Academy Core Courses
A six-level career ladder from entry-level installer to industry fellow. Every level is mentor-validated and portfolio-based, and a valid PV Green Card fast-tracks you straight into Level 2.
Career ladder
Six levels, entry to fellowship.
C1Level 1 · Open EntrySolar Fundamentals & Installation Assistant3 classroom days
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- Introduction to Renewable Energy
- Basic Electricity & Solar Energy
- Equipment & Tools
- Workplace Safety & PPE
- Working at Heights principles
- Site Preparation & Assistance (supervised practical)
Entry requirements
- Age 16+
- Basic literacy and numeracy
- Medical fitness
- No electrical qualification needed
Outcome
You can safely assist on a residential installation site under mentor oversight.
C2Level 2 · Independent InstallerResidential PV Installation & Commissioning5 classroom days · 40–60 day work module · 10–14 weeks in total
Enquire about this courseClassroom modules
- PV Array Systems & Solar Radiation
- Mounting Structures & Roof Work
- DC/AC Wiring & Protection
- Hybrid Inverter Configuration
- Battery Storage Integration (Basic)
- Monitoring, Fault Finding, Commissioning & Handover
Work module
- 3+ residential installations
- 1 hybrid + battery installation
- Commissioning records
- 1+ fault report
- Mentor validation for each installation
Entry requirements
- C1, or a valid PV Green Card (issued within 36 months)
- NQF Level 3 with Mathematics
- Age 18+
- First Aid and fall-arrest training
Outcome
A verified independent installer who can deliver a complete residential solar and battery system to code.
C3Level 2–3 · SpecialistMunicipal SSEG Registration & Grid Compliance2 classroom days
Enquire about this courseWhat it covers
- NRS 097-2-1:2017/2024 Inverter Grid Code
- NRS 097-2-3 Simplified Connection
- Municipal SSEG Application Process
- Export Limiting & Revenue Metering
- Commissioning Reports & Sign-off
Entry requirements
- C2 or equivalent experience
- NQF Level 4 with Mathematics recommended
Outcome
You can prepare and submit a compliant SSEG application and commission a grid-tied system to NRS standards.
C4Level 3 · AdvancedAdvanced Hybrid, Storage & Microinverter Systems5 classroom days · 50–70 day work module · 14–18 weeks in total
Enquire about this courseClassroom modules
- Hybrid System Commissioning
- Complex Load Management
- Battery Storage Integration (Advanced)
- Battery Thermal Runaway & Fire Safety
- Microinverters & Power Optimisers
- Advanced SCADA & Monitoring
- NRS 048-2 Power Quality
Work module
- 4+ advanced installations
- 2 hybrid + battery commissioning records
- 1 microinverter or optimiser installation
- 1 SCADA integration project
- 2+ fault diagnostic reports
- Mentor validation
Entry requirements
- C2 completed
- Mentor sign-off
- Age 18+
- 2+ years’ experience recommended
Outcome
A specialist installer competent in hybrid, storage, microinverter and advanced monitoring systems.
C5Level 3–4 · Design authorityCommercial & Industrial (C&I) PV Systems5 classroom days · 60–90 day work module · 18–26 weeks in total
Enquire about this courseClassroom modules
- C&I Site Assessment & Load Profiling
- Three-Phase System Design
- Protection Coordination & Earthing
- Commercial-Sized Hybrid Inverters
- Generator Integration
- Financial & Technical Planning
- PV*SOL Design Software
- Commissioning & Handover
Work module
- 2+ C&I installations
- 1 three-phase installation
- 1 load profiling exercise
- 1 full design exercise (150 kWp+)
- 1 commissioning report
- Project leadership evidence
- Mentor validation
Entry requirements
- C4 completed
- Mentor sign-off
- Electrician or millwright qualification
- NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and Science
Outcome
A design authority able to lead C&I projects from concept to commissioning.
C6Level 4–5 · FellowshipMicrogrid Design & Industry Governance4 classroom days · 70–100 day work module · 26–38 weeks in total
Enquire about this courseClassroom modules
- Microgrid & Off-Grid System Design
- Generation Mix & Storage Sizing
- Control Strategy & Integration
- Integrated CoC Capability
- Mentor & Assessor Development
- Standards Contribution & Governance
- National Moderation Council Participation
Work module
- 1 microgrid or off-grid design project
- 1 CoC inspection (if a registered electrician)
- Mentoring log covering 3+ learners
- Moderation sampling participation
- Standards contribution evidence
- Governance review preparation
Entry requirements
- C5 completed
- Mentor sign-off
- Pass a governance review panel
- Registered electrician
- 5+ years’ renewable energy experience
- No criminal record
Outcome
An Industry Fellow who can design microgrids, mentor and assess, and contribute to national standards.
Articulation
Where each level takes you.
How each Academy level lines up with QCTO qualifications.
| Level | QCTO equivalent | Route |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Renewable Energy Workshop Assistant (NQF 3) | Via RPL |
| C2 | Solar PV System Mounter and Solar PV Installer (NQF 4) | Direct articulation |
| C3 | No direct QCTO equivalent | REIASA exclusive |
| C4 | Solar PV Service Technician (NQF 5) | Partial, as a supplement |
| C5 | No direct QCTO equivalent | REIASA exclusive |
| C6 | Renewable Energy Technologist (NQF 7) | Progression pathway |
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