|
1. PV Markets and Applications |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
1.1. Identify key contributions to the development of PV technology |
|
1.2. Identify common types of PV system applications for both stand-alone and utility interactive systems with and without energy storage |
|
1.3. Associate key features and benefits of specific types of PV systems, including residential, commercial, BIPV, concentrating PV, and utility scale |
|
1.4. List the advantages and disadvantages of PV systems compared to alternative electricity generation sources |
|
1.5. Describe the features and benefits of PV systems that operate independently of the electric utility grid |
|
1.6. Describe the features and benefits of PV systems that are interconnected to and operate in parallel with the electric utility grid |
|
1.7. Describe the roles of various segments of the PV industry and how they interact with one other |
|
1.8. Understand marked indicators, value propositions, and opportunities for both grid-tied and stand-alone PV system applications |
|
1.9. Discuss the importance of conservation and energy efficiency as they relate to PV system applications |
|
2. Safety Basics |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
2.1 Identify various safety hazards associated with both operating and non- operating PV systems and components. |
|
2.2 List different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) commonly required for installing and maintaining PV systems. |
|
2.3 List different methods and identify safe practices for hoisting and rigging, the use of ladders, stairways and guardrails, the use of head, feet, hearing and face protection, the use of power tools, and the use of the appropriate fall protection, including the requirements for personal fall arrest and safety-monitoring systems according to OSHA standards |
|
2.4 Recognize the principal electrical safety hazards associated with PV systems, including electrical shock and arc flash. |
|
3. Electricity Basics |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
3.1 Understand the meaning of basic electrical parameters including electrical charge, current, voltage, power and resistance, and relate these parameters to their hydraulic analogies (volume, flow, pressure, hydraulic power and friction) |
|
3.2 Explain the difference between electrical power (rate of work performed) and energy (total work performed) |
|
3.3 Describe the function and purpose of common electrical system components, including conductors, conduit/raceways and enclosures, overcurrent devices, diodes and rectifiers, switchgear, transformers, terminals and connectors, grounding equipment, resistors, inductor, capacitors, etc. |
|
3.4 Identify basic electrical test equipment and its purpose, including voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and watt-hour meters |
|
3.5 Demonstrate the ability to apply Ohm/s Law in analyzing simple electrical circuits, and to calculate voltage, current, resistance or power given any other two parameters. |
|
3.6 Understand the fundamentals of electric utility system operations, including generation, transmission, distribution and typical electrical service supplies to buildings and facilities |
|
4. Solar Energy Fundamentals |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
4.1 Define basic terminology, including solar irradiation, solar irradiance, solar irradiation, solar insolation, solar constant, air mass, ecliptic plane, equatorial plane, Pyranometer, solar declination, solstice, equinox, solar time, solar altitude angle, solar azimuth angle, solr window, array tilt angle, array azimuth angle, and solar incidence angle. |
|
4.2 Diagram the sun’s apparent movement across the sky over any given day and over an entire year at any given latitude, and define the solar window |
|
4.3 For given dates, times and locations, identify the sun’s position using sun path diagrams, and determine when direct solar radiation strikes the north, east, south and west walls and horizontal surfaces of a building. |
|
4.4 Differentiate Define basic terminology, including solar radiation, solar irradiance, solar irradiation, solar insolation, solar constant, air mass, ecliptic plane, equatorial plane, Pyranometer, solar declination, solstice, equinox, solar time, solar altitude angle, solar azimuth angle, solar window, array tilt angle, array azimuth angle, and solar between solar irradiance (power), solar irradiation (energy), and understand the meaning of the terms peak sun, peak sun hours, and insolation. |
|
4.5 Identify factors that reduce or enhance the amount of solar energy collected by a PV array. |
|
4.6 Demonstrate the use of standard compass and determine true geographic south from magnetic south at any location given a magnetic declination map. |
|
4.7 Quantify the effects of changing orientation (azimuth and tilt angle) on the amount of solar energy received on an array surface at any given location using solar energy databases and computer software tools. |
|
4.8 Understand the consequences of array shading and best practices for minimizing shading and preserving array output. |
|
4.9 Demonstrate the use of equipment and software tools to evaluate solar window obstructions and shading at given locations, and quantify the reduction in solar energy received. |
|
4.10 Identify rules of thumb and spacing distances required to avoid inter-row shading from adjacent saw tooth rack mounted arrays at specified locations between 9 am and 3 pm solar time throughout the year. |
|
4.11 Define the concepts of global, direct, diffuse and Albedo solar radiation, and the effects on the flat-plate and concentrating solar collectors. |
