Certification Training Course

SESSION - 1
1. Introduction
2. Solar Fundamentals
3. PV Technologies
4. PV Modules
5. Inverters
6. Benefits of the PV
Certification Training Course

SESSION - 1: Introduction
a. DEWA Solar PV Initiative Overview
b. Four Key Stages
c. Solar PV Certification Scheme
d. Skills and Expertise
Solar PV Initiative – Background Information

• The Solar PV initiative is one of the three Smart Dubai Initiatives to be

implemented by DEWA.

• DEWA encourage households and businesses to install PV solar panels

connected to grid

• Net metering

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Benefits of Solar PV Technology for Consumers

• Reduce electricity bills - requires an initial investment – move to lower

price band ;
• Increases the value of propriety
• Reduce carbon footprints
• Supports Dubai’s economy and ensure its sustainable future - Solar
power is locally produced at the point of consumption

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How do you benefit from this?

• DEWA Solar PV initiative has created a niche market for

Solar PV Experts.
• Electrical technicians, engineers and companies
interested in providing Solar PV services to DEWA
customers can benefit from this market niche.
• Being a pioneer will provide you with early certification
allowing you to position yourself on the market, ahead of
the competition.
• Certification will not only expand you skills and expertise
but will also set you apart from the competition.
• Installation of Solar PV technology is expected to grow
rapidly over the coming years, in Dubai & the region and
the rest of the world.
• In the next steps, your Certification will be recognized
internationally and this may improve your job mobility.

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 Standards & Guidelines
DEWA has developed two KEY DOCUMENTS that govern all technical aspects related to
the installation and operation of Solar Plants in Dubai. These documents not only provide all
concerned parties with the necessary guidelines but also define all legal aspects, such as
the obligations and the responsibilities of all parties involved: DEWA, Client, Contractor/
Consultant etc.

 Standards for Distributed Renewable Resources Generators

Connected to the Distribution Network
This document defines a common set of requirements for
Renewable Resource Generating Plants connected to DEWA
Distribution Network and establishes a common framework for
grid connection agreements between DEWA and the (RRGP)
Producers.

 Connection Guidelines for Renewable Resources Generators

connected to Medium and Low Voltage Distribution Network
These Guidelines provide information meant for Dubai Residents,
Consultants and Contractors on the essential aspects, which
have to be taken into consideration in order to connect a Solar
PV Plant to the Distribution Network. The Guidelines apply to the
planning, execution, operation and modification of Solar Plants.

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Certification Training Course

SESSION - 1: Introduction
a. DEWA Solar PV Initiative Overview
b. Four Key Stages
c. Solar PV Certification Scheme
d. Skills and Expertise
 NOC Design Approval Inspection Performance Test
Connection Process OVERVIEW

NOC Design Approval Inspection Performance Tests

Stage Stage Stage Stage

Application Application Notification Notification

Applicant / Customer

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 NOC (No objection Certificate)
• The Application Form for PV Connection NOC is available on the DEWA website for
registered solar consultants/ contractors.

Information that is to accompany the Application:

 Information of the existing electricity connection: contract no., ID of meters at the site
 Existing Total Connected Load at the Point of connection, Electricity demand details (current
consumption)
 Project details of Proposed DC (KWp) and AC capacity (Pmc in KW)
 Electricity production details (desired solar generation)
 Short Circuit contribution estimated from the Solar Plant
 Existing Solar plant details if already existing at the site
 Site Setting out plan with (PV module layout), showing meter location, PoC etc
 Copy of Dubai Municipality approved site affection plan*
 Single line diagram (SLD) showing all technical details of the generator etc.*
 Foreseen date of completion/ connection

* If getting site affection plan would take time, alternately customer authorization form can be
submitted which can be considered during NOC stage

