QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Qualification Title
New Zealand Certificate in Renewable Energy System
Design (Level 4) with strands in Grid-connect Systems
(Photovoltaic) and Stand-alone Systems (Photovoltaic), and
optional endorsements in Wind Energy Systems and Microhydro Systems
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
90-95
NZSCED
031301 Engineering and Related Technologies > Electrical and Electronic
Engineering and Technology > Electrical Engineering
DAS Classification
464 Engineering and Technology > Renewable Energy Systems
Strategic purpose
statement
This qualification provides the small scale renewable energy systems sector
with people able to operate as designers (including site assessors and client
advisers) of either grid-connected or stand-alone systems at a technician
level.
For the purposes of this qualification:
-
Renewable energy systems must include photovoltaic systems, and may
include other energy sources such as wind, and micro-hydro energy
conversion systems.
-
Design consists of specification and selection of components, and
determination of connection and installation requirements to meet client
needs.
The qualification has a focus on photovoltaic generation as this is the
dominant technology that is common to the majority of systems. Optional
endorsements in Wind Energy Systems and Micro-hydro Systems are
available for those candidates who require training in these technologies.
This qualification is suitable for candidates who have qualifications or
comparable skills and knowledge in the electrotechnology sector, or for
registered electrical installers or electricians wishing to enter the renewable
energy systems sector. It is also suitable for sales consultants or project
managers who wish to specialise in renewable energy systems.
Outcome Statement
Graduate
profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
communicate professionally with clients to explain concepts of renewable
energy resources and electricity generation systems, and to define
system requirements
-
relate understanding of key concepts to the components, assessment,
design, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems
-
describe low voltage and extra-low voltage direct current (d.c.)
requirements and procedures for renewable energy systems
-
develop and maintain knowledge of current and emerging technologies
within the renewable energy sector.
Grid-connect Systems (Photovoltaic) strand graduates will also be able to:
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 1 of 9
-
explain grid-connected photovoltaic systems
-
analyse information and apply problem solving skills to design gridconnected photovoltaic systems
-
apply legislative and compliance requirements to the design of gridconnected photovoltaic systems.
Stand-alone Systems (Photovoltaic) strand graduates will also be able to:
-
explain stand-alone photovoltaic systems
-
explain the requirements for use of secondary batteries for stand-alone
photovoltaic systems
-
analyse information and apply problem solving skills to design standalone photovoltaic systems
-
apply legislative and compliance requirements to the design of standalone photovoltaic systems.
Wind Energy Systems optional endorsement graduates will also be able to:
-
design a renewable energy system incorporating a wind energy system.
Micro-hydro Systems optional endorsement graduates will also be able to:
Education
pathway
design a renewable energy system incorporating a micro-hydro
generating system.
This qualification provides a specific skill set that may be built on, or lead to,
other electrotechnology qualifications.
To enter programmes leading to the award of this qualification, it is
recommended that candidates already hold a qualification at Level 3 or higher
on the NZQF that includes knowledge of electrical principles, circuits, and
systems.
Candidates who wish to specialise in the installation of renewable energy
systems may progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Renewable Energy
System Installation (Level 4) with strands in Grid-connect Systems
(Photovoltaic) and Stand-alone Systems (Photovoltaic), and optional
endorsements in Wind Energy Systems and Micro-hydro Systems
[Ref: 1939]. Entry into any of the installation strands or optional
endorsements of Ref: 1939 requires that candidates be graduates of the
relevant design strand or optional endorsement in this qualification.
Installation of renewable energy systems typically involves prescribed
electrical work which will require the installer to hold an appropriate class of
registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board and a current
practicing license. Candidates will require registration to graduate from and
be awarded any of the installation strands in Ref: 1939. Completion of
training towards Ref: 1938 and/or Ref: 1939 does not fulfill the requirements
for electrical registration or a practicing license. Trainees who do not already
hold registration will need to complete further training to fulfill these
requirements.
Employment
pathway
Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in the field of renewable
energy systems at the level of a skilled design technician.
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 2 of 9
With additional training, graduates will also be able to work as renewable
energy system sales consultants or project managers.
Qualification
Developer
The Skills Organisation
Qualification Specification
Qualification award
The candidate shall be awarded the qualification by the accredited Tertiary
Education Organisation (TEO) where the programme has been completed.
