Design & install grid-connected PV systems

Ballarat

Your trainer in Ballarat is Robbie Nichols. Robbie shares the benefits of his years of solar experience with you during the course.

Robbie has over 25 years of experience working with clients throughout the Geelong and regional areas, and has been a trainer with NECA E&C since 2024.

Carlton North

Your trainer at our Carlton North campus is Allen Burrows. Allen shares the benefits of his years of general electrical, and 16 years of solar experience with you during the course.

Allen has gained his experience in solar installations by working for several solar companies, firstly as a trade hand, followed by time as a team leader then as a supervisor. This gave him knowledge and experience of all aspects of solar design and installation before commencing his own solar business more than a decade ago, and he is still busy in design and installation work.

Why choose NECA’s Ballarat Campus?

• Ballarat is a newly established campus for NECA providing another, potentially more convenient, location to attend the course.
• Learn from Robbie Nichols, an expert solar trainer, with decades of electrical experience.
• Train in a dedicated practical environment with modern solar PV equipment, test boards, and industry-relevant tools that support hands-on learning.
• Whether you’re local or coming from surrounding regions, Ballarat is easy to get to with free all-day parking.
• Connect with local employers and apprentices in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional economies.
• You get access to the same nationally recognised training as our city campus!

Why choose NECA’s Carlton North campus?

• Learn from an expert trainer with decades of experience.
• Located just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, Carlton North is easy to access via public transport and perfectly placed for electricians working across metro Melbourne.
• Surrounded by some of Melbourne’s best cafés, your breaks (and pre-class fuel-ups) are sorted.
• Train in the heart of Melbourne’s electrical and construction ecosystem, with strong connections to major contractors, projects and industry networks.
• Access the same nationally recognised NECA training, delivered in a fast-paced, professional environment that reflects the reality of metro electrical work.

Whether you prefer a more relaxed regional feel or the buzz of the city, NECA gives you options, without compromising on the quality of our training.

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

This course runs over six days and 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 on what 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

Develop and interpret design briefs that incorporate measures to protect people and property from system malfunctions, ensure compliance with safety, performance and functional standards, and accurately document design calculations and criteria.

Gain the skills and knowledge required to install, adjust and commission photovoltaic (PV) power systems, including connection to grid-supply inverters. This includes working safely and in accordance with installation standards, selecting and matching components for specific locations, accurately positioning and securing system components, completing required circuit connections, and finalising all installation documentation.

You will also be equipped to identify and resolve predictable faults and issues in photovoltaic energy equipment and systems operating at extra-low and low voltage.

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

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

Students will need to have access to current industry standards:

The following Australian Standards are available for purchase from NECA Education & Careers, or the Intertek Inform website, and are also available from some libraries, institutions, and industry associations:

• 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)

Students will need to bring:

• A laptop (if attending the Ballarat course)
• 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

$2340 per person

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

The Guide to Fees & Payments can be found here.