Solar PV Installation and Advanced Maintenance
Offered by colleges and institutes across Canada, these microcredentials provide hands-on training and a recognized certification in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, positioning you for in-demand jobs in the renewable energy sector.
For a limited time, tuition is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada, so you’ll only need to pay a small program fee of $200 once accepted.
- Hands-on, accelerated training: Quickly develop your skills with real-world installations.
- Recognized certification: Earn a microcredential from a leading Canadian college or institute upon completion.
- Industry-driven curriculum: Learn the specific skills employers need based on direct input from industry experts.
- Funded tuition: Access this program at a reduced cost, with only a small program fee to start.
You can choose from two pathways, based on your career goals and experience.
The Solar PV Systems and Installation microcredential is ideal for skilled trades professionals expanding into solar. The Solar PV Systems, Installation, Connections, and Maintenance microcredential is tailored for Red Seal electricians.
By the end of this program, you will be able to:
- Understand renewable energy fundamentals: Describe the key technologies in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, along with their benefits and challenges.
- Master solar PV basics: Explain how solar PV systems generate power, identify different equipment types, and understand factors affecting performance.
- Install solar PV systems: Use system documentation to install racking systems, attach PV modules, and apply essential safety practices, including PPE, fall protection, and wiring management.
This microcredential is designed for individuals currently in or entering the clean technology sector. It is suitable for skilled trades professionals such as home builders, carpenters, or general contractors with at least three years’ work experience.
Typical requirements:
- Minimum of three years’ work or volunteer experience.
- WHMIS certification, fall arrest training, occupational health and safety familiarity.
- Proficiency in English or French (to be assessed by the college).
- Legally eligible to work in Canada.
Admission criteria may vary by college, and some institutions offer Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR) for those with equivalent experience.
Gain hands-on experience through work-integrated learning (WIL), collaborating with solar contractors or organizations involved in solar energy projects. You’ll apply your skills under the supervision of licensed electrical professionals and access fully operational systems.Interactive simulations will also be part of the training, featuring decision-making scenarios, video-based safety demonstrations, and toolkit activities. These simulations complement the in-person training, helping you refine your skills in realistic settings.
WIL experiences will vary by institution.
This microcredential combines flexible online learning with in-person work integrated learning (WIL) components.
Total time commitment: 100 hours (65 instructional hours + 35 hours WIL)
Required Materials: Participants will need a computer with high-speed internet access for online learning. In-person components will require access to solar panel infrastructure.
Note: Program delivery methods and schedules may vary by institution.
This program covers everything from the installation microcredential, plus you will be able to:
- Perform electrical connections: Connect utility-interactive (grid-tied) solar PV systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and performing quality checks.
- Troubleshoot and maintain systems: Diagnose and resolve performance issues, conduct routine maintenance, and apply advanced safety protocols, such as lock-out/tag-out procedures and safe tool use.
This microcredential is designed for Red Seal electricians seeking advanced skills in solar PV systems who are either currently in or entering the clean technology sector.The other microcredential is suitable for skilled trades professionals such as home builders, carpenters, or general contractors with at least three years’ work experience.
Admission Requirements:
- General entry: WHMIS certification, fall arrest training, occupational health and safety familiarity, and proficiency in English or French.
- Be a Red Seal certified electrician.
Admission criteria may vary by college, and some institutions offer Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR) for those with equivalent experience.
As part of this upskilling, you’ll gain hands-on experience through work-integrated learning (WIL), collaborating with solar contractors or organizations involved in solar energy projects. You’ll apply your skills under the supervision of licensed electrical professionals and access fully operational systems.Interactive simulations will also be part of the training, featuring decision-making scenarios, video-based safety demonstrations, and toolkit activities. These simulations complement the in-person training, helping you refine your skills in realistic settings.
WIL experiences will vary by institution.
This microcredential combines flexible online learning with in-person work integrated learning (WIL) components.
Total time commitment: 160 hours (125 instructional hours + 35 hours WIL).
Required Materials: Participants will need a computer with high-speed internet access for online learning. In-person components will require access to solar panel infrastructure.
Note: Program delivery methods and schedules may vary by institution.
Stay ahead in your career and get in-demand skills. Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to know when these microcredentials are offered at a college or institute near you.
Looking to strengthen your workforce? Here’s how you can get involved:
- Upskill your staff: Enrol your team members in one of these specialized microcredentials to enhance their skills
and expertise. - Connect with us to hire graduates: Access a pool of certified graduates ready to bring practical experience and
industry-relevant skills to your organization. - Offer work-integrated learning opportunities: Meet new talent and showcase your business by providing
participants with supervised access to fully operational solar systems, where they can demonstrate installation
practices alongside industry professionals.
These microcredentials are part of the Upskilling for the Innovation Economy project, delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada. By addressing critical skills gaps, they aim to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises and provide rapid pathways to employment, supporting economic growth for Canada. For a limited time, tuition is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada, so you’ll only need to pay a small program fee of $200 once accepted.