|
4.12 Identify the instruments and procedures for measuring solar power and solar energy. |
|
5. PV Module Fundamentals |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
5.1 Explain how a solar cell converts sunlight into electric power. |
|
5.2 Distinguish between PV cells, modules, panels, and array. |
|
5.3 Identify 5 key electrical output parameters for PV modules using manufacturer’s literature (Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, and Pmp), and label points on a current-voltage (I-V) curve. |
|
5.4 Understand the effects of varying incident solar irradiance and cell temperature on PV module electrical output, illustrate the results on a I-V curve, and indicate changes in current, voltage, and power. |
|
5.5 Determine the operating point on a given I-V curve given the electrical load. |
|
5.6 Explain why PV modules make excellent battery chargers based on their I-V characteristics. |
|
5.7 Understand the effects of connecting similar and dissimilar PV modules in series and in parallel on electrical output, and diagram the resulting I-V curves. |
|
5.8 Define various performance rating and measurement conditions for PV modules and arrays, including STC, SOC, NOCT, and PTC. |
|
5.9 Compare the fabrication of solar cells from various manufacturing processes. |
|
5.10 Describe the components and the construction of a typical flat plate PV module made from crystalline silicon solar cells, and compare to thin-film modules. |
|
5.11 Given the surface area, incident solar irradiance and electrical power output for a PV cell, module or array, calculate the efficiency and determine the power output per unit area. |
|
5.12 Discuss the significance and consequences of PV modules being limited current sources. |
|
5.13 Explain the purpose and operation of bypass diodes. |
|
5.14 Identify the standards and design qualification testing that help ensure the safety and reliability of PV modules |
|
6. System Components |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
6.1 Describe the purpose and principles of operation for major PV system components, including PV modules and arrays, inverters and chargers, charge controllers, energy storage and other sources. |
|
6.2 List the types of PV system balance of system components, and describe their functions and specifications, including conductors, conduit and raceway systems, overcurrent protection, switchgear, junction and combiner boxes, terminations, and connectors. |
|
6.3 Identify the primary types, function, features, specifications, settings and performance indicators associated with PV system power processing equipment, including inverters, charger, charge controllers, and maximum power point trackers. |
|
6.4 Understand the basic types of PV systems, their major subsystems and components, and the electrical and mechanical BOS components required. |
|
7. PV System Sizing |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
7.1 Understand the basic principles, rationale, and strategies for sizing stand-alone PV systems versus utility-interactive PV systems. |
|
7.2 Given the power usage and time of use for various electrical loads, determine the peak power demand and energy consumption over a given period of time. |
|
7.3 Beginning with PV module DC nameplate output, list the de-rating factors on AC power and energy production, using simplified calculations, and other system losses, and their typical values, and calculate the resulting effect online software tools including PV watts. |
|
7.4 For a specified PV module and inverter in a simple utility-interactive system, determine the maximum and minimum nuber of modules that may be used in source circuits and the total number of source circuits that may be used with a specified inverter, depending upon the expected range of operation temperatures, the inverter voltage windows for array maximum power point tracking and operation, using both simple calculations and inverter manufacturer’s online string sizing software tools. |
|
7.5 Given a stand-alone application with a defined electrical load and available solar energy resource, along with PV module specifications, size and configure the PV array, battery subsystem, and other equipment as required, to meet the electrical load during the critical design period. |
|
8 PV System Electrical Design |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
8.1 Draw and prepare simple one-line electrical diagrams for interactive and stand-alone PV systems showing all major components and subsystems, and indicate the locations of the PV source and output circuits, inverter input and output circuits, charge controller and battery circuits, as applicable, and mark the directions of power flows through the system under various load conditions. |
|
8.2 Understand how PV modules are configured in series and parallel to build voltage, current and power output for interfacing with inverters, charge controllers, batteries and other equipment. |
|
8.3 Identify basic properties of electrical conductors including materials, size, voltage ratings and insulation coverings and understand how conditions of use, such as location, other conductors in the same conduit/raceway, terminations, temperature, and other factors affect their ampacity, resistance, and corresponding overcurrent protection requirements. |
|
8.4 Understand the importance of nameplate specifications on PV modules, inverters and other equipment on determining allowable system voltage limits, and for the selection and sizing of conductors, overcurrent protection devices, disconnect means, wiring methods and in establishing appropriate and safe interfaces with other equipment and electrical systems. |
