On June 19–20, 2025, our partners at the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) and the Vanuatu Department of Energy convened a focused Train-the-Trainer workshop to build local capacity in off-grid solar diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair, with technical guidance from lead technicians at two of Vanuatu’s top off-grid solar distributors, Computer World and PCS. Hosted as VIT’s Port Vila campus, a cohort of 15 participants—led by six future facilitators—immersed themselves in hands-on skill-building ahead of the Fixim Sola project’s 23rd June launch.
Partners and Participants
- Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT): Hosted the workshop at their Port Vila campus and encouraged trainers in their electrical engineering program to attend to build capacity in off-grid solar maintenance and repair
- Department of Energy, Vanuatu: Provided policy context on rural electrification and the Fixim Sola Project’s core aims.
- Solar Distributors: Two leading off-grid suppliers shared product-specific fault codes, warranty-friendly repair methods, and best-practice safety protocols.
- Trainee Cohort (15): 13 VIT trainers and two Department of Energy officers, including the 6 facilitators who will facilitate the June 23–July 5 Fixim Sola program on Tanna Island.
Workshop Highlights
- Diagnostic Deep Dive
• Hands-on guidance and practice with tools and parts, e.g. multimeters and soldering irons.
• Interpreting common fault codes with Tier 1 -2 off-grid solar products - Troubleshooting & Repair
• Live demonstrations of bypass diode replacements and connector crimping.
• Step-by-step walkthroughs of in-field maintenance. - Inclusive Facilitation Techniques
• Adapting demonstrations for trainees with limited literacy or mobility.
• Co-designing visual aids to support diverse learning needs.
“It helped us understand common issues across different types of solar systems, whether small-scale or modular and gave us the chance to handle tools we were not familiar with. Overall, it served as a valuable refresher for us as trainers, and we truly appreciated the opportunity and everything we learned.”
Laylyn Toa – Program Manager – Fixim Sola
Next Steps
Curriculum Refinement: Trainers will integrate these diagnostics modules into the 10-day vocational training program for community-based participants across all islands in Tafea Province.
Resource Development: Creation of open-source repair guides for Pacific-wide use.
Stay tuned as these newly empowered trainers take their skills to Tanna Island to kick off our first vocational training cohort on June 23!