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 Getting Solar Application
(Design Approval)
• The Application link will be activated to enable submission of Getting Solar Design
Approval for PV Connection on the DEWA website for projects for which NOC is
obtained by the registered solar consultants/ contractors.
Information that is to accompany the Application:
 Information that was part of NOC approved will be directly linked and hence consultant/contractor
need not submit the same information again
 Solar Module, Solar Inverter and Interface protection unit details to be furnished. If more than one type
is used in the project, additional information should be furnished as part of design assessment input
excel sheet attached.
 Design assessment input form in excel format (.XLSX format only) *
 Total connected load max.demand/MDB/SMDB etc... schedule incorporating existing load/KWh
meters,proposed solar generation meter etc... (PDF format only) *
 Single line diagram of proposed grid tie solar PV system indicating KWh meters,inverters, interface
protection system,low voltage distribution system etc... (PDF format only) *
 Site setting lay-out indicating the location of proposed solar panels,associated equipment,KWh
metering etc... (PDF format only) *
 Installation details of proposed solar generation meter, PV panels ,inverters, MDBs/SMDBs etc... (PDF
format only) *
More in the next sheet…..
* Mandatory submission

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 Getting Solar Application
(Design Approval)
Information that is to accompany the Application: (continued…)
 Technical specifications of solar panels,grid tie inverters, interface protection and associated
equipment. (PDF format only) *
 Production details( KWp and KWh annum.) (PDF format only) *
 Wiring lay-out and Sizing of PV system elements(string design,inverters,solar cables,breakers,etc...)
(PDF format only) *
 Dimensional details of existing/Proposed LV room/Electrical switch room and arrangement of
existing/Proposed MDBs/SMDBs, solar generation meters etc.... as applicable (PDF format only)
 Dubai Municipality /Tarkhees / any other authority's Permit for solar installation (PDF format only)
 Structural drawings (accompanied by a declaration signed by the civil designer on the compliance of
the structures to the in force laws and rules. (PDF format only)
 Explicit acceptance and agreement to the terms and Conditions of the Connection Agreement (PDF
format only)
 Operation and Maintenance criteria and main planned actions
 Other drawings/technical specification if any

* Mandatory submission
Documents that are not mentioned as mandatory has the option to submit later stage during submission
for inspection request

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12
 Inspection and Performance Test

DEWA DRRG Inspection & Testing Guidelines :

https://www.dewa.gov.ae/~/media/Files/Consultants%20and%20Contractors
/2-4-
1%20Shams%20Dubai/DEWAInspectionandTestingGuidelineVersion10Aug
ust2015.ashx

Checklist for Inspection & Testing without Interconnection

https://www.dewa.gov.ae/~/media/Checklist_Testing_and_Inspection_with
out_interconnection_2.ashx

Checklist for Inspection & Testing with Interconnection

https://www.dewa.gov.ae/~/media/Files/Consultants%20and%20Contractors
/2-4-
1%20Shams%20Dubai/Checklist_Testing_and_Inspection_with_interconn
ection-Version_1_0_August_2015.ashx

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Overview - Performance Test & Post-Connection Inspection
In this final stage, following the installation of meters by DEWA, the Applicant notifies their
Performance Test.

APPLICANT
DEWA • Carry on the Performance tests
• Verify meters • Provide DEWA with a regular
• Supervise (if required) the Maintenance and Service Contract
performance tests as • (Consultant)
carried out by the Applicant • Operation and Maintenance Manual
& Statement from Producer

POST-CONNECTION INSPECTION positive result DEWA perform the

Activation of Connection.

 Connection Agreement between Applicant (Producer) and DEWA – setting out the Net
Metering Agreement and the responsibilities of both parties.