The formal document certifying the award of this qualification includes the full
qualification title, the date of award, and the logos of The Skills Organisation,
the accredited TEO, and the NZQF.
As the qualification developer, The Skills Organisation will maintain a list of
graduates of this qualification. The TEO will annually report the names of all
graduates awarded the qualification to The Skills Organisation.
Review period
By 31 December 2017.
Any person or organisation may contribute to the review of this qualification
by sending feedback to the qualification developer at
reviewcomments@skills.org.nz.
Evidence
requirements for
assuring
consistency
All Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) offering this qualification (either
arranging training or delivering programmes) must participate in the
Consistency Review.
TEOs are to seek feedback from the renewable energy industry regarding
their graduates meeting the qualification graduate profile outcomes.
Evidence may come from:
– Regular monitoring of trainee progression within either the TEO or the
workplace including liaising with employers, teaching staff, training
supervisors, and industry managers about the value of the training,
graduates, and qualification, to the business.
– Feedback from major employers, employers' associations, and relevant
industry bodies to ensure their members involved in the renewable
energy industry are satisfied with the qualification graduates.
– Regular cross-industry meetings (Industry Advisory Groups) where the
changing training needs of the industry can be discussed in light of
technology changes, workplace practices, and graduate capabilities.
– Surveys of graduates and employers to determine if the graduates are
appropriate for the workplace.
– Providing an alignment of programme outcomes or unit standards against
the qualification outcomes.
– Monitoring of results of the common assessment task.
Guidelines for managing consistency are available and should be referred to
on the NZQA website.
Credit transfer and
recognition of prior
learning
arrangements
TEOs delivering programmes that lead to the award of this qualification may
transfer credit and recognise prior learning in accordance with their own
credit recognition policies and procedures.
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 3 of 9
These policies and procedures, and information about associated fees, must
be available to the applicant prior to enrolment.
To facilitate credit transfer, education organisations must clearly demonstrate
the equivalency or comparability between each of the outcomes in the
graduate profile, and the assessment components of their programmes.
Credit transfer will be automatic where standards on the Directory of
Assessment Standards are used for assessment within programmes of study
or training leading to this qualification.
Minimum standard
of achievement and
standards for grade
endorsements
(where applicable)
The minimum standard of achievement required for the award of the
qualification will be:

achievement of all graduate outcomes in the graduate profile through
successful completion of an approved programme

successful completion of the common assessment task for the strand that
the candidate completes. Candidates must complete either the Gridconnect Systems (Photovoltaic) strand or the Stand-alone Systems
(Photovoltaic) strand.
There are no grade endorsements for this qualification.
Prerequisites to
meet regulatory
body or legislative
requirements
There are no regulatory body or legislative requirements.
Other conditions
for qualification
TEOs arranging training or delivering programmes towards this qualification
must ensure that the training arranged and programmes of learning delivered,
are kept up-to-date with regard to amendments to, and replacements of
relevant legislation, regulations and Australia/New Zealand Standards
(AS/NZS).
Current standards can be accessed at http://standards.co.nz.
Current legislation and regulations can be accessed at
http://legislation.govt.nz.
Programmes leading to this qualification must reflect current industry best
practice.
Programmes will include a core of four mandatory outcomes, totalling 45
credits, in addition to which each candidate must complete either a Gridconnect Systems (Photovoltaic) strand (45 credits) or the Stand-alone
Systems (Photovoltaic) strand (50 credits).
Candidates may also choose to complete the requirements for either or both
of the Wind Energy Systems optional endorsement (an additional 10 credits)
or the Micro-hydro Systems optional endorsement (an additional 10 credits).
Conditions relating to specific outcomes
Qualification Outcomes
Conditions
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Mandatory
Page 4 of 9
(including indicative
credit values for each
outcome)
Communicate
professionally with clients to
explain concepts of
renewable energy
resources and electricity
generation systems, and to
define system requirements
or Optional
Programme and assessment will include knowledge of:
-
the fundamental science of renewable energy
resources, including energy potential, solar path,
solar geometry, seasonal and dynamic
meteorological variation, and effects of latitude
-
the technical and non-technical issues that impact
on the uptake and use of renewable energy
technologies (economic, social, environmental,
political, technical)
-
techniques and software tools for estimating the
energy yield from renewable energy generation
system technologies for a given installation site
-
energy efficiency options for reducing system
energy demand.
