SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Install and maintain solar water heating systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244499  Install and maintain solar water heating systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Building Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will enable plumbers and related role-players to improve professionalism and enhance the quality and effectiveness of services by being able to install and maintain solar water heating systems.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Understand solar energy as a source of heat.
  • Prepare and plan for the installation of solar water heating systems.
  • Install solar water heating components, pipes and fittings.
  • Maintain solar water heating components, pipes and fittings.

    This unit standard will contribute to the development of the learner within the context of the plumbing discipline. Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities for further development and employability within the plumbing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The installation, repair and maintenance of hot and cold water systems are according to the following qualitative specifications:
    > SABS 0254: 2000 The Installation, maintenance and repair of fixed electric storage water heating systems.
    > SABS 0252: 1994 Water supply and drainage for Buildings.
    > Part 1: Water Supply installations for Buildings.
  • Pipes include but are not limited to: galvanised mild steel (GMS), copper, Cross linked polyethylene (PE-X), polybutylene, chlorinated PVC (CPVC).
  • Solar heating components include but are not limited to: Solar collectors, heat exchangers, water storage cylinders, and associated reticulation
  • Installation includes but is not limited to: Split system installation, forced circulation installation.
  • Solar Heating types include but are not limited to: Integral solar water heaters, separate collector storage solar water heaters, (or thermosyphons), close-coupled solar water heaters, and solar water heaters for swimming pools
  • Hot and cold water supply systems include but are not limited to: Direct, indirect and balanced systems for domestic supply.
  • Joining of pipes includes but is not limited to: The cutting and threading of galvanised pipes, the joining of similar pipes, and the joining of dissimilar pipe types.
  • Water quality includes but is not limited to: Consideration of total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium carbonate and chloride contents, including corrosion factors.
  • Fittings include but are not limited to: Cocks, valves, taps, full way valves, house water stations, thermostatic valves, control valves, pressure reducing valves, mixers, expansion relief valves, vacuum breakers etc.
  • Types of hot water cylinders include but are not limited to: Combination hot water cylinders push through type, and high pressure hot water cylinders
  • Installation of hot water cylinders includes but is not limited to: The drip tray, valves, overflow, thermostats, etc.
  • Roof types include but are not limited to: Tiled roofs, sheet metal roofs, asbestos roofs, slate roofs, thatched roofs, flush-mount/skylight installation, pitch roofs greater than 30 degrees, and low or flat pitched roofs.
  • Harsh climatic conditions include but are not limited to: Low temperatures (below 5 degrees C) - inclusion of antifreeze, snow, frost and hail conditions, temperatures below -7 degrees C (special designs required).
  • Electrical connections are made according to SABS 0142 - Code for the wiring of premises.
  • Solar Water Heating components are manufactured according to the requirements of SANS 1307: 2003.
  • Existing services and built-in items that are to be identified and protected include but are not limited to: Other plumbing pipes and fittings, fire protection systems, electrical cables, ducts and units, air-conditioning installations, communication ducts or cables, fixtures and fittings. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand solar energy as a source of heat. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Solar energy and its uses in domestic water heating are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basics of solar water heating and its applications are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Conventional water heating and the differences to solar water heating are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The benefits and risks associated with solar water heating are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The types of solar water heaters are listed and described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare and plan for the installation of solar water heating systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cold and hot water pipe systems used in solar water heating are identified and selected according to purpose required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Solar heating components are identified and selected according to drawings and specification requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Solar heating systems and reticulation are sized according to project requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The location, orientation and positioning of solar heating components are described according to roof structural capabilities, maximisation of energy source, and proximity to water supply. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects of harsh climatic conditions are described and adaptations are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The effects of water quality on solar water heaters is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The uses and applications of solar heating components are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install solar water heating components, pipes and fittings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Solar heating components are assembled using pipefittings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Solar heating systems are installed for a variety of roof types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Heat transfer fluids are used to fill solar collectors and cylinder heat exchange jackets according to manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Solar water heating systems are pressure tested according to specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Solar water heating systems are started-up and commissioned according to established procedures, and handed-over. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Electrical connections are made according to specification. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain solar water heating components, pipes and fittings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Solar heating systems faults are identified and their causes explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Solar heating faults are repaired in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and industry codes of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective components are identified and replaced. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Solar heating systems are inspected and tested in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and industry codes of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Solar heating systems are maintained in accordance with warranty conditions and industry codes of practice. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.

    The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have 3 years experience in the skills specific area.

