Photovoltaics Masters Institute
What SEP Qualifications Are Necessary for Installing Photovoltaic Systems?
Since photovoltaic systems generate electricity during their construction and connection work, special caution must be exercised. Improper execution of certain tasks may result in fire or loss of warranty rights, which is why the installation of a photovoltaic system should be carried out with great care by a person with the appropriate qualifications. Find out what SEP qualifications are needed for photovoltaics.
Qualifications – Photovoltaics, i.e., who can install photovoltaic systems?
SEP stands for the “Association of Polish Electrical Engineers.” It is an organization that brings together people from the electrical industry—both experienced experts and beginners who are just gaining qualifications, including those necessary for installing photovoltaics. Documents obtained from SEP are required, among other things, to install and maintain photovoltaic panels. If the owner of a PV installation wants to connect it to the grid, they must meet certain requirements set by the energy company, which also stipulates that the installers must hold the appropriate qualifications.
SEP Qualifications and the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT)
To install photovoltaic panels, you must have at least one of two qualifications:
- A qualification certificate in the field of electrical energy issued by SEP;
- A renewable energy installer certificate issued by UDT – (you can find the list of certified UDT installers here).
Since photovoltaic installations may be located on roofs, it is also worth having qualifications for working at heights. These are obtained separately from SEP.
What SEP qualifications are required for photovoltaics?
There are different types of SEP qualifications, including G1, G2, and G3. The first pertains to the supervision, operation, and installation of electrical devices, the second to heating systems, and the third to gas systems. In the case of photovoltaic installations, qualifications from the G1 group will be necessary. These can be obtained by anyone who has turned 18 years old by the start of the training.
Types of SEP Qualifications
What SEP qualifications are needed for photovoltaics? For photovoltaic panels, the following apply:
- SEP type E qualifications – where the letter stands for “exploitation.” These allow for independent measurements and are primarily focused on the operation and installation of systems.
- SEP type D qualifications – the letter stands for “supervision.” These allow for measurements and their independent approval. Courses and exams in this case are also focused on supervision and control.
In some courses focused on issues related to the control and installation of photovoltaic systems, you can gain knowledge in both D and E categories. This allows you to take an exam covering both thematic areas and, in one go, obtain the qualifications needed for the operation and supervision of power devices or installations connected to the power grid.
How to Obtain Photovoltaic Qualifications?
To gain the necessary knowledge for installing photovoltaic systems, you need to complete a course at an accredited center and then pass a state exam. Afterward, within 12 months, you must apply for a renewable energy installer certificate (download the application template) through the e-UDT portal via ePuap or in person at a UDT office. The list of UDT-accredited OZE training centers can be found here. To engage in photovoltaic installation, documents confirming the obtained qualifications are required. These documents are delivered to those who pass the exam within a few weeks. SEP type D and E qualifications needed for performing photovoltaic installations are valid throughout the European Union.
Are photovoltaic installation qualifications permanent?
Unfortunately, the qualifications allowing the installation of photovoltaic systems are not obtained permanently. Since energy companies regularly inspect installers, it’s essential to renew or update your certification. Electrical network qualifications are valid for 5 years.
The need to renew qualifications stems from the dynamic changes in the photovoltaic industry. When your qualifications expire, you must retake the exam. After passing, a certificate with a new number is issued. If your qualifications for photovoltaic installation are still valid but the documents confirming them are damaged or lost, you can request a (paid) duplicate. In this case, there is no need to retake the exam before the Qualification Commission.
Can I install photovoltaic panels myself?
The qualifications of the installer may be verified during the installation’s inspection by the energy company, which is why self-installation of panels without the proper qualifications is not recommended. During the installation of photovoltaic systems, damage or incorrect connection may occur, which can be grounds for losing the warranty. Additionally, self-performed installation work will make it impossible to connect the PV system to the power grid.
Why are SEP qualifications so important?
Installing a photovoltaic system requires the presence of an installer who holds the necessary qualifications. They must have the appropriate certifications, not only to ensure the system can be inspected and connected to the power grid but also to ensure the system operates with maximum efficiency. Professional installation services ensure all legal requirements are met and the safety of the installer and others is ensured.
Photovoltaic Installation and System Design
It’s important to note that SEP qualifications for photovoltaic installation do not grant the right to design PV systems. For that, a photovoltaic system designer with appropriate qualifications and a properly prepared design is needed.
In practice, the installer profession differs significantly from that of a system designer, so it’s not required for one person to hold all the mentioned qualifications. However, because photovoltaic installations are quite complex, completing the entire project requires cooperation between specialists. To correctly install a photovoltaic system, you must always follow the design assumptions. Therefore, it is not possible to make independent changes to the designs.
FAQ:
1. Why are SEP qualifications or a certificate from UDT necessary?
A photovoltaic installation generates electricity, which carries the risk of fires or excessive voltage increase in the grid if connected incorrectly. This requires the person installing it to have special electrical qualifications.
2. What SEP qualifications are needed for photovoltaics?
The basic qualifications for photovoltaic installation are SEP type D and E. These allow for installation, maintenance, approval, or relocation of the system.
3. What do installer qualifications not allow?
Photovoltaic installation qualifications allow for its assembly, modernization, operation, and maintenance. However, designing photovoltaic systems as an installer is not possible. In addition to SEP qualifications, it’s also worth obtaining those required for working at heights.