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Technical Training

Technical Training Once the PV system has been acquired, the installation is very critical and will largely determine the system’s overall performance. For cost-effectiveness, efficiency and good operation of the PV system, the installation has to be professionally done. This means that the installation has to be done by a well-trained PV installer. The number of solar PV technicians working in solar market since the sector was established in the 1980s is small, and majority of them are not trained for PV solar installation. The number of these technicians is small compared to the demand for installation as observed from the PV system sales. This scenario creates a situation where laymen and semi-skilled people exploit the shortfall of skilled installation professionals and claim to be PV installers. As a result, there are many cases of poor system installation, leading to malfunctions, and even complete breakdowns. The need for training people in PV system installation and maintenance is huge.

Solar Afric has been holding Training of Trainers (ToT) courses on Solar PV systems for its technicians. Those trained will in turn train local youths as technicians. The trained technicians will be able to undertake solar PV installations up to world standards and promote this form of energy supply especially in remote rural areas where access to the grid power is limited. ToTs will be trained under level T1/T2 Training-of-Trainers curriculum. ToTs are encouraged to obtained valid licenses from Energy Regulatory Authorities (local or international). The trainees will be provided with PV related curricula and training materials. The course covers the design and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, and involves actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. The course format includes a balance of classroom instruction and student-interactive exercises. An emphasis is placed on code compliance and accepted industry design and installation practice.

ToTs Training

In collaboration with African governments, Solar Afric will train selected youths as solar technicians to provide maintenance and in turn, train local youths.  Solar Afric curriculum is customized towards local cultures, economics and technologies.  Solar Afric will issue the graduates with technical certificates after successful completion of the training.  Graduates will receive solar maintenance start up kits. Solar Afric will assist the graduates through T1 and T2 ERC licensing.

Technical Capacity building

Finding skilled local solar professionals can be a challenge in this fast growing technology.  Solar energy is a technical product and requires a combination of technical understanding and skills, plus strong business acumen to understand the end users needs.  Solar Afric in collaboration with the governments and the trained ToTs will train the  youth in informal settlements/communities creating long term sustainable career opportunities.  Solar Afric will set up Solar Afric agencies for village youth and women, thus offering them business opportunities in the rapidly growing solar energy industry.

Commumity Awareness on Solar Technology

  • Even though Solar technology is widely regarded globally, local communities in Africa are still not exposed.
  • A significant target of Solar Afric would be to educate the communities on the merits and benefits of solar technology.
  • Together with African governments and the trained youths, Solar Afric  will provide local forums to educate the target communities on solar technology.
  • Solar energy in schools will enhance one of the communities’ most beneficial activity -  Functional Literacy Courses.
  • By having the opportunity to study at night, a much larger number of beneficiaries will be able to become functionally literate.

Social/Economic Responsible Activities

Employment and Entrepreneurships

  • Solar Afric will offer employment to graduates as solar technicians and find them placements in its assembly set ups.
  • Solar Afric will maintain a database of trained technicians ready to refer them for employment anywhere in Africa.
  • Solar Afric will empower graduates by setting them up for Solar Afric agencies.
  • Solar Afric maintains a data base for solar technicians for referral.
  • Solar Afric vision is local industrialization.  Many of the system components can be locally produced.  This will be a big employment source for the graduates and local youths.

 

Solar in Local Community Centers

  • Installation of solar systems in local community centers identified by the local people in areas served, as a social responsibility gesture from Solar Afric
  • This will ensure continuous power supply in the centers for community activities.
  • The solar systems can act as backup in case of electricity failure or reduction of electricity cost in centers that already have electricity.
  •  Solar Afric will power 10 computer work stations as a donation to the Grand Bassa Center as a good will gesture to the community where one of our directors calls home in Africa.