Solar Technical Training - STT FAQs

Refers to version 1. 02.07.2025

Who is the Solar Technical Training standard intended for?
The Solar Technical Training modules are targeted at candidates who have no previous experience with installation or electrical work in the solar PV sector. It may also be used to upskill candidates who have relevant technical knowledge and skills, but not of its application in the context of a Utility Scale Solar PV site

Is the Solar Technical Training relevant for all areas of the Solar industry?
Utility Scale Solar PV workers are the main target audience for training developed from the Solar Technical Training standard.

For the purposes of the GWO training standards, the term ‘Utility Scale Solar PV’ refers to a solar working environment at the industrial scale, which is distinct from a rooftop installed solar PV work environment, at either domestic or commercial scale.

There is no specific scale at which at solar PV array must be considered utility scale and the standard can also be used to train workforce performing tasks at smaller, net-metered installations, which otherwise would not be associated with utility scale operations.

What is the difference between GWO Solar Technical Training and GWO Basic Technical Training for the wind industry?
Technical training for a solar workplace environment is substantially different from Technical Training for a wind workplace environment

Upon completion of the GWO Solar Technical Training, participants will possess an awareness of the hazards encountered when working on solar specific mechanical, electrical, and installation systems, and how to control and mitigate these hazards, preparing candidates for working in a Utility Scale Solar PV work environment.

Are there any similarities between GWO Solar Technical Training and GWO Basic Technical Training for wind?
To some extent there is a modular topic overlap between GWO Solar Technical Training and GWO Basic Technical Training for wind. There are, however, substantial differences in relation to equipment, context and learning objectives.

How did GWO design a Solar industry standard?
This standard has been developed in response to the demand for recognisable technical training in the solar industry and has been prepared in co-operation between the members of GWO and the Global Solar Council (GSC) based on risk assessments and factual incident and accident statistics.

The Global Solar Council is a non-profit trade body uniting the voice of the solar industry, representing every part of the solar PV value chain across the world. The Global Solar Council work directly with industry associations, private sector, governments, international institutions and NGOs to advocate, educate, and strengthen the solar industry.