C&G 2922-34 Solar PV study plan

Outline the statutory and regulatory framework that governs small-scale solar PV work, naming the roles of the enforcing authorities and the place of BS 7671, building regulations and industry installation standards

Explain why a PV array cannot be proven dead from the AC isolator, and apply the full safe isolation sequence including DC string isolation, proving dead and lock-off

Identify the principal hazards of domestic PV work - falls from height, fragile roof surfaces, manual handling, asbestos-containing materials, arc flash and live DC working - and select control measures using the hierarchy of risk control

Specify the warning notices, labels and schematic documentation a completed PV installation must carry and state where each is fixed

Describe emergency procedures and first-aid considerations specific to DC arcs, electric shock and roof rescue

Summarise the DNO connection application process and list the technical information a DNO requires before energising a grid-connected PV system

Build a desk-based site survey checklist covering roof covering and condition, orientation, pitch, shading, cable route, earthing arrangement, meter position and consumer unit spare capacity

Calculate usable roof area and maximum module count from given roof dimensions, module dimensions and required maintenance/clearance gaps

Perform string sizing calculations: check cold-condition open-circuit voltage against inverter maximum DC input and the MPPT window, and check short-circuit current against inverter limits

Select an inverter, DC and AC isolators, array and AC protective devices and cable sizes, justifying each choice on current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, derating and environment

Evaluate a described shading scenario and justify a chosen mitigation such as layout adjustment, module-level electronics or string configuration

Explain the structural loading and weatherproofing requirements for on-roof, in-roof and flat-roof mounting systems

Plan safe roof access, edge protection and fall-arrest arrangements, and sequence the work to minimise time spent at height

Describe fixing and weatherproofing methods for on-roof, in-roof and flat-roof systems and state the inspection points that decide whether a fixing is acceptable

Install modules to manufacturer-specified torque and clamping zones and verify string polarity and connector engagement before energising

Plan DC cable routing using appropriately rated or mechanically protected cable, with support spacing, fire considerations and separation from other services

Test completed DC strings before connection - open-circuit voltage, polarity and insulation resistance to earth - and interpret the readings against expected values

Describe array junction/combiner practice and state where DC isolation and switching devices are located and why

Explain inverter siting requirements including ventilation, clearances, ambient temperature and accessibility for maintenance

Detail the earthing and equipotential bonding arrangements for array frames, mounting structure and inverter in line with BS 7671 requirements

Explain consumer unit integration: selection of spare ways, RCD/RCBO type and rating, busbar and enclosure rating, and the load/diversity assessment behind the connection decision

Describe how anti-islanding and grid protection functions are provided and verified on a grid-tied inverter

List the dual-supply warning labels, schematics and handover documents required at completion

Carry out the notification and handover steps required by the DNO, building control and the customer

Sequence a full commissioning test schedule from protective conductor continuity through insulation resistance, earth electrode resistance, RCD operation, string open-circuit and short-circuit measurement, irradiance recording and functional checks

Interpret recorded results against expected values and identify the cause of high-resistance joints, reversed polarity, string mismatch, earth faults and underperformance

Diagnose five fault scenarios from reported symptoms and state the test that confirms each diagnosis

Set out a maintenance and monitoring regime including visual inspection intervals, thermal imaging, connector checks and performance-ratio review

Complete two full timed mock papers covering all five domains under exam conditions

Re-work the two weakest domains identified by mock-paper feedback, answering past-style questions until consistently correct

Recall from memory the key figures and relationships: voltage-drop limits, temperature coefficients, isolation and switching requirements, labelling set and test-sequence order

Review the error log and confirm each corrected misconception can be explained aloud without notes