Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems Design and Installation

Featured in the Electrolink Sept/Oct 2025 Issue

Secure your spot today for just $900 + GST (normally $1,200 + GST). 
Master Electricians Members pay only $720 + GST with an exclusive 20% member discount.

Our mission is to deliver solar training that puts safety first and ensures every installation is carried out to the highest professional standard. We are committed to equipping electricians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to design, install, and certify solar photovoltaic systems that are not only technically compliant with AS/NZS standards but also reliable, efficient, and safe for the community.

We believe in doing the job right the first time, with precision, care, and respect for both people and the environment. By upholding these principles, we help build a solar industry that homeowners and regulators can trust.

In addition to hands-on training and classroom based theory, participants will benefit from online access to pre-course and post-course learning materials, supporting a blended learning experience. This flexible approach ensures a strong foundation in solar technology, compliance requirements, and installation practices—helping you confidently meet thegrowing demand for solar installations across New Zealand.

The programme is led by highly qualified and experienced electrical inspectors, each with extensive expertise in solar installation and inspection.

Trade Master Training Lead Raymond Tancrel is joined by Ryan Kerrisk who has built a distinguished career in solar inspections, marked by over a decade of hands-on experience in electrical safety and compliance. As the founder of Solar Inspections NZ and a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited inspector, Ryan has led the charge in delivering high-quality inspections across residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. His expertise spans photovoltaic systems, grid-connected inverters, and marine electrical applications, backed by a strong foundation in electrical regulations and consulting.

Ryan contributes to industry education as a Trade Master trainer, reinforcing his commitment to raising standards in solar safety and performance. 

• Electricians and Electrical Inspectors seeking to expand their expertise into solar installations.

• Residential and Commercial Solar Installers wanting to ensure safe and compliant practices.

• Aspiring solar professionals looking for an accessible entry point into renewable energy.

• Business owners and managers in the electrical sector preparing their teams for the rapid growth of solar opportunities.

Across two full days, plus self-paced online learning, you will:

• Understand the fundamentals of solar energy and PV technology.

• Learn best-practice design principles for residential, commercial, and industrial solar systems.

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in solar panel installation, mounting systems, and commissioning.

• Explore compliance and regulatory requirements for safe, effective solar installations.

• Receive a course workbook and digital credential to showcase your new skills.

In-person intensive workshop with self-paced online learning materials.

This course is open to Electrical Workers in New Zealand across the following registration classes:

Electrician, Electrical Inspector, Electrical Engineer, Electrician, Electrical Installer, Electrical Service Technician, Electrical Appliance Serviceperson, and Associated Tradesperson.

The Solar Course through Trade Master alone does not automatically grant you the Mains Parallel Generation endorsement, however it can be used as part of your supporting documentation when applying for the endorsement.

The course provides valuable theoretical and practical knowledge that supports your ability to carry out compliant solar installations and may strengthen your application to the EWRB under the transitional (grandparenting) pathway.

To apply under this pathway, you must:

• Have held a practising licence (e.g. Electrician) before 4 August 2025.

• Provide evidence of inspected solar installations involving mains parallel generation.

• Demonstrate adequate training, knowledge, skills, and experience, which our course helps you build.

While the endorsement is ultimately granted at the discretion of the EWRB, Trade Master’s course is designed to align with the competencies expected for safe and compliant solar work.

Prework:  Online eLearning module for reading, reference, resources and to best prepare you for the workshop.

Day 1:  Theory workshop with workbook review and in depth discussion.

Day 2:  Practical hands-on application of solar installation procedures.

Start at 8am and finish by 4pm each day.

I enjoyed the group discussions with the knowledge of Ryan to help us understand.  Great info. Fully recommend. - 9 Oct 2025

Instructor was very knowledgeable. Classwork, discussions and real world examples. - 9 Oct 2025

The most enjoyable part was the practical and talking with other sparkies in the industry. Isolator ratings and standards involved are the concepts I remember most. - 9 Oct 2025

Interactions with the instructor and the solar testing. - 9 Oct 2025

Awesome course, stoked to be here. This knowledge would be impossible to gain without something like this. - 25 Sept 2025

I felt free to ask questions related to each subject.  The content was really relevant to improve my knowledge and the level was perfect. - 25 Sept 2025

Good balance between theory and practice. - 25 Sept 2025

Quite a practical course, lots of knowledge learned. The activity I enjoyed the most was the solar installation and testing. - 25 Sept 2025

Thanks a million Ryan and Raymond for your support, it is much appreciated. I enjoyed being exposed to the solar panel indoor and outdoor tests has given us a broader view of solar power generation. The practical was essential for learning. - 25Sept 2025

The most enjoyable part was the comprehensive testing requirements, desiging and suitable system, and learning about temperature coefficient (be good to show more of these) and the important role it plays in design. I remember the group discussions about standards. - Sept 2025

The instructor was knowledgeable and very helpful, thanks guys. Great course. - 25 Sept 2025

I enjoyed the questions about real life scenarios of installations. - 25 Sept 2025

Thanks to our partners EECA, Rewiring Aotearoa, Solar Inspections NZ, Pure Power and the experts who contributed to the development of this programme.

Electrolink Article:  Read the Electrolink Sept/Oct 2025 Cover Story that features Trade Master's solar course