Course Overview
Solar Energy And Photovoltaics (PV Solar System)
Abstract
Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of making electricity from light with a semiconductor, usually silicon. Silicon is the same material from which a computer chip is made.
The solar industry is growing at light speed and now is the time to get involved, to take part in reducing pollution and to take advantage of a great career opportunity.
The course is devoted to design features, efficiencies, operating characteristics, reliability, and maintenance implications of solar panels and PV.
This course will cover the operating principles of solar panels and PV, specifications, their design, thermodynamics, effects of efficiency on operating costs, energy usage, effect on costs, special materials of construction, selection, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
The course will provide the participant with a basic, as well as advanced, solar panels and PV technology knowledge required to successfully select, apply, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of the various solar panels and PV configurations available to virtually every industrial user. Items discussed include design features, sizing and application criteria, maintainability, reliability, vulnerability, and troubleshooting issues. Participants will learn simple techniques of selection, which can take the place in tedious hand calculations and will serve as rapid means to determine sensitivity or influence of parameter changes on equipment performance. Participants will be able to determine the most appropriate and efficient matching of auxiliary equipment. Participants will also acquire knowledge of operating and maintenance issues by getting to know proven approaches to monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of installations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to:-
- Understand the benefits and implications of an engineering problem solving program for solar panels and PV and relate the concepts to the overall operational objectives.
- Think about solar panels and PV as a collection of processes, with inputs that determine the output.
- Use the concept of engineering problem solving to evaluate the capability of solar panels and PV
- Recognize the engineering problem solving model used to improve performance of solar panels and PV.
- Recognize the engineering problem solving factors that are necessary groundwork for a successful solar panel and PV maintenance program.
Methodology
- The latest educational methods and strategies will be utilized.
- The course is designed to maximize delegate participation.
- Questions and answers are encouraged throughout and at the daily wrap-up sessions. This gives participants the opportunity to discuss with others and the presenter their specific problems and appropriate solutions.
- The course shall be conducted through lectures, case studies, group discussions and exercises to reinforce participant’s learning.
Who Should Attend
Senior technicians, operators, supervisors, superintendents and corporate engineering, plant planning and design, systems design, equipment selection and evaluation, and equipment maintenance personnel. Also, equipment and systems specialists in engineering contractor firms and managerial and supervisory individuals responsible for operations and maintenance functions.
Course Format
The course consists of formal content presentation interspersed with content quiz sessions. The presenter’s style involves intensive participant participation.
Course Content
Day 1
1. Introduction To Solar PV Systems
- Overview of solar energy and photovoltaic technology
- Types of PV systems: residential, commercial, and utility-scale
- Components of a PV system: panels, inverters, batteries, and balance-of-system elements
- Solar energy industry trends and career opportunities
2. Site Assessment And System Planning
- Site inspection and evaluation for PV installation
- Roof and ground-mounted system considerations
- Shade analysis, orientation, and tilt calculations
- Floodplain, power line, and battery location planning
3. Electrical Design And System Sizing
- Load analysis and energy demand calculations
- Wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and NEC compliance
- System sizing for grid-tied and off-grid applications
- Battery-based system design and integration
4. Mechanical Design And Installation
- Mounting structures, wind and weight loading
- Lag bolt sizing, ballast systems, and panel spacing
- Installation procedures for residential and commercial PV systems
- Safety practices and personal protective equipment
Day 2
5. Code Compliance And Standards
- National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for PV systems
- Local building codes and permitting processes
- Inspection and commissioning procedures
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional standards
6. Performance, Monitoring, And Maintenance
- System efficiency and performance estimation
- Monitoring tools and troubleshooting techniques
- Maintenance schedules and operational best practices
- Energy storage management and optimization
7. Hands-On Exercises And Project Work
- Practical exercises in system layout and wiring
- Calculations for system sizing and energy output
- Simulated installation projects and case studies
- Use of planning tools and software for PV design
8. Optional Advanced Topics
- Commercial and utility-scale PV applications
- Integration with smart grids and hybrid systems
- Financial analysis, ROI, and PV system economics
- Emerging technologies in solar energy
