Renewable energy constitutes an increasingly important part of our country’s energy package while we move away from fossil fuels. This, together with an attitude of becoming more environmentally friendly, means that renewable energy like solar and wind power will definitely continue to play a bigger role in power generation.
That is why the North-West University’s Faculty of Engineering presented a five-day short learning course from 3 to 7 October, which was facilitated by the NWU’s Unit for Continuing Education.
SUNCybernetics was contracted to present the training and practical lessons were offered at the NWU’s solar farm on the Potchefstroom Campus. This short learning programme was accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa and was aligned with the PV GreenCard programme of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).
SUNCybernetics is an independent company that specialises in solar-related consultation and training services. This company, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023, has delivered several solar projects that include network or hybrid systems and the training of hundreds of installers of solar power and municipal staff. SUNCybernetics is supported by their international parent company, SUNfarming, which is located in Germany.
The short learning programme was open for attendance by any person.
“Participants who attended the training learnt about the basic concepts of solar power and solar systems, how to optimally design a solar system, install it in practice, and to do everything according to the most recent national standards an international best-practice guidelines. The training course is a very full programme and those who attended are now more prepared to participate actively in the solar industry, and to undergo the PV GreenCard evaluation. Anybody who is interested in entering the solar industry, wants to refine their existing knowledge on solar power, or even just want to learn more about solar power for a solar system that they already have or want to install soon will benefit from this training. There are no prerequisites for attending the training, but being able to do basic maths and understand electricity concepts will be beneficial,” Faure van Schalkwyk, head of training at SUNCybernetics, said.
Willem Moster, Senior Specialist: Business Development and Corporate Relations, expressed his gratitude to the dean of the Faculty of Engineering for helping to make the event a reality: “We would like to thank the Professor Liezl van Dyk for her leadership and support in helping to facilitate this arrangement between both parties.”