(15 credits)
Relate understanding of key
concepts to the
components, assessment,
design, operation, and
maintenance of renewable
energy systems
(20 credits)
Programme and assessment will include knowledge of:
-
the system design and installation process,
including initial customer consultation, system
design, installation, commissioning, documentation
and compliance, and maintenance
-
system design considerations
-
description of the function, purpose,
characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of
different system topologies for grid-connected and
stand-alone renewable energy systems, including
but not limited to:
o
grid-connected inverter systems – micro
inverter, string inverter, central inverter
o
grid-connected synchronous generators
o
stand-alone power systems – d.c. coupled,
a.c. coupled, micro grids.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Description shall include – generation
components, storage components, conversion
components, control, structures and supports,
conductors, protection devices (circuit and grid
protection), metering.
Describe low voltage and
extra-low voltage d.c.
requirements and
procedures for renewable
energy systems
-
data communications and data logging for
renewable energy systems
-
potential hazards relating to the operation of a
renewable energy system, including fire due to
arcing, and PV wiring always being live.
Programme and assessment will include knowledge of:
-
Mandatory
the properties and installation requirements of low
voltage and extra-low voltage d.c. power circuits,
with reference to arcing, protection, component
selection, and cabling.
(7 credits)
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 5 of 9
Develop and maintain
knowledge of current and
emerging technologies
within the renewable energy
sector
(3 credits)
Grid-connect Systems
(Photovoltaic) strand:
Explain grid-connected
photovoltaic systems
Programme and assessment will include knowledge of:
-
the benefits that distributed generation provides to
the community
-
the effects of distributed generation on distribution
networks
-
system topologies for grid-connected photovoltaic
systems
-
the purpose, function, and connection
requirements of the main system components of a
grid-connected photovoltaic system with and
without energy storage
-
parameters affecting matching of modules to
inverters, and using of equipment configuration
tools (i.e. software tools provided by inverter
manufacturers) to achieve safe matching.
(15 credits)
Analyse information and
apply problem solving skills
to design grid-connected
photovoltaic systems
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to:
-
determine the system design specifications for a
given installation in terms of energy output, budget,
available energy sources, energy usage,
monitoring, and control interfaces
-
use specialist tools, such as solar pathfinders, and
interpret the results of measurements obtained
-
select the optimum topology and appropriate
system components for a specified system
requirement
-
work safely at height. This may be demonstrated
by achievement of the unit standard 15757 Use,
install and disestablish proprietary fall arrest
systems when working at height [4 credits].
(20 credits)
Mandatory
Mandatory
All activities must comply with the requirements of AS
4777, AS/NZS 5033, and AS/NZS 3000.
Apply legislative and
compliance requirements to
the design of gridconnected photovoltaic
systems
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to:
-
apply the requirements of AS/NZS 5033 Installation
and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV)
arrays, to the design of grid-connected photovoltaic
systems
-
apply the requirements of the AS 4777 series, Grid
connection of energy systems via inverters, to the
design of grid-connected photovoltaic systems
-
apply the requirements of the Electricity Industry
Participation Code 2010, Part 6 Connection of
distributed generation, and Part 10 Metering
Arrangements, to the design of grid-connected
(10 credits)
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Mandatory
Page 6 of 9
photovoltaic systems
-
apply the compliance requirements for design of
grid-connected photovoltaic systems including:
o
mechanical requirements and solutions for
mounting PV to buildings with reference to the
Building Code and AS/NZS 1170.2
o
regulatory requirements of electrical codes of
practice and Building Code
o
compliance with lines company requirements
o
equipment compliance (inverter certification)
o
compliance with local body requirements
(building consents).
Stand-alone Systems
(Photovoltaic) strand:
Programme and assessment will include knowledge
of:
Explain stand-alone
photovoltaic systems
-
system topologies for stand-alone photovoltaic
systems
(15 credits)
-
the purpose, function, and connection
requirements of the main system components of a
stand-alone photovoltaic system
-
parameters affecting matching of modules to
inverters, and using equipment configuration tools
(i.e. software tools provided by inverter
manufacturers) to achieve safe matching.
