(AS111)

Contact Hours: 16

Course Description

This course is designed for experienced dealers, installers, electricians and others who have a solid understanding of solar fundamentals, basic electrical and mechanical concepts and a familiarity with the National Electric Code. Topics include system design and component specification, in-depth electrical and mechanical calculations, diagnostic testing and troubleshooting, project document preparation. Diagnostic testing and system performance analysis training will be provided by technical representatives form major component manufacturers. This course is a combination of in-class and hands-on lab activities.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite coursework: 40 hr. entry level solar electric training (ONTILITY S103 or equivalent). Significant solar industry experience is assumed. Field experience may be substituted for coursework. Knowledge of the NEC is required. Use of the Internet, advanced problem solving, and math skills are also required.

Course Objectives

Upon Completion of this course, the student will have the ability to:

• Given a set of circumstances and location data, identify the types of PV systems appropriate for use under those circumstances and provide a rationale for each type
• Describe the steps in conducting a complete site survey and analysis
• Given a set of circumstances and location data, create a mechanical and electrical design for a solar PV system
• Specify equipment and components for battery, generator and other types of backup systems and indicate on design documents how they are integrated into a grid-interactive solar system
• Describe practices and procedures for utility company buy-back of power produced by distributed systems
• Describe the features, functions, and specifications of inverters used in grid-interactive systems
• Identify and configure electrical balance of system components
• Analyze load demands and calculate system requirements
• Calculate array and inverter size for grid-interactive solar systems, both with and without backup components
• Determine structural integrity and suitability for installation of various PV systems
• Describe various mounting systems create design documents utilizing more than one mounting methodology
• Perform commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for installed systems
• Demonstrate proper and safe use of required tools and measurement instruments necessary to conduct a thorough site survey and system installation
• Describe inspection, permitting and documentation requirements for grid-interactive solar systems
• Describe the risks and safety issues and OSHA regulations to consider when working with PV technologies

Textbooks & Instructional Manuals

Advanced Solar Electric Training, published by ONTILITY

These materials are provided to students at the beginning of the course. The cost of materials is included in the tuition fee.

Attendance Policy

It is expected that students will attend scheduled classes regularly and on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work. Students, who must withdraw from a class, will receive credit for work completed and may complete the course at a later date with instructor approval.

Attendance will be tracked and maintained for various reporting purposes.

Course & Instructor Evaluation

Students are encouraged to provide informal feedback throughout the course. A survey is distributed to students on the last day of class whereby students are asked to evaluate the class and the instructor. This feedback is used to create an on-going professional development plan for instructors and to inform course improvements.

Student Evaluation

Student performance is evaluated by:

• Class participation
• Lab participation
• Completion of home study assignments
• Attendance - 40 hours is required

Students With Disabilities

This institution complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their requests knows when registering for a course or workshop. If a disability is identified after class has begun, a non-retroactive accommodation plan will be developed.

Course Fee: $1,395

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