Course Outline

MODULE 1: HISTORY OF SOLAR

• History of Solar
• Solar History Timeline
• Solar Panel Production

TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

• Solar Electric / Photovoltaic Systems
• Solar Thermal Systems
• Off-Grid Applications
• Grid-Tied Applications

MODULE 2: EVALUATING THE SOLAR RESOURCE

• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Solar Irradiance
• Atmospheric Effects on Solar Radiation
• Latitudinal Effects on Solar Radiation

 LOAD ANALYSIS

• Energy Audit
• Determine Load
• Peak Lead

MODULE 3: SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

• Components
• Mounting Options
• Grid Interconnectivity
• Electronic Basics
• The Next Generation of Cheap Solar Cells

SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS

• Collector Types
• Distribution Types
• Storage Types
• System Sizing
• Maintenance

MODULE 4: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

• Shading Control
• Snow
• Wind
• Cleanliness
• Batteries
• Troubleshooting
• Solar PV Systems: Users’ Maintenance Guide

PV MARKETS & APPLICATIONS

• Key contributions to the development PV
• Common types of PV systems
• Advantages & disadvantages of PV
• Features and benefits of standalone systems
• Features and benefits of utility-interactive systems
• Roles in the PV industry
• Opportunities for grid-tied and standalone PV systems
• Conservation & energy efficiency with PV

MODULE 5: SAFETY BASICS

• Safety hazards of PV systems and components
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for installing PV
• Safe practices and OSHA standards
• Electrical hazards including shock and arc flash

ELECTRICAL BASICS

• Basic electrical parameters
• Power vs. Energy
• Common electrical system components
• Electrical test equipment
• Ohm’s Law
• Electric utility system operations

MODULE 6: SOLAR ENERGY FUNDAMENTALS

• Basic solar terms
• Diagram the sun’s movement across the sky
• Sun path diagrams
• Factors that increase/decrease solar energy collection
• True North vs. Magnetic North
• Shading
• Gauging the solar window using software
• Avoiding inter-row shading
• Tools for measuring solar power and solar energy

MODULE 7: PV MODULE FUNDAMENTALS

• Describe how solar cells transform sunlight into electricity
• Define PV cells, modules, panels, and arrays
• Five key electrical output parameters
• I-V Curve
• Series and parallel module connections
• Why PV modules make excellent battery chargers
• Performance rating & measurement
• Compare manufacturing fabrication processes of solar cells
• Crystalline silicon cells and thin-film modules
• Calculating efficiency per unit area
• PV modules as limited current sources
• Bypass diodes
• Qualification testing to ensure PV module safety & reliability

MODULE 8: SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• Common System Configurations
• Major PV System Components
• Balance of System Components
• PV System Power Processing Equipment

PV SYSTEM SIZING PRINCIPLES

• Standalone vs. utility-interactive PV systems
• Determine peak power demand & energy consumption
• De-rating factors
• PVWATTS
• Maximum & minimum number of modules with inverters

MODULE 9: PV SYSTEM ELECTRICAL DESIGN

• Prepare one-line electrical diagrams
• Identify the c properties of electrical conductors
• Nameplate specifications on PV modules and inverters
• Charge control
• Labelling requirements on PV systems
• PV system grounding
• Apply Ohm’s Law to calculate voltage drop
• Approvals and code compliance for PV systems
• National Electric Code

PV SYSTEM MECHANICAL DESIGN

• Common means of securing PV arrays
• Benefits of different mounting options
• Effects of temperature on PV cells
• Building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications
• Weather sealing
• Roofing structural attachments
• Structural loads (dead, live, wind, snow, seismic)
• Safety, performance, code compliance, and warranties

MODULE 10: EFFICIENCY VS. RENEWABLE ENERGY

• What is “Efficiency”?
• What is “Renewable Energy”?
• Current costs of efficiency
• Current costs of renewable energy

THE BIG PICTURE

• Market Overview
• Impact of the financial crisis
• Impact of ARRA (stimulus) spending
• The predicted growth of solar