    The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with SAQA requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Assessment of a portfolio of evidence.
  • Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names, functions and locations of:
  • Safety equipment and protective clothing requirements to be used when installing and maintaining solar water heating systems.

    Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • The application of basic plumbing principles in the context of solar water heating systems installation and maintenance.
  • The purpose and use of the different types of solar heating components.
  • The purpose and use of the different types of hot water cylinders.

    Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
  • Solar energy and its uses in domestic water heating.

    Cause and effect, implications of:
  • The health implications of working on water supply mains.
  • The implications of harsh climatic conditions and necessary adaptations.
  • The effects of water quality on solar water heaters.

    Categories of things, processes, concepts.
  • Installation of pipes includes bracketing and support of pipes within specified tolerances.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • The location, orientation of solar heating components.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
  • National Building Regulations.
  • Code of Practice for the application of the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400).
  • SANS Codes of Practice : 10252 Part 1, and 10254.
  • Industry standards indicated in the Skills Register for the designated trade of Plumbing.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.

    Theory - rules, laws, principles:
  • The different regulations and purpose pertaining to the preservation of water quality, prevention of backflow, and the disinfecting of domestic installations, including the implications of potable water contamination.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Tools, equipment and materials used in the installation and maintenance of solar water heating systems and manufacturers specifications for maintenance of tools and equipment and storage of materials. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Recognising, problems relating to fault finding and repairs to solar water heating systems.
  • Obtaining information from the client in instances where instructions or information on drawings is insufficient.
  • Identifying and pro-actively correcting issued of non-availability of resources and materials i.e labour, plant and materials.
  • Non-conformances detected in previous installations are reported to the client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Working in unison with client, co-workers and other trades on site.
  • Communicating and receiving advice from client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Setting out the work area and preparing to carry out installation and maintenance of solar water heating systems.
  • Access equipment is acquired and prepared at the worksite.
  • Performing activities in accordance with industry standards.
  • Selecting plumbing tools and equipment in accordance with the requirements of the task.
  • Ensuring tools, equipment and plumbing materials are securely stored.
  • Maintaining minimum quantities of plumbing materials in accordance with task requirements.
  • Safety equipment and clothing is selected and prepared in accordance with legislative requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Carrying out written and/or verbal site instructions issued by the client, correctly and efficiently.
  • Correctly interpreting information contained in drawings.
  • Setting out work areas from provided control positions and levels in accordance with instructions and drawings.
  • Complying with the instructions issued by the Client, and suppliers. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Issuing clear verbal instructions to team members.
  • Actively listening to feedback received from team members.
  • Evaluating and reporting problem situations to the client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • By applying the appropriate tools and materials for the installation and maintenance of solar water heating systems.
  • Understanding and applying the principles of solar water heating systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • The inter-relatedness of solar water heating systems to other energy sources and hot and cold water systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • At this level some errors are to be expected. Assessors must use professional judgement in evaluating competence.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the range as expressed under the title. Specific range statements under individual outcomes or assessment criteria are illustrations, from which learning programme developers can select. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles: assessment should be appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated into work or learning, valid, and consistent. Evidence should be authentic, sufficient, and current.
  • Assessment of this standard can be carried out through continuous assessment throughout the course of study and specific performances assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58782   Further Education and Training Certificate: Plumbing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Africa International Training Facilities T/A AITF (BREDELL) (TP) 
    2. Artisan Development Academy 
    3. BELCOMEC TRAINING 
    4. BOLAND COLLEGE (Paarl) 
    5. Capricorn FET College - Central Office 
    6. CENTRE FOR CAREER GUIDANCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CC 
    7. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    8. Eastcape Training Centre 
    9. Edu House South Africa 
    10. EDUCATORY ELECTRO SERVICES 
    11. Edzani Community Development and Consultancy 
    12. Elangeni College for FET - Central Office 
    13. Gert Sibande TVET College 
    14. In Touch Community Development & Project Managers 
    15. Leps Training Consultants 
    16. Madzahisi College 
    17. Mahumani Empowerment Servives Centre 
    18. Mavco Engineering 
    19. Moraba Training and Civil Construction (Pty) Ltd 
    20. MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST 
    21. Mthoms Trading 
    22. MTL Training and Projects 
    23. Nokuthula Dube & Associates 
    24. Primeserv Corporate Solutions 
    25. Protech Training (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Ratidzo Trading PTY Ltd 
    27. Sakhisizwe Development Training 
    28. St Anthonys Education Centre 
    29. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    30. Tovani Traiding 299 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.