|
8.5 Determine the requirements for charge control in battery-based PV systems, based on system voltages, current and charge rates. |
|
8.6 Identify the labeling requirements for electrical equipment in PV systems, including on PV modules, inverters, disconnects, at points of interconnection to other electrical systems, on battery banks, etc. |
|
8.7 Understand the basic principles of PV system grounding, the differences between grounded conductors, grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, the purposes of equipment grounding, PV array ground-fault protection, and the importance of single-point grounding. |
|
8.8 Apply Ohm’s law and conductor properties ot calculate voltage drop for simple PV source circuits. |
|
8.9 Identify the requirements for plan view, permitting, inspections, construction contracts and other matters associated with approvals and code-compliance for PV systems. |
|
8.10 Demonstrate knowledge of key articles of the National Electrical Code, including Article 690, Solar Photovoltaic Systems |
|
9 PV System Mechanical Design |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
9.1 Identify the common ways PV arrays are mechanically secured and installed on the ground, to building rooftops or other structures, including rack mounts, ballasted system, pole mounts, integral, direct and stand-off roof mounts, sun tracking mounts and for other building-integrated applications. |
|
9.2 Compare and contrast the features and benefits of different PV array mounting systems and practices, including their design and material, standardization and appearance, application and installation requirement, thermal and energy performance, safety and reliability, accessibility and maintenance, costs and other factors. |
|
9.3 Understand the effects on PV cell operation temperature of environmental conditions, including incident solar radiation levels, ambient temperature, wind speed and direction for various PV array mounting methods. |
|
9.4 List various building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications and compare and contrast their features and benefits with conventional PV array designs. |
|
9.5 Identify desirable material properties for weather sealing materials, hardware and fasteners, electrical enclosures, wiring system and other equipment, such as UV, sunlight and corrosion resistance, wet/outdoor approvals and other service ratings appropriate for the intended application, environment and conditions of use, and having longevity consistent with the operating life expectancies of PV systems. |
|
9.6 Understand the requirements for roofing systems expertise, and identify the preferred structural attachments and weather sealing methods for PV arrays affixed to different types of roof compositions and coverings. |
|
9.7 Identify the types and magnitudes of mechanical loads experienced by PV modules, arrays and their support structures, including dead loads, live loads, wind loads, snow loads, seismic loads, in established combinations according to ASCE 7-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. |
|
9.8 Identify PV system mechanical design attributes that affect the installation and maintenance of PV arrays, including hardware standardization, safety and accessibility, and other factors. |
|
9.9 Identify mechanical design features that affect the electrical and thermal performance of PV array, including array orientation, mounting methods and other factors. |
|
9.10 Review and recognize the importance of PV equipment manufacturers’ instructions with regard to mounting and installation procedures, the skills and competencies required of installers, and the implications on product safety, performance, code-compliance and warranties. |
|
10 Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting |
|
Task/Skill |
|
|
|
10.1 Discuss various potential problems related to PV system design, components, installation, operation or maintenance that may affect the performance and reliability of PV systems. |
|
10.2 Identify and describe the use and meaning of typical performance parameters monitored in PV systems, including DC and AC voltage, currents and power levels, solar energy collected, the electrical energy produced or consumed, operation temperatures and other data. |
|
10.3 Compare PV system output with expectations based on system sizing, component specifications and operating conditions, and understand why actual output may be different than expected. |
|
10.4 Describe typical maintenance requirements for PV arrays and other system components, including inverters and batteries, etc. |
|
10.5 Understand the safety requirements for operating and maintaining different types of PV systems and related equipment. |
|
10.6 Identify the most common types of reliability failures in PV systems and their causes due to the equipment, quality of installation, and other factors. |
|
10.7 Review component manufacturers’ instructions for operation, maintenance and troubleshooting for PV modules and power processing equipment, and develop a simple maintenance plan for a given PV system detailing major tasks and suggested intervals |
|
10.8 Understand basic troubleshooting principles and progression, including recognizing a problem, observing the symptoms, diagnosing the cause and taking corrective actions leading from the system, subsystem to the component level. |
For Solar Training Class
Registration Information
Please Call:
Stephen Shelton
504-343-4638
sshelton@lacleantech.net