Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Developers’ Association (TNSEDA), organised an orientation programme on “Solar Technician: Master Training” for students of Montfort Private Technical Institute on 27 March 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at St. Thomas Mount, Guindy. A total of 43 students participated, representing the Electrician and Electronics Mechanic departments. The session aimed to introduce students to solar technician skill training, identify interested candidates, and facilitate their selection for advanced residential training with the support of TNSEDA.
This initiative by CAG aims to train solar technicians and enhance the skills of electricians to meet the rising demand for rooftop solar installations in the State. CAG has been creating awareness among consumers about solar technology to encourage its uptake, while also engaging with stakeholders to understand the key challenges and barriers affecting its growth. One of the major challenges identified by developers is the shortage of skilled manpower, along with limited training centres and the lack of formal inclusion of solar technology in existing electricians’ curricula.
CAG has therefore initiated this skill training programme to bridge the gap between demand and workforce availability. With the renewable energy sector growing rapidly, this initiative aims to provide participants with practical exposure, enhance their employability, and create opportunities for entrepreneurship. In the long run, it is expected to support and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the state.
Bro. Deepan.F, Principal, Montfort Private Technical Institute delivering the inaugural address.
The session commenced with an inaugural address by the Principal, Bro. F. Deepan, who welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of skill-based training and the growing relevance of renewable energy for students. K.Vishnu Mohan Rao, Programme Lead at CAG delivered the welcome address. He briefly introduced the organisation and its work in the social sector, with a focus on electricity governance, and highlighted its outreach initiatives on rooftop solar PV systems, their impact, and the need for skill development to support the expanding solar ecosystem.
K.Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAG, explaining the activities organised by CAG on rooftop solar
Industrial experts and office bearers of TNSEDA, Mr. L Venkatesh - Secretary, Mr. Gokulraj Narayanan - Vice President, and Mr. P. Jude - Joint Secretary, facilitated the technical sessions. Mr. L. Venkatesh introduced the fundamentals of solar PV technology, including the photovoltaic effect, types of solar cells, and key components such as modules, inverters, batteries, and mounting structures. He also explained different system configurations: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid, and connected these concepts to real-world applications. Further, he highlighted the rapid growth of the solar sector in India, outlining business potential and career opportunities for trained technicians in installation, operations and maintenance, and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Gokulraj Narayanan and Mr. P. Jude focused on practical implementation, standards, and safety aspects of rooftop solar systems. They guided students through the installation workflow from site assessment and system sizing to commissioning and testing while emphasising safety practices such as the use of personal protective equipment and safe handling of high-voltage DC systems. They also covered basic operation and maintenance practices, enabling students to understand both technical concepts and field-level requirements.
Mr. P Jude and Mr. Gokulraj Narayanan, TNSEDA delivering the technical presentations.
This was followed by an interactive session to assess students' understanding and gather their feedback. Students raised questions on implementation challenges, system performance during low-sunlight periods, energy storage, government policies, consumer benefits, and safety mechanisms. The experts addressed all queries in detail, making the session engaging and informative.
Students engaging with their queries with experts during the interactive session.
Subsequently, students were taken for a site visit to a 10 kW rooftop solar PV system installed on the college premises. The experts provided hands-on demonstrations using the live system, allowing students to observe real-time operations and better understand practical aspects of installation and functioning. The experiential learning component was well received by the students.
Experts with the real time demonstration of rooftop solar PV systems.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal, Bro. F. Deepan, who appreciated CAG for organising the session and felicitated the industry experts with a shawl and a token of appreciation. He also expressed interest in continued collaboration with CAG through regular activities or a student club focused on energy efficiency and skill development. Certificates were distributed to all participants by CAG and TNSEDA.
The Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Developers Association reiterated its strong support for the initiative, noting that the introduction of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has significantly increased consumer interest in rooftop solar installations in recent years. It emphasised that structured skill training for students and upskilling of electricians are essential to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower, enhance industry capacity, and strengthen the solar ecosystem in the state. TNSEDA also assured support in facilitating employment opportunities, and as an immediate outcome, a solar developer from the association expressed interest in recruiting students and was connected with the institute management for potential placements.
Students who attended the Solar Technician Training