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Certification Training Course

SESSION - 1: Introduction
a. DEWA Solar PV Initiative Overview
b. Four Key Stages
c. Solar PV Certification Scheme
d. Skills and Expertise
 Certification Process for Individuals
PV EXPERT PV EXPERT
(JUNIOR) (SENIOR)

Background Experience
• Education Training
TESTS
• Work Experience Course

Additional
Experience

2 years and at least 3 PV plants in:

Designing or Building or Verification

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Certification for Companies
To become certified, each Consultant / Contractor should have in his
sponsorship a minimum number of Certified Solar PV Experts (Junior &
Senior):

Minimum requirements
Subject
LV plants ≤20 kW All LV plants MV plants

1 (Senior) + 1
Consultant 1 (Junior) 1 (Senior)
(Junior)

1 (Senior) + 1 1 (Senior) + 2
Contractor 1 (Junior)
(Junior) (Junior)

•Hold a renewable solar energy specific trade license issued by the Department of Economic
Development in Dubai :
• For Consultants: Activity Code 731004 – for Renewable Energy Consultancy
Activity code 742171 – Buildings Electrical Engineering Services
• For Contractors: Activity Code 453023 – for Solar Energy System Contracting
Activity code 453014 – Electrical Fitting Contracting

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TRAINING/ EXAMINATION/ CERTIFICATION

• 3 days
• 8 hrs. each day
• Daily training content handouts
• Daily quiz to evaluate knowledge
• Final Examination – 2 hours, multiple choice questions
• 4 questions on CORE CONTENT – all must be answered correctly, otherwise the
examination will be consider failed.
• The core content question will be marked in the examination.
• Requirements for a PASS: A minimum of ten answers must be right. All 4 core content
questions must be answered correctly.

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Certification Training Course

SESSION - 1: Introduction
a. DEWA Solar PV Initiative Overview
b. Four Key Stages
c. Solar PV Certification Scheme
d. Skills and Expertise
 Professional Skills & Expertise

1. Safety (above all)

• Maintain safe work habits
• Demonstrate safe and proper use of required tools and equipment
• Demonstrate safe practices for personnel protection
• Prove awareness of safety hazards and knowledge how to avoid them
• Understand and apply appropriate codes and standards

2. Site Assessment
• Identify tools and equipment required for conducting site
surveys for PV installations
• Determine suitable location with proper orientation,
sufficient area, adequate solar access
• Determine suitable locations for installing all PV system’s
components
• Illustrate possible layouts and locations for array and
equipment
• Identify and assess any site-specific safety hazards
associated with installation of system
• Obtain and interpret solar radiation and temperature

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 Professional Skills & Expertise

3. Select and size a PV system

• Estimate and/or measure the peak load demand and
average daily energy use for loads
• Determine the design currents and voltages for any
part of a PV system electrical circuit
• Determine the capacity of system conductors, and
select appropriate sizes
• Determine appropriate size, ratings, and locations for
earthing and lightning protection
• Identify array layout, orientation and mounting
method for ease of installation
• Select major PV system’s components
• Estimate annual energy performance of proposed
system

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 Professional Skills & Expertise

4. Installation of the system in the field

• Install PV module array interconnect wiring; implement
measures to disable array during installation
• Label, install, and terminate electrical wiring
• Use appropriate and correctly labeled D.C. junction boxes
and isolation switches
• Verify continuity and measure impedance of earthing
system
• Program, adjust, and/or configure inverters-controls for
desired set points and operating modes
• Utilize drawings, schematics, instructions and
recommended procedures in installing equipment
• Assemble PV modules, panels, and support structures as
specified by design
• Inspect entire installation, identifying and resolving any
deficiencies in materials or workmanship
• Activate system and verify overall system functionality and
performance
• Explain safety issues associated with operation and
maintenance of system

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 Professional Skills & Expertise

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Analyze the manuals of PV installations, determining actions required for the maintenance
• Design a typical periodical maintenance plan and select the appropriate tools
• Analyze the past production report and – potential fault reports
• Identify typical installation mistakes/failures.
• Inspect entire installation, check mounting systems, ventilation, cable runs and
connections
• Check system mechanical installation for structural integrity and weather sealing
• Check electrical installation for proper wiring practice, polarity, earthing etc.
• Compile and maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance

