Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop specialist knowledge of stand-alone power systems (SAPS), which provide electricity independently of the traditional electricity grid.

• Understand how off-grid systems can support remote monitoring stations, off-grid homes, workshops, industrial sites and remote communities.

• Build on prior knowledge of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage systems.

• Learn the operating theory and safety considerations involved in designing reliable off-grid power systems.

• Gain knowledge relevant to assessing energy needs, choosing suitable system components and managing customer expectations.

• Study through a flexible online component followed by three days of practical campus-based learning.

• The design-only course is endorsed by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ), according to WITT.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

WITT's programme page describes the course as building on knowledge from grid-connected PV systems and grid-connected battery systems. Its published structure is:

• Online pre-course learning – approximately 100 hours, self-directed with tutor support.

• Three-day campus course – approximately 24 hours at WITT, New Plymouth.

• Post-course assignment – approximately 16 hours.

The course focuses on understanding stand-alone power systems for applications where a reliable electricity supply is needed without a conventional grid connection.

The programme page does not provide a detailed module-by-module syllabus or a complete list of assessed subjects. The following broad areas are consistent with the stated purpose of the course:

• Stand-alone power system operating theory.

• Electrical and system safety requirements.

• Design considerations for off-grid electricity systems.

• Understanding the relationship between energy requirements and system design.

• Selecting appropriate system components.

• Understanding applications such as remote monitoring, off-grid homes and remote community electrification.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course is relevant to the following areas:

• Renewable energy systems.

• Solar photovoltaic technology.

• Stand-alone and off-grid power systems.

• Electrical engineering and electrical technology.

• Battery storage and energy management.

• Off-grid power system design.

• Technical solar and renewable-energy services.

Programme Highlights

• Specialist short-course training in stand-alone and off-grid power systems.

• Designed for people with an existing electrical or related technical background.

• Flexible online learning with tutor support.

• Three days of face-to-face training at WITT's New Plymouth campus.

• A post-course assignment is included in the published learning structure.

• SEANZ endorsement is stated by WITT for its design-only courses.

• Successful participants receive a WITT certificate of completion.

• Completion of Grid-connected PV Systems: Design Only is compulsory before entry.

• Grid-connected Battery Systems: Design Only is strongly recommended as prior learning.

 

Career Outcomes

This course may strengthen the technical knowledge of people already working in electrical engineering, renewable energy or related technical fields.

Potential areas of professional application include:

• Stand-alone and off-grid solar system design support.

• Renewable-energy project planning.

• Technical support for off-grid power installations.

• Energy-system specification and component selection.

• Technical solar sales and customer advice.

• Support for projects serving remote homes, businesses and communities.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current WITT programme page lists 2 November 2026 as the intake date.

• The course is delivered at New Plymouth.

• Minimum enrolment numbers apply before the course is confirmed.

• Applicants must complete the prerequisite Grid-connected PV Systems: Design Only course.

• Grid-connected Battery Systems: Design Only is highly recommended before enrolment.

• Live testing is restricted to a licensed electrician; other participants interpret the test results.

• WITT issues a certificate of completion, not an NZQA qualification.

• WITT requires a verified copy of a New Zealand passport, New Zealand birth certificate or New Zealand residence visa.

• Withdrawal must be notified in writing.

• Withdrawals made more than 15 working days after online login details are received incur the full course fee, including the textbook fee.

• A transfer to another practical-course date may incur an additional NZD $300 charge. This can also apply if a participant does not complete the required online modules and WITT has to transfer them.

• Non-attendance on the course date incurs the full course fee. WITT states that these cancellation fees are non-transferable.

 

International Student Visa Requirements

This is a short course with a three-day campus component and additional online study. For an Indian applicant, the key issue is the visa required to enter New Zealand for the campus training.

• Immigration New Zealand permits eligible visitors to study one or more short courses for a total of up to three months in a 12-month period.

• A visitor visa can allow study for up to three months, subject to its conditions.

• Indian passport holders generally need to obtain a New Zealand Visitor Visa before travelling; India is not a visa-waiver country.

• A visitor visa does not permit employment in New Zealand.

• If a person intends to study for more than three months, they generally need an appropriate student visa.

Important course-specific clarification:

• WITT states that this Design Only course is not NZQA-registered.

• Immigration New Zealand's general visitor-study guidance allows short courses of up to three months, but the applicant should confirm that their specific enrolment and course arrangement meet the immigration rules.

• Before applying for a visa, obtain written confirmation from WITT/NZIHT about the course's status for international short-course enrolment and whether it can issue the documentation needed for a visitor visa application.

• Do not assume that this course qualifies for a Fee Paying Student Visa or post-study work rights.

General visitor visa considerations:

• Applicants must satisfy Immigration New Zealand that they are genuine visitors and intend to leave New Zealand before their visa expires.

• They may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds or an acceptable sponsor, accommodation arrangements, travel plans and onward travel.

• They must meet health and character requirements.

• Visitor visa holders cannot work in New Zealand.

• The exact visa fee and conditions depend on the application and should be checked using the official visa application process.

For Indian applicants:

- Immigration New Zealand strongly recommends applying at least three months before intended travel, particularly for applicants from India, because applications from the region can take longer to process.