(S103)*

Contact Hours: 40

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of solar technologies and a study of the history and current state of the solar photovoltaic industry. Course content includes an introduction to solar radiation, photovoltaic technologies and systems, characteristics and considerations of various system types, site selection and overview of various systems and system components.

This course provides an orientation and analysis of solar energy systems for residential and commercial applications. The course includes electricity basics and code, design and use of grid-tie and grid-tie with battery back-up, inverters and charge controllers, overview of electrical utility systems, and requirements to work with electrical utilities, instruction regarding permitting, inspection, commissioning, documentation and labeling requirements, point-of-utility connection, and system maintenance practices and procedures.

The course provides hands-on training exercises and labs. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the tools used to complete site evaluations, perform necessary measurements and calculations, and specify balance of system components required to complete a fully-functional solar PV system installation. Safe use and storage of required tools will also be covered, along with OSHA and NEC safety codes.

Upon successful completion of this 40 hour course, students are eligible to take the NABCEP^® Entry Level PV Exam. The exam is administered at the more than 200 Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For complete information, visit the Pearson VUE website.

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite coursework. No solar industry experience is assumed. Knowledge requirements include basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems), use of the Internet, problem solving skills, and the use of a calculator. Use of basic hand tools is required for lab participation.

Course Objectives

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

• Describe the history and development of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies and applications
• Identify the types of solar energy systems and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type
• Explain how a solar cell converts sunlight into electric power
• Define solar terms
• Describe how solar energy is received on the earth’s surface
• Identify how different technologies utilize solar radiation
• Identify opportunities for grid-interactive residential and commercial solar systems
• Describe photovoltaic system components and configurations
• Describe battery, generator and other types of backup systems and 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
• Conduct a site survey and specify system components and design
• 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 and perform mounting procedures of PV modules and electrical components
• 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
• Describe the solar PV industry and markets

Textbooks & Instructional Manuals

Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, Solar Energy International, New Society Publishers, May 2007, ISBN 978-0-86571-520-2

Photovoltaic Systems, James P. Dunlop, American Technical Publishers, 2nd edition, 2010, ISBN 978-0-8269-1308-1

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.

Class Fee: $1,395

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* These are Powered by ONTILITY Certified Partner™ Program Courses. One or more of these courses may be required to achieve designation as a Powered by ONTILITY™ Certified Partner™.

Certification Path

Upon successful completion of this 40 hour course, students are eligible to take the NABCEP^® Entry Level PV Exam. The exam is administered at the more than 200 Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For complete information, visit the Pearson VUE website.

Further, upon successful completion of this course, completion and documentation of field experience, and additional home study, students may be eligible to take the NABCEP^® Certified PV Installer Exam. For details and up to date information, see: http://www.nabcep.org/certification/pv-installer-certification/pv-requirementseducation

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