Course Overview 

The Level 7 Certificate in Renewable Energy Systems (40 ETCS) is a part-time, blended learning programme designed to upskill technicians and engineers in the specialist areas of Renewable Energy and HV / MV Electrical Systems. The programme aims to equip the learner with the skills and knowledge required to plan and design renewable energy projects that require connection to the national Electrical Grid in Ireland. 

Closing date for applications: 20th of February 2025 

Course start date: 28th of February 2025 (Please see full schedule below) 
 
Applications are made for this programme to SETU through this application form. Payment is made to Green Tech Skillnet after you have successfully registered for programme through a payment link. 

Eligibility: A minimum of a level 6 qualification in Electrical Trades, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering or a cognisant discipline. Cognisant disciplines may include, but are not limited to: Electronic Engineering, Building Services, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics or Environmental Science. 

Applicants must meet the English language entry requirements. 
Candidates who do not currently meet the academic entry requirements for the course may consider applying using the Recognition of Prior Learning process. 

Technical fields which may be considered under the RPL process include, but are not limited to: HVAC Technician, Facilities Managers, Energy Assessors, Solar/Wind Farm Technicians, BEMS Technicians, General Maintenance Technicians, Facilities Maintenance Technicians, Quantity Surveyors, Electrical Estimators. 

Delivery: One Friday per week up to May 2026, commencing Friday 28th February 2025, in SETU Waterford. 

Cost: €1,250 for a €4,000 course (70% GreenTech Skillnet subsidy). The number of subsidised places is limited. 

The programme 40 credits are technical and safety modules. The programme is delivered onsite one day per week, with some online learning each week to support the modules. 

The program consists of three distinct strands: 

• HV modules in Switchgear, Substations and Grid connections 

• HV Safety – Risk assessments and switching plans 

• Renewable Energy – Solar Photovoltaics and Wind feasibility studies 

Course Content 

HV Infrastructure: 

• Describe the operation of typical high voltage (HV) installations and equipment and understand the theory underlying the functionality of high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) switchgear. 

• Identify a suitable location for HV and MV electrical installations and visualise the substation layout considering existing and new grid infrastructure routes and connections. and develop designs and plans for typical HV and MV electrical installations and substations while recognising the need for various technical studies. 

• Outline and develop designs and plans for typical HV and MV electrical installations and substations while recognising the need for various technical studies. 

HV Safety: 

• Identify the hazards that can arise during work in a HV/MV Electrical installation site and describe the precautions to be observed and recognise at all times whether it is safe to work. 

• Emphasise the importance of Health & Safety and seriousness of working in a High Voltage environment by using specialist High Voltage Electrical safety modules that will adopt key regulations and utilise case studies to highlight best practice in industry. 

Renewable Energies Overview: 

• Understand the impact of global, EU and Irish energy policy and legislation on energy economics and markets. 

• Understand available renewable energy resources, the principles of operation of renewable energy generation technologies and their financial feasibility 

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills to prepare documentation for project and tenders in the renewable energy sector. 

Other course detail 

Course Schedule 2025 – 2026 

Lectures take place on Fridays from 9:15 am – 4:15 pm – a detailed timetable is issued once student numbers are finalised. 

• Project Based Learning 

Learners will be encouraged to apply knowledge gained on the programme to real-life situations. Assignments and presentations from the programme will be based on the work environment. 

• Site Visits and Industry Guest Lecturers and Demonstrations 

As part of similar programmes, SETU has arranged for industry experts to deliver guest lectures and onsite demonstrations to the learners throughout the programme. This will bring regional knowledge, a wider industrial understanding, and relevance to the programme. 

• Self-Directed Learning 

Self-directed learning requires the learner to take responsibility for their learning process, including acquiring the material and monitoring their progress. This will be facilitated with initial guidance from the lecturers through support and resources. 

• Assessment Strategy 

The strategy aims to capture many angles of knowledge and skills assessment. Modules have been designed to enable the students to achieve the programme learning outcomes through a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-term exams. 

About the trainer 

South East Technological University was established on 1st May 2022 under the Technological University Act 2018, following the merger of Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology and thereby bringing together two engineering faculties both with over 50 years of experience in working with industry of specialist engineering programmes. SETU’s Faculty of Engineering has significant expertise in electrical engineering. It codeveloped the Certificate in High Voltage Electrical Systems in 2022 and has a number of lecturers with significant industry experience in electrical engineering.