This module offers a broad introduction to solar energy and the engineering principles underlying the operation of solar PV systems. It covers the main components in a typical PV system and references the average lifespan of solar PV components. In addition, this module describes the four main types of solar PV systems and describes the differences between hybrid, grid-tied and off-grid systems. It will also introduce the student to the principles of simulation software and its application in solar PV technology.

Learning Objectives

Upon Completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Define the term solar energy

• Name four tasks performed by solar energy technicians

• Differentiate between a solar cell and solar panel

• Explain the historical perspective of solar energy usage

• List the main components in a solar PV system

• Describe the difference between AC-coupled and DC-coupled

• Name the four main types of solar PV systems

• Differentiate between hybrid, grid-tied and off-grid systems

• Explain the function of a charge controller

• Name two types of financing models for solar PV installations

• Use life cycle costing to assess solar PV system viability

This module describes safety equipment including fall protection systems. It describes the basics of safety when working with solar PV systems, and covers first aid, fire prevention, electrical shock and hazards associated with working at height. Students will gain a thorough understanding of solar PV safety including the key elements of safety systems, equipment selection and inspection, use of tools, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. In addition, this module includes a discussion of PPE requirements for troubleshooting solar PV systems as well as safe troubleshooting practices.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between hazard and risk

• List the four main types of hazards in solar PV systems

• Define the term risk assessment

• Explain how a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is developed

• Name the three factors to consider in controlling hazards

• Distinguish between inherent risk and tolerable risk

• Explain why PPE is so important to protect against hazards

• List four common types of PPE used in solar PV installations

• Describe two fall arrest protection methods to ensure jobsite safety 

• Explain the three points of contact rule when using a ladder

• Name the two main causes of electric shock in a solar PV system  

• Distinguish between an arc flash and an arc blast

• List four dangers when working on solar PV systems

• Identify the purpose and location of rapid shutdown devices (RSDs)

This module is designed to cover the fundamentals of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. A discussion of positive ground and negative ground is presented, as well as the effects of connecting voltage sources in parallel. The theoretical and practical aspects of basic circuit calculations using Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws are also presented using a combination of video, animation, and laboratory projects using CircuitLogix simulation software. In addition, this module introduces the fundamentals of alternating voltages and currents. The phase relationships between alternating current and voltage are also described for both single- and three-phase circuits.  The principles of transformers and transformer polarity are presented as well as the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance on AC circuits.

Learning Objectives 

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

• Describe how voltages are distributed in a series circuit
• Define Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and Current Law
• Determine the polarity of emfs and voltage drops
• Use the voltage divider and current divider rule
• Describe the effect of connecting voltages sources in parallel
• Define positive ground and negative ground
• Determine the total resistance in a series-parallel circuit
• Calculate voltage drops and power
• Explain the purpose of loaded voltage dividers
• Explain the instantaneous value of a sine wave
• Determine the average and RMS values of a sine wave
• Explain the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance on AC circuits
• Discuss power in AC circuits
• Describe the basic operating principle of transformers

This module will provide the student with an introduction to power semiconductor devices including power MOSFETS and IGBTs. The module is designed to demonstrate the purpose of rectifiers inverters and converters and their application in solar PV systems. A comparison of buck and boost converters is also included, and the difference between PWM and MPPT technology is described.  In addition, an introduction to troubleshooting power electronics devices and circuits is presented. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

• Define power electronics
• Describe the basic operation of a semiconductor diode
• Differentiate between blocking and bypass diodes
• Explain the difference between a FET and a BJT
• Describe the operating principle of a hybrid inverter
• List five types of inverters
• Compare inverters and converters
• Differentiate between buck and boost converters
• Describe the operation of a charge controller
• Explain the difference between PWM and MPPT technology
• Describe the purpose of filters in power electronics circuits
• Effectively troubleshoot power electronic devices

It is in this module that the student learns the principles of solar panel construction and the various types of PV panels in use. The five main solar panel PV materials are described and the effect of shading on a solar panel is explained in detail. An introduction to Standard Test Condition (STC) is presented and the function of MC4 connector are explained. Wiring methods for solar panel strings are described with an emphasis on industry best practices. The impact of temperature coefficient on power loss is discussed and examples of calculating solar panel efficiency, as well as tilt and orientation factor (TOF) are presented.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

• Describe typical cell configurations for solar panels
• Differentiate between tabbing ribbons and bus ribbons
• Explain the effect of shading on a solar panel
• List the three main types of solar PV panels
• Differentiate between frameless and bifacial solar panels
• Describe the function of MC4 connectors
• Compare the five most common solar panel PV materials
• Define Standard Test Condition (STC)
• Calculate the efficiency of a solar panel
• Discuss the impact of temperature coefficient on power loss
• Determine the MPP voltage of a solar PV array at STC
• Explain the wiring methods used for solar panel strings
• Calculate tilt and orientation factor (TOF)
• Interpret solar panel specifications and standards

This module introduces the student to the fundamentals of sizing solar PV systems. In addition to calculating energy loads, the basic principles of solar string sizing and array size calculations are presented. The student will also learn how to correctly size an inverter using PSH and use the array-to-inverter ratio. The main soft costs associated with solar PV systems are presented along with net metering and feed-in tariffs. In addition, the steps required for troubleshooting sensors and actuators is also discussed.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Define the term PV system sizing
• Perform energy load calculations
• Calculate the energy use of an off-grid solar system
• Differentiate between phantom, peak and base loads
• Explain the operation of a hydraulic rotary joint
• Differentiate between capacity factor and load factor
• Determine solar string size based on given load
• Discuss net metering and feed-in tariffs
• Calculate solar array size using PSH
• Utilize the array-to-inverter ratio for inverter sizing
• Describe the duration of solar payback period
• List three solar PV installation soft costs

The purpose of this module is to provide the student with a thorough coverage of the various factors associated with successfully completing a site assessment. It also describes how to effectively perform shading analysis and how to differentiate between live loads, dead loads and snow loads. In addition, the module also describes securement options for flat roofs, including mounting methods for ballasted systems. Common preventative maintenance tasks are also covered. Effective troubleshooting techniques are presented with an emphasis on practical troubleshooting and problem-solving strategies.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

• List three factors that are measured in a site assessment

• Explain the purpose of performing shading analysis

• Differentiate between live loads, dead loads and snow loads

• Describe how to apply solar flashing to a sloped roof

• Define the term solar racking

• List three common securement options for flat roofs

• Name the three basic mounting methods for ballasted systems

• Describe how to route cables using the direct or trunk method

• List five common preventive maintenance tasks

• Apply safe troubleshooting practices to solar PV systems

• Explain the challenges of locating and repairing ground faults