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Solar PV Installer

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Solar PV Installer

  • Program Code: 6A9
  • Credential: Certificate
  • Duration: One Year
  • School of Sustainable Development
  • Area: Sustainable Development
  • Domestic Applications: CLOSED
  • International Applications: CLOSED
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
January 2026
January 2027

Stellar power.
 
In today's world, where the transition to sustainable energy sources is not just a preference but a pressing necessity, the Solar PV Installer program will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of professionals to lead the renewable energy charge. Whether installing panels on roofs or non-roofing structures, this one-year certificate program builds the expertise and proficiency for the installation and upkeep of solar systems and instills a strong safety culture while encompassing regulatory compliance and practices.

Solar energy is Canada’s fastest growing sector. With society’s increasing demands on electricity and a global commitment to switch to renewable clean energy, graduates with these job-ready skills will be in high demand, positioned at the forefront of a growing industry.  Beyond technical skills, this one-year certificate program aims to cultivate a deep understanding of the importance of renewable energy in today's world.

The Solar PV Installer program offers a holistic understanding of solar energy systems, preparing you with the multifaceted knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking abilities that are imperative to excel in the dynamic field of solar energy. The comprehensive curriculum covers both mechanical and electrical aspects, ensuring proficiency and skill transferability for a diverse range of roles in the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, the program’s capstone project provides invaluable real-world experience that can be showcased to future employers. While the program equips you with essential project management skills, invaluable for planning, budgeting, and documenting installations, you'll also gain an understanding of the importance of working in teams, establishing effective customer relations, and the ability to start your own business.

This program is not just about education, it's about making a meaningful contribution to our world's sustainable future. Now’s the time to power up for an in-demand career with a profound environmental impact.
 

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Prepares for a diverse range of roles in the renewable energy sector with its comprehensive curriculum covering both mechanical and electrical aspects of solar panel systems
  • Real-world projects and hands-on training, providing invaluable experience to showcase to future employers
  • Relevant and in-demand, this program is at the forefront of an evolving job market demanding skills, knowledge, and attitudes in clean, renewable energy solutions

DID YOU KNOW?

  • A recent search on solar salaries in Canada placed solar PV installers with project management skills between $70,000 and $100,000 or more per year.1
  • Between 2020 and 2030, Canadian jobs in the clean energy sector are slated to grow four times faster than average.2
  • The global shift to green energy has resulted in a solar market worth more than $50 billion and steadily increasing.
  • In Canada, the annual average growth rate for solar energy is 50%, nearly 10 times the national average. 
  • Solar systems are now installed in every Nunatsiavut community and provide the community with clean electricity.3

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Solar PV Installer program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate OHS safety procedures required for the installation and maintenance of solar PV systems.
  2. Establish an understanding of the components and technology common to solar PV systems.
  3. Utilize project planning to complete solar PV installation and maintenance tasks.
  4. Demonstrate problem solving skills and team-based work practices to complete a solar PV installation.
  5. Demonstrate effective communication with customers.
  6. Perform solar PV system installation on various surfaces, including roofs and non-roofing structures.
  7. Demonstrate safe handling and maintenance of solar PV components and equipment.
  8. Demonstrate safety procedures when working with electricity.
  9. Perform configuration and connection of electrical wiring, conduits, and associated circuitry for inspection.
  10. Demonstrate compliance with electrical codes and regulations.
  11. Apply preventative maintenance and inspection procedures on solar PV systems.
  12. Perform solar PV maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts to correct malfunctions.
  13. Create reports and documents regarding solar PV installation and maintenance. 

CERTIFICATIONS

In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Solar PV Installer certificate program are required to obtain a certificate of completion in the following prior to graduation:
1. Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
2. WHMIS
3. Fall Protection
4. Confined Space Entry
 
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for external certifications.

Admission Requirements

1.   High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in eight level 3000 credits, or equivalent, including Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
i. Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
ii. Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM) MA1040, MA1041
OR clearing High School course deficiencies through College Transition individual courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (or Business Related College Profile), including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
 
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE  
Semester 1 Winter Cr Hrs
PV1100 OHS for PV Installation 2 30
MC1190 Computer Essentials 2 30
PV1110 Tools & Equipment 1 15
PV1115 Handling & Lifting 1 15
PV1120 Access Equipment for Heights 3 45
MA1135 Practical Mathematics 3 45
PV1125 Basics of Solar Energy 2 30
CM2125 Communications in the Workplace 3 45
PV1130 Task Planning 1 15
PV1135 Reading & Sketching 3 45
PV1140 Electrical Theory 2 30
PV1145 Canadian Electrical Code 2 30
PV1150 Renewable Energy & Efficiency 1 15
       
Semester 2 Spring Cr Hrs
PV1200 Trade Skills for Solar 2 30
PV1205 Solar PV Systems I 5 75
PV1210 Applied Electrical Techniques 4 60
PV1215 Marking Off/Out 2 30
PV1220 Solar PV Systems II 5 75
PV1225 PM - Solar PV Install 3 45
PV1230 Solar PV Systems III 6 90
       
Semester 3 Fall (Intersession) Cr Hrs
PV1300 System Maint. & Troubleshoot 2 30
PV1305 Entrepreneurial Awareness 2 30
PV1310 Customer Service 2 30
PV1315 Solar PV Capstone Project 5 75

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 
In today's ever-growing clean energy sector, the demand for skilled individuals is not only present now but is set to increase even more in the future. As solar energy takes center stage, graduates from the Solar PV Installer program can look forward to a wide array of employment opportunities within the dynamic field of renewable energy. From roles such as solar PV installer to energy efficiency technician, renewable energy project assistant, and positions in sales and customer service, the possibilities are diverse. Additionally, graduates may explore opportunities as entrepreneurs, contribute to the construction industry, or thrive as environmental consultants. The exciting part is that these opportunities are not confined to a specific region; they currently exist nationwide and are steadily emerging at the provincial level. The future looks bright for those entering the clean energy workforce! 

Note:
Completion of the Solar PV Installer certificate program does not qualify graduates to work as a licensed electrician. Graduates who wish to pursue further training in the electrical trade may be eligible to enter an electrical apprenticeship through a direct-entry pathway with an employer or may choose to complete an entry-level electrical program at the College, subject to applicable admission and apprenticeship requirements.4
 

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Sustainable Development $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Sustainable Development $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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