10-21-2014 - Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Webinar - Online, Live

Part A - Fundamentals:

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Photovoltaics

This chapter introduces small size photovoltaic systems both connected to the grid (grid-tied) and stand-alone types. Typical examples of PV installations are described as well as the function of the main components.

Chapter 2 - Basic Electrical Principles

Series and parallel electrical circuits are reviewed in this chapter along with the basic electrical laws used to calculate voltage, current and power. The same laws and calculations are applied to solar panels in order to design mixed series-parallel PV arrays and battery banks having the required output values.

Chapter 3 - Solar Energy Fundamentals

This chapter introduces the fundamentals of solar energy to be considered when designing a PV system. The position of the sun in the sky related to earth latitude and time of the day is illustrated and used to determine the PV array orientation and tilt maximizing its efficiency. Techniques used to measure the shading on a PV site all year-round are also illustrated.

Part A Objectives:

Upon completion of Part A of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of a PV system and explain the function of its main components
• Calculate voltage, current, and power for series and parallel circuits  and apply the same calculations to series and parallel battery banks and PV arrays of panels
• Explain the fundamentals of solar energy such as irradiance, insolation, peak sun hours, sun position in the sky, and apply these concepts to PV system design

Part B - Advanced Concepts:

Chapter 4 - Site Electrical Design

This chapter explains how to determine the PV array size for a grid-tied system using energy consumption data. It also illustrates how to determine the size of the battery bank for a stand-alone system to zero out the daily average load. How energy audits are used to calculate total load requirements when data is not available is illustrated as well.

Chapter 5 - Photovoltaic Panels and Inverters

In this chapter the characteristics and operation of solar cells, solar panels, and inverters are discussed. I-V curves which summarize the characteristics of solar panels measured under Standard Test Conditions (STC) are illustrated as well as PV panels and inverters specifications. Environmental factors affecting the performance of solar panels are introduced.

Chapter 6 - Battery and Charge Controllers

The characteristics of several types of deep cycle lead-acid batteries and charge controllers used in stand-alone PV system installations are described in this chapter. Constructions and environmental factors affecting batteries performance