Solar PV Fundamentals – Course Details
Enter the solar industry with confidence. Learn how modern PV systems are designed, protected and optimised in South Africa’s real-world conditions — backed by 820+ MWp of project experience.
How this course fits into your journey
Solar PV Fundamentals is Level 1 of the GMC Learning Pathway. You’ll learn the core concepts, components and protection principles that every solar professional and entrepreneur must understand before touching more advanced design and installation work.
When you’re ready to enrol, you enrol via the GMC Learning Portal. There you’ll register for a student number, complete the modules, and later request your certificate.
Step 1: Go to the GMC Learning Portal. Step 2: Register and get your student number. Step 3: Enrol in Solar PV Fundamentals.
Open GMC Learning Portal →What you’ll master in 9+ modules
The course is presented in short, focused lessons with examples from South African projects. Below is a high-level view of the modules.
The Sun – The Magical Source
- Why the sun is our ultimate energy source
- South Africa’s solar advantage
- Solar irradiance basics you’ll use later
The Photovoltaic Effect & the P-N Junction
- How photons create current in a solar cell
- Semiconductors & the depletion region
- From light to DC electricity in plain English
From Solar Cells to Solar Panels
- What’s inside a module & why it matters
- Bypass diodes, shading and hot-spot risks
- Mono vs poly vs thin-film vs bifacial
Basic Electricity – Ohm’s Law & Power
- Voltage, current, resistance (V = I×R)
- Power & energy (P = V×I, kWh)
- Why these formulas sit under all PV design
Series & Parallel – But Why?
- Strings vs arrays – voltage & current behaviour
- Matching inverter limits safely
- How shading can limit a whole string
Inclination, Azimuth & Orientation
- Best-practice tilt for South African conditions
- Why north-facing matters in the southern hemisphere
- Real-world yield drivers & roof constraints
We Build a Solar Generator
- Power & energy sizing for a simple load
- Panel count, configuration & verification
- Sketching your first working layout
The Rise of Solar PV in South Africa
- Utility-scale inspiration (SA & global)
- Career & business paths in solar
- Why the SA market is booming
Assessment, Feedback & Next Steps
- Knowledge check + mini design exercise
- Pathway to Intermediate & Advanced
- Optional opt-in to the GMC industry database
Earthing & Bonding Overview (Coming soon)
- Safety fundamentals aligned with SANS 10142-1
- Earthing, bonding & surge protection basics
- Unlocks as a bonus lesson after launch
Not ready yet? Start with our free eBook
Power Out — How Loadshedding gave rise to a billion-rand private-sector Solar PV industry and the opportunities ahead for you.
Read the eBook first, then come back to the GMC Learning Portal when you’re ready to enrol.
Download the free eBook (PDF) →