Explain the requirements for
use of secondary batteries
for stand-alone photovoltaic
systems
Programme and assessment will include knowledge
of:
-
(5 credits)
Analyse information and
apply problem solving skills
to design stand-alone
photovoltaic systems
Mandatory
the requirements of AS 4086 Secondary batteries
for use with stand-alone power systems, Part 1:
General requirements, and Part 2: Installation and
maintenance.
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to:
-
determine the system design specifications for a
given installation in terms of energy output, budget,
available energy sources, energy usage,
monitoring, and control interfaces
-
use specialist tools, such as solar pathfinders, and
interpret the results of measurements obtained
-
select the optimum topology and system
components for a specified system requirement
-
work safely at height. This may be demonstrated
by achievement of the unit standard 15757 Use,
install and disestablish proprietary fall arrest
systems when working at height (4 credits).
-
design a stand-alone system incorporating a
generating set, that is compliant with the
requirements of AS/NZS 3010 Electrical
installations – Generating sets.
(20 credits)
Mandatory
Mandatory
All activities must comply with the requirements of
AS/NZS 4509, AS/NZS 5033, AS/NZS 3000, and AS
4086.
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 7 of 9
Apply legislative and
compliance requirements to
the design of stand-alone
photovoltaic systems
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to apply the:
-
requirements of AS/NZS 5033 Installation and
safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, to
the design of stand-alone photovoltaic systems
-
requirements of AS/NZS 4509 Stand-alone power
systems, Part 1: Safety and installation, and Part 2:
System design
-
requirements of AS 4086 Secondary batteries for
use with stand-alone power systems, Part 1:
General requirements, and Part 2: Installation and
Maintenance, to the design of stand-alone
photovoltaic systems
-
compliance requirements for design of stand-alone
photovoltaic systems including:
(10 credits)
o
mechanical requirements and solutions for
mounting PV to buildings with reference to the
Building Code and AS/NZS 1170
o
regulatory requirements of electrical codes of
practice and Building Code
o
equipment compliance (inverter certification)
o
compliance with local body requirements
(building consents).
Wind Energy Systems
endorsement (optional):
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to:
Design a renewable energy
system incorporating a wind
energy system
-
(10 credits)
site wind data, topography, environment, social
factors, local consenting requirements
-
specify the size, characteristics, and system
configuration of the wind energy system
-
apply the compliance requirements for design of
wind energy systems including:
o
AS/NZS 4509.2 Section 4 System Design –
Mechanical and Civil Works
o
mechanical requirements and solutions for
wind turbine towers with reference to AS/NZS
1170
o
compliance with local body requirements.
Micro-hydro Systems
endorsement (optional)
Programme and assessment will include the
knowledge and skills required to:
Design a renewable energy
system incorporating a
micro-hydro generating
system
-
Mandatory
acquire and analyse the following data and
information to select a suitable micro-hydro
generation site:
o
-
Mandatory
acquire and analyse the following data and
information to select a suitable installation site:
o
(10 credits)
Mandatory
head, flow rate, seasonal variation,
environmental considerations, regulatory
requirements, local consenting requirements
specify the size, characteristics, and system
configuration of the micro-hydro generation system
including the following:
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 8 of 9
o
-
type of turbine, weir, intake, water delivery
and water discharge systems, cost, life cycle
apply the compliance requirements for design of
micro-hydro systems including:
o
AS/NZS 4509.2 Section 4 System Design –
Mechanical and Civil Works
o
compliance with local body requirements.
Transition information
Replacement
information
This qualification and the New Zealand Certificate in Renewable Energy
System Installation (Level 4) with strands in Grid-connect Systems
(Photovoltaic) and Stand-alone Systems (Photovoltaic), and optional
endorsements in Wind Energy Systems and Micro-hydro Systems [Ref: 1939]
replaced the National Certificate in Renewable Energy Systems (Level 4) with
strands in Design, Micro-hydro, Photovoltaic, and Wind Generation
[Ref: 1694].
There are no existing programmes of training leading to the replaced qualification and no enrolled
trainees. Transition arrangements between the replaced and new qualifications are not required. All
new trainees will be enrolled into programmes leading to the award of the New Zealand qualifications.
Republication Information
Version 1 of this qualification was republished June 2015 to update the Evidence requirements for
managing consistency.
Qualification Reference 1938
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2013
Page 9 of 9