Commercial PV Design

Move beyond residential and access higher-value solar projects. Commercial PV Design is a 3-day advanced course that gives experienced solar professionals the skills to design and deliver C&I PV systems up to 1000 kWp.

Description

The commercial and industrial solar market is growing fast and it rewards professionals who can design and deliver complex systems that are technically sound, commercially viable and built for long-term value. Commercial PV Design is a three-day advanced course that gives you exactly that capability.

You'll work through the full design process for commercial systems from 50 to 1000 kWp: load profiles, site assessment, system sizing, component selection, wiring diagrams, grid integration, and the SSEG application process. The course goes beyond theory: you'll use the design software PV*SOL Premium and Excel to work through real-life commercial installations, including a hands-on 150 kWp rooftop design exercise.

We cover the latest in commercial technology: current module options, 3-phase grid-tied and hybrid inverters, high voltage batteries, and generator integration. And because real projects rarely go smoothly, we look at common implementation obstacles and practical problem-solving strategies too.

By the end of the three days, you'll have the skills and confidence to quote, design and manage commercial C&I PV projects.

Prerequisites

This is an advanced course. Participants should have a solid working knowledge of solar PV fundamentals and grid-tied system design before attending - equivalent to completing our SuperSolarSchool or comparable hands-on experience in the field.

To get the most out of the PV*SOL design sessions, we recommend watching these introductory tutorials before the course.

Target Audience

Commercial PV Design is made for experienced solar professionals taking the step into larger, higher-value C&I projects:

  • Solar installers and technicians with a solid residential or light commercial foundation who want to move into the commercial and industrial sector
  • Engineers and architects with advanced solar PV knowledge working on larger projects
  • PV business owners and project planners targeting commercial and industrial clients
  • Design-focused professionals who want to specialise in system planning rather than on-site installation
  • ECSA-registered engineers (3 CPD points)

Main Topics

  • Latest module technologies and mounting systems for rooftop and ground-mounted systems above 50 kWp, including generator integration
  • Electrical safety for commercial PV systems: anti-islanding, protection devices, lightning, shock and thermal risk
  • Financial and technical planning for commercial-scale systems, including procurement
  • Storage integration and commercial-sized hybrid inverters
  • Hands-on design exercise: 150 kWp rooftop PV system based on a real case study
  • Expert session with Q&A on a real-life C&I project
  • Software exercise: C&I system design using PV*SOL Premium (trial licence included)

Registration Process

When you click on REGISTER, you will need to provide all of your particulars in order to be issued with a pro-forma invoice. Your attendance of any training or assessment can only be confirmed on full payment of the invoice. Please consult our T&Cs for more information.

Accreditation

  • International accreditation by the German Solar Energy Society (DGS e.V)
  • 3 CPD credits by SAIEE

Your Next Step

Commercial PV Design opens the door to larger projects and higher-value work. Here's where participants typically go from here:

  • Get your own PV*SOL licence. Continue designing professional systems after the course with your own PV*SOL Premium licence. GREEN alumni receive 15% discount on their first 12-month licences.
  • Add a compliance specialism. Commercial projects increasingly require sign-off on compliance. Compliance for PV Systems gives you the knowledge to handle CoC-related work and positions you as a more complete commercial operator.
  • Build your maintenance offering. Larger commercial systems need ongoing servicing. PV System O&M gives you the skills to offer maintenance contracts alongside your design and installation work.

Similar courses

The core training for anyone serious about a solar career. In five days, SuperSolarSchool takes you from the fundamentals to designing, installing and commissioning real PV systems, and sets you up for the PV GreenCard, South Africa's recognised installer qualification.

More Information

Take the online exam to get a Certificate of Achievement issued by GREEN Solar Academy and the German Solar Energy Society DGS e.V. Participation in the online exam is ONLY possible after attending a comprehensive or advanced level GREEN or maxx training course, e.g. the SuperSolarSchool.

More Information

3D PV system sizing in 30 minutes: How to use software for professional quotes

More Information

Get job-ready by learning how to mount solar systems properly. PV Mounter is a two-day, hands-on installation course for newcomers and company teams who want practical skills to install safely, efficiently, and to a professional standard.

More Information

Help your clients say yes. A one-day course on the financial side of solar, from ROI calculations and cashflow to loans, leasing and the tax implications of Section 12B.

More Information

Commission and test with confidence. Compliance for PV Systems is a one-day advanced course for electricians and solar professionals who need to commission, test and issue CoCs for PV systems and want to know how to interpret and apply standards in real-world PV installations.

More Information

This course is a crash course on business management, especially for small and medium sized solar company owners.

More Information

How do you sell solar when the power is on? A practical course for solar entrepreneurs and sales professionals who want to win customers with financial proposals and real value - not fear.

More Information

Create ongoing income from solar installations and improve system performance and yield. PV System O&M is a one-day, hands-on course for installers expanding into maintenance services and service teams or facility managers responsible for keeping PV systems running professionally and efficiently.

More Information

Get productive with PV*SOL Design Software from day one and turn designs into business opportunities. A 90 min live webinar with a complete walk-through incl. 3D planning, shading analysis, custom battery system selection and feasibility report export using real South African examples. Recording included so you can follow along with your own design.

More Information