The prerequisites are as follows:

Mounter → Installer → Technician → Service Technician (4 steps)

Step 1: Solar PV Mounter (Entry-Level)

Focus Areas:

• Safety practices, use of tools and equipment, Mechanical installation, Understanding PV components and layout and Basic DC wiring.

Key Function in Industry:

• Supports installation teams
• Prepares infrastructure for system installation

Step 2: Solar PV Installer

This step is transition from assistance to independent installer and the candidate will do full DC and AC installation and compliance in electrical standards and codes. The candidate will also do testing and commissioning after installation.

Key Function in Industry:

• Installs complete solar PV systems

Step 3: PV Technician

This step shifts from installation to analytical thinking and focuses on problem-solving (diagnostic, fault-finding, and analysis)

Key Function in Industry:

• Ensures systems operate efficiently
• Diagnoses and resolves technical issues

Step 4: PV Service Technician (Mastery level)

This is the highest step in the qualification, and the candidate will do advanced diagnostics, system restoration, lifecycle management and long-term performance optimisation.

Key Function in Industry: Maintains and services PV systems across their lifecycle.
To produce competent self-employed Solar PV Technicians, the candidates will also be upskilled with simulation packages for PV systems, financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

Progression Model

Learners can:

• Enter at Level 1 (no experience)
• Progress sequentially
• Exit after any level with employable skills
• Return later to continue

Certification Approach:

• Statement of Results per level
• Internal Busara Certificate per level
• Full qualification awarded upon completion of all levels + External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).

Workplace Learning (WPL) Structure (Implementation Ready)

WPL is integrated throughout the progression, but it becomes critical at Step 3 (PV Technician) and Step 4 (PV Service Technician). The Solar PV qualification is more modular; therefore, a learner can complete the WPL modules for a specific level (e.g., Solar PV Installer) to gain that part-qualification before moving to the next.

Career Pathways (Application Areas)

Once qualified, you can work in the following areas:

1. Residential & Small-Scale Solar

• Homes, estates, small businesses

2. Commercial & Industrial Solar

• Large buildings, factories, retail

3. Utility-Scale Solar (Solar Farms)

• Large energy projects

4. Off-Grid & Backup Power Systems

Rural, hybrid, and load-shedding solutions

Regardless of the career path you choose—residential, commercial, solar farms, or off-grid systems—you will progress through the same structured learning pathway from Mounter to Service Technician. Each step builds your competence, enabling you to work confidently across all sectors of the solar industry.

One qualification. Multiple career pathways!!!

TUITION FEE

For private candidates, each learning pathway (PV Mounter, Installer, Technician and Service Technician) is R15,000.00. furthermore if a candidate is competent in Mounter and Installer, he/she will also be awarded with PV GreenCardTM certificate.

Enrol Now or Speak to an Advisor.