(S106)*

Contact Hours: 16

Course Description

This course is the lab portion of Ontility’s Entry Level Solar Electric Training (S103) and provides hands-on experience with solar PV equipment, materials and tools. Topics include site survey and shading analysis, PV module wiring, system mechanical layout and installation, mounting techniques and equipment, and balance of system installation.

Upon completion of this class and its companion lab, S105, students are eligible to take the NABCEP Entry Level PV Exam. The exam is administered after the conclusion of S106 and S103 classes.

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:

• 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
• 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
• Demonstrate proper safety procedures in adherence to OSHA regulations

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 prerequisite S105 course.

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. Online, real time access to instructors is provided at scheduled times throughout each week. 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:

• Participation in class discussions and lab activities
• Attendance - 16 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.

This course is offered as a stand alone lab or in conjunction with our 24 hour Online Program (S105). Taking both S105 and S106 offers students a more flexible and modular way to take our Solar Success: PV Design and Installation (NABCEP^®) (S103).

Successful completion of course S105 and S106 provides students the same benefits as our traditional five day course Solar Success: PV Design and Installation (NABCEP^®) (S103).

Lab Fee: $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 course, students will be eligible to take the NABCEP^® Entry Level PV Exam. ONTILITY is an approved provider of the NABCEP Entry Level exam and offers the test every Friday night, after our Solar PV S103 course.

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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