Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers the installation, adjustment and set-up of photovoltaic power systems and connecting to a supply grid inverter. It encompasses working safely and to installation standards, matching components with that specified for a given location, placing and securing system components accurately, making required circuit connections and completing the necessary installation documentation.

Application of the Unit 

4 )

This competency standard is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training at the AQF level of the qualification in which the unit is first packaged or higher.

The unit may be selected as an elective from the relevant schedule (see qualification packaging rules) provided that all prerequisite units are undertaken or addressed through recognition processes.

This unit may be included in a skill set provided that it is listed in the schedule of electives (see Qualification Framework) and all prerequisite units are undertaken or addressed through recognition processes.

Delivery and assessment of this unit should be undertaken within regard to the requirements of License to Practice (1.2 above), Prerequisite Competencies and Literacy and Numeracy skills (2 above) and the  recommendations for concurrent assessment and relationship with other units (9.5 below).

Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:
1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control and lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.
2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting, risk safety measures etc.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a license to practice in the workplace subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable, contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note.
Competency requirements to be granted a license to carry out installations, fault finding, repair or maintenance on low voltage electrical installations is incorporated in unit UEENEEG005B and all prerequisite units it specifies

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

2 .1 ) Competencies 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEK023B Carry out basic repairs to renewable energy apparatus by replacement of components

OR

UEENEEK025C Solve basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus

For the full prerequisite chain details for this unit please refer to Table 2 in Volume 1, Part 2

Employability Skills 

3 )

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6 ) Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Assessment of performance must be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to install photovoltaic power systems.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are obtained and understood

1.2

Health and safety risks are identified and established risk control measures and procedures in preparation for the work are followed

1.3

Safety hazards that have not previously been identified are noted and established risk control measures are implemented

1.4

Installation of the system is prepared in consultation with others effected by the work and sequenced appropriately

1.5

The nature and location of the work is determined from documentation or appropriate person to establish the scope of work to be undertaken

1.6

Location of system components is planned within the constraints of the building structure, significants and regulations

1.7

Advice is sought from appropriate persons to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others

1.8

Material needed for the installation work is obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements

1.9

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to for the installation work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation and safety

1.10

Preparatory work is checked to ensure no damage has occurred and complies with requirements

2

Install photovoltaic power systems.

2.1

OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed (Note 1: risk control measures need to incorporate risks associated with dc voltages of extra low voltage and low voltage levels)

2.2

The need to test or measure live is determined in strict accordance with OHS requirements and when necessary conducted within established safety procedures

2.3

Circuits/machines/plant are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures

2.4

System components are installed to comply with technical standards and job specifications and requirements with sufficient access to affect terminations, adjustment and maintenance (Note 2: hazards relating to photovoltaic energy apparatus and isolation need to specifically address issues of dc arcing and suitable dc protection systems for dc voltages of extra low voltage and low voltage levels.)

2.5

Wiring is terminated at components and associated equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and functional and regulatory requirements

2.6

Established methods for dealing with unexpected situations are discussed with appropriate person or persons and documented

2.7

Unexpected situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of an authorised person

2.8

Ongoing checks of the quality of installed apparatus are undertaken in accordance with established procedures

2.9

System installation is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, circuits, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy principles

3

Completion and report installation activities.

3.1

OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed

3.2

Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures

3.3

Final checks are made so that the installed apparatus conforms to requirements

3.4

'As-installed' apparatus and associated equipment is documented and appropriate person(s) notified in accordance with established procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

7 ) This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence must show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and installing and setting up grid connected photovoltaic power systems.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

The extent of the essential knowledge and associated skills (EKAS) required is given in Volume 2 - Part 2.2 EKAS. It forms an integral part of this unit.

2.20.13

Photovoltaic installations

2.20.19

Grid connected inverters

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9 ) This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9 .1 )

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. In some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety issues inherent in working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material present a challenge for those determining competence. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9 .2 )

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites must be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit must be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria must be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07'. Evidence must also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this must incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Install and set up grid connected photovoltaic power systems as described in 8) and including:

A

Reading and interpreting drawings related to and apparatus locations and circuit connections

B

Placing and securing system components accurately

C

Maintaining fire integrity

D

Connecting system components to comply with requirements

E

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9 .3 )

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to installing and setting up grid connected photovoltaic power systems.

Method of assessment 

9 .4 )

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is intended primarily for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9 .5 )

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with unit:

UEENEEK023B

Carry out basic repairs to renewable energy apparatus by replacement of components

UEENEEK025C

Solve basic problems in photovoltaic energy apparatus

The critical aspects of occupational health and safety covered in unit UEENEEE001B and other discipline specific occupational health and safety units shall be incorporated in relation to this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

8 ) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit must be demonstrated in relation to installing photovoltaic power systems in at least two different types of premises construction or environment.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2 .2 ) Literacy and numeracy skills 

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Competency Field 

5 )

Renewable and Sustainable Energy