Victoria
Design & install grid connected PV systems (online and in-person learning)

Course information

NECA Course ID
NECGDC006
Course Name
Design and install grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems Blended
Duration
This course is a combination of self-paced online learning, and 3 days in-person learning and assessment, to be completed in 3 months.
Mode of Study
Online and in-person (at Ballarat)
Fees
$2340 per person (GST free)
Next Intake
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026 - see below for more dates

Powering the future

Training tomorrow’s solar energy experts today

Australia’s demand for renewable energy is anticipated to grow exponentially as we head toward net zero energy targets.

Consumers are seeking environmentally friendly power solutions for commercial and domestic applications and/or charging electric vehicles (EV) and the demand for alternative energy systems such as solar energy to support homes and businesses is growing every day. This means more electricians and workers skilled in the design and installation of grid connected photovoltaic systems are needed.

Our industry has responded to the changing needs of renewable energy by updating the training packages for delivered renewable energy workers, and we have released our new blended learning grid connect course. This course has been designed by experienced solar installers who are SAA accredited and have worked with the Clean Energy Council.

NECA Education & Careers’ grid connect course will put you and your business on the front foot and give you the skills and knowledge to become a qualified solar photovoltaic (PV) designer and installer.

 

Man installs solar panels on roof

Course description

This course combines online self-paced learning and face-to-face practical training (3 days), to be completed in 3 months from enrolment.

The online tasks and assessments are completed through the NECA E&C learning management system (LMS). Three consecutive in-person training days are scheduled by the trainer. This includes a half day for finalisation of any incomplete online theory assessments, and two and a half days to complete practical installation assessments under trainer observation.

Prefer to complete your training in 6 days? We offer the same course, delivered over 6 days in the classroom from either our Carlton North or Ballarat campuses. Find out more.

What is included?

On successful completion of your training, you will be set to apply for your accreditation with the new Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) body for GCPV Design and Installation. The course will guide you through the following topics:

 

Site surveying
Solar resource
PV and PCE electrics & engineering
Designing and installing for performance

Enrol now for our Grid Connect course that gives you flexibility

This Design and Install Grid Connect PV Systems course will be delivered using a combination of online and face-to-face learning.

  • You need to complete the self-paced online segment within 3 months from enrolment.
  • Our course teacher will monitor student progress through the NECA E&C Learning Management System to provide support and to ensure course progression.
  • The in-person practical training is 3 days, teacher-led, in the classroom in Ballarat.

 

 

Course details

Our trainer, Robbie Nichols shares the benefits of his years of solar experience with you during the blended learning course.

Robbie has over 25 years of experience working with clients throughout the Geelong and regional areas, and decided to complete qualifications as a trainer with NECA Education & Careers in 2024 to deliver the blended learning Grid Connect course.

 

This course will provide you with the necessary qualifications to apply for accreditation from Solar Accreditation Australia for the Grid Connect PV Systems accreditation. Please check with SAA if anything else is required for your accreditation.

This course includes the following unit competencies:

  • UEERE0054 – Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems
  • UEERE0061 – Design grid-connected photovoltaic power supply systems
  • UEERE0080 – Install photovoltaic power conversion equipment to grid
  • UEERE0081 – Install photovoltaic systems to power conversion equipment

This covers design briefs, incorporating schemes for protecting persons and property from dangers of system malfunction, ensuring other safety and performance standards and functional requirements are met and documenting design calculations and criteria.

The skills and knowledge required to complete the installation, adjustment and set-up of photovoltaic (PV) power systems and connecting to a supply grid inverter. It encompasses working safely and to installation standards, matching components with that specified for a given location, placing and securing system components accurately, making required circuit connections and completing the necessary installation documentation.

This course is intended to allow learners to find solutions to predictable problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus and systems operated at extra-low and low voltage.

For more information on how to apply for your accreditation and the costs associated, check out Solar Accreditation Australia.

 

Applicants must hold a current and unrestricted (A Grade) electrical licence issued in an Australian State or Territory, and this will ensure they meet pre-requisite unit requirements for UEEEL0012 (UEERE0081) and UEEEL0039 (UEERE0061).

As applicants are existing workers who have completed a Certificate III level qualification, an LLN Assessment will be offered during their pre-training review, but it is not mandatory to complete one as the relevant Certificate III qualification indicates students hold the required level of LLN to successfully undertake this course.

 

 

Student resources include:

  • Grid Connect Learner Companion Guide (LCG)
  • Grid Connect Classroom Assessment Workbook
  • Textbook: Grid-Connected PV Systems Design & Installation
  • CEC – Advice on labelling

Access to current industry standards, including:

  • AS/NZS 3000:2025 Wiring Rules
  • AS / NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
  • AS/NZS 4777.1:2024, Grid connection of energy systems via inverter – installation requirements
  • AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 Structural design actions, Part 2: Wind actions
  • AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2025 Electrical installations – selection of cables, Part 1.1: Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV (typical Australian installation conditions)

For the 3-day in-person training element, students will need to bring their own PPE, including:

  • Steel-capped boots
  • Eye protection
  • Gloves

Refer to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy.

This industry short course covers competencies fulfilling the requirements of Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) for an electrician to become accredited in the design and installation of grid-connected photovoltaic systems

 

Due to the online nature of the course, applicants need the necessary digital literacy skills to allow them to participate fully and successfully.

Refer to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy.

 

We know your free time is rare, and spare time is precious.  So we’ve created a course that is delivered as a blend of on-line, teacher-supported, self-paced learning. You start when you’re ready and you learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home, or office.

The idea is you can fit this learning in with your lifestyle, and study when it suits you.

At the completion of the theory and online learning section, you and your teacher will arrange your 2 day assessment session, usually over a weekend, which are delivered in-person.

After enrolment you have up to 3 months to complete the course, but an extension can be requested if needed.

We’re here to help you succeed and get ahead in business.

 

Standard fee: $2,340.00 per person (GST free)

For company or group bookings please contact us for a quote.

The Guide to Fees, Payments & Refunds can be found here.

Course dates

 

 

Time of day Start Date Availability
Grid Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) Systems Design and Install – blended
Self-paced, teacher-supported online then - 3 days in-person practical at our Ballarat Campus
01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026 Register now