Basic Solar Energy Installation and Maintenance Skills Required by Students in Technical Colleges for Sustainable Employment and Job Security in Enugu State

Abstract

The study was set to determine the basic solar energy installation and maintenance skills required by students in technical colleges for sustainable employment and job security in Enugu State. The study was essential due to the urgent need for clean and renewable energy and the need for stable power supply and sustainability of job security among graduates. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A survey research design was adopted while the population was 126 respondents (39 Trade Teachers and 87 solar Technologists) sampled purposively from 11 technical colleges used for the study. Instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire which was made up of two sections according to the research questions that guided the study. The questionnaire has a total of 27 item statements designed in 4 points response categories of very highly required, highly required, slightly required, and not required with numerical values of 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Mean was used to answer the two research questions while t-test was used to test the three null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that Skills in wiring solar panels, inverters, and batteries, ability to Implement safety measures while working with electrical systems, Knowledge of local building and electrical codes related to solar installations and securing cables to ensure efficiency and safety among others are the basic installation skills required by students.  Also, it was found that t Proficient in using the right tools and equipment specific to solar installation, Skills in replacing faulty components (e.g., panels, batteries) and Ability to analyse potential risks during maintenance tasks among others are the maintenance skills required among others Recommendation were made which include to update the existing curriculum to include comprehensive modules on solar energy technology, installation, maintenance, and policy.