GWO Solar Technical Training
Technical training for installation and electrical work on utility-scale solar PV.
The Training
Training overview
Developed by GWO with the Global Solar Council in response to industry demand for recognised technical preparation, Solar Technical Training covers the practical work of building and energising a utility-scale solar PV installation — from mechanical assembly through to electrical connection, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
The standard is built from risk assessments and incident data gathered across the sector, and is organised into two modules. Installation covers the mechanical prerequisites, component assembly and electrical assembly involved in constructing an array. Electrical covers safety principles, components, measuring instruments and circuits, through to connecting components, commissioning, and service and maintenance.
It is aimed at supervised work roles: the training builds the foundation on which company- and site-specific technical instruction is added.
Why this training matters
Utility-scale solar is being built at pace by a workforce drawn from many different trades. A shared technical baseline means installation and electrical work is carried out to a consistent standard of safety and quality regardless of who is on site.
What you will learn
- Describe solar array components and their basic operating principles
- Analyse mechanical hazards and apply the strategies that mitigate them
- Use manual tightening and measuring tools competently
- Explain electrical safety principles and protective mechanisms
- Identify electrical components, sensors and measuring instruments
- Apply safe practice when handling, installing and connecting electrical components
Training pathways
Initial Training
Delivered across the installation and electrical modules below.
Training content
Installation
Foundational installation competencies for supervised work on utility-scale solar PV.
12 hours 15 minutes
- Mechanical prerequisites
- Assembly of components
- Electrical assembly
Electrical
Connecting, commissioning and maintaining solar electrical systems under supervision.
8 hours
- Electrical safety
- Electrical components
- Measuring instruments
- Circuits
- Connecting solar electrical components
- Commissioning
- Service and maintenance
Key knowledge
- Solar array components and how an installation operates
- Mechanical prerequisites and correct assembly sequence
- Electrical safety principles and protective mechanisms
- Electrical circuits, sensors and cooling system functions
- Commissioning, service and maintenance requirements
Practical skills
- Applying manual tightening and measuring tools correctly
- Assembling mechanical and electrical components
- Cable management and basic electrical completion tasks
- Using measuring instruments on solar electrical circuits
Competencies
- Identify installation environments and apply handling and storage protocols
- Carry out basic electrical completion tasks including cable management
- Connect solar electrical components safely under supervision
- Apply safe practice throughout installation and maintenance work
Key learning outcomes
- Mechanical assembly of solar PV components
- Electrical safety and circuits
- Use of measuring instruments
- Commissioning, service and maintenance
Practical training
Supervised practical assembly and electrical work, with emphasis on safe procedure and correct PPE throughout.