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Hello ,
Solar design and installation training in Petauke
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For the last few years Zambia is having problems with electricity. The Kariba Dam that supplies a big part of the electricity is suffering from water shortage. That is why the power supply is regulated in a way that electricity is cut off nation wide for several hours each day.
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As you can imagine this leads to enormous problems for everybody in the country. That is why many people, who can afford it, convert to solar power. As Jacana we realize that it is not that easy to design and install safe, well balanced solar systems. People can buy most materials in the local shops, but the right advice of what equipment is really needed is not available. Shops sell what they have, not necessary what best fits customer requirements.
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Jacana started with the support from Stichting Jobena from the Netherlands a training and guidance of solar design, installation and maintenance in Petauke District, managed by Mercy Zulu. In April 2025 Jacana passed an advert to all electricians (in and around Petauke) of different backgrounds inviting them to take part in sponsored training for solar system design, installation and maintenance.
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In June, oral interviews and practical tests were held at Jacana office in Petauke and out of sixteen applicants; nine electricians were selected, one female and eight males.
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As always Jacana started with business training, where the participants worked on a plan for their own future solar design & installation business. They also made cost price calculations and cash flow estimation and not to forget how to market the product to their future customers.
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Theory
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After the business training, in August, technical theory classes for solar system design where held with the aim of imparting knowledge in PV (PhotoVoltaic) system design, system programming and drawing quotations.
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Hastings Mbewe, who was trained and guided by Jacana a few years ago, was the trainer for the group. He has now his own successful solar design and implementation business. Hastings was a great aspirator for the group.
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Next to theory a lot of practical exercises were done.
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1. An outdoor class on the types of solar panels, how they function.
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2. Students practicing theoretical knowledge on how to connect two solar panels to either maximize current or voltage after a theory class.
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3. PV system programming explanation was done on existing installed solar system
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4. Students in groups installed their own designed systems on plywood boards.
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5. Practical classes on solar panel roof installation and maintenance.
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Eight electricians successfully completed the two weeks solar system designing, installing and PV system maintenance training.
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The next step is that they design and install a simple solar system for their homes. This helps to create experience, allows beginner mistakes to be made at the own home and not at the customer’s home and the final system will also be used during marketing events.
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After this the participants will go and find their first customers and under guidance of Jacana they start designing and installing partly sponsored solar systems.
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The short course was aimed to teach certified electricians on how to design, program, draw quotations, how to maintain the systems and enhance their electrical entrepreneurial skills. This will provide reliable electricity in homes, offices and any place that requires electricity to power appliances in different communities.
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Get your own manual
Jacana also learned and fine tuned its manual and calculation tools, download it with the button below.
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