6. Quality management and customer care

• Understand all quality parameters as regards
quality management, efficiency and functional
controls
• Recognize and understand the relevant standards
at national and international level associated to
the system components and processes
• Understand and apply all necessary customer
care activities

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Quality & Standards – a Priority
1. QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS
DEWA Solar PV Certification
• Enrollment Requirements
• Training developed in line with best practices
• Examination

2. WELL DEFINED AND EASY TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS

• Standards for Distributed Renewable Resources Generators Connected to the
Distribution Network
• Connection Guidelines for Renewable Resources Generators connected to Medium and
Low Voltage Distribution Network

3. HIGHEST QUALITY EQUIPMENT

• DEWA & International Experts have carried out rigorous research and testing in order to
define the necessary standards for all essential Solar PV equipment that is to be used in
Dubai.
• DEWA now offers a registration process for Manufacturers of PV Modules, Inverters and
Protection Interface, in order to ensure that the equipment used meets all required
QUALITY and SAFETY standards.
• The list of eligible products for use is provided on DEWA website and this list will be
regularly updated. 24
After Certification….

 DEWA already performs a screening of Consultants and Contractors wishing to ENROLL

with DEWA. The requirements are assessed in order to ensure qualified and skilled
professionals are engaged.

 Enrolled DEWA Consultants and Contractors with Solar PV Certification will be able to
submit their Applications for the Connection of Solar PV Plants through the DEWA e-
services system.

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How Net meter works?

26
Net Metering Example 1: Introduction
Consump- Invoice
Produc-tion
tion

This electricity is produced

and consumed directly at
the premises (self-
consumption)

R
Export
E electricity
Import O
electricity
Y
Y
G G

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Net Metering Example 1: Net Consumer
Applying offset starting from highest slab

Import Export Invoice

Electricity Electricity

R
E
O

Y Y

G G

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Net Metering Example 2: Net Producer – Month 1
Import Export Credit / Invoice
Electricity Electricity Surplus

O
Credit /
Y E Surplus to be
offset against
future
G consumption 0

If the customer is net generator in a month the order of offsetting across the slabs
does not matter

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Net Metering Example 2: Net Producer – Month 2

Import Export Credit / Invoice

Electricity Electricity Surplus

R
E

Y C

G G

• Credits are treated like exports, for resulting

kWh the corresponding slabs are applied.
• Favourable for customer because high-slab
tariffs get shaved off.

Applying offset and credits starting from highest slab

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 Example 3A: Two accounts on same plot, one production plant, overall
net consumer, one billing period
Building 1, Account 1, Meter 1: Building 2, Account 2, Meter 2:
PV plant on roof-top connected to Meter 1 No PV plant on roof-top

Import Export Credit / Invoice Import Export Credit / Invoice

Electricity Electricity Surplus 1 Electricity Electricity Surplus 2

R
R C
O O O
Y E Y Y

G 0 G 0 G

C • Alternative 1: Credit reduces Invoice 2 in the same

month (like in graph)
• Alternative 2: Credit is carried over to next month
and applied only to Meter 1 -> no advantage for
customer to combine two accounts 31
Example 3A: More than two accounts on same plot, one production plant,
one billing period
Building 1, Account 1, Building 2, Account 2, Building 3, Account 3,
Meter 1: PV plant Meter 2: No PV plant, high Meter 3: No PV plant, low
connected to Meter 1 consumption consumption

Import Export Credit Import Credit Invoice Import Credit Invoice

R R C

O O O

Y E Y Y Y
C
G G G G
G
Alt. 1: Account with Alt. 2: Account with
C highest least consumption
consumption first first

Sequence chosen by customer; by account number; credit equally

split over all accounts; credit is applied to sum of all accounts (thus
shaving off the highest slab tariffs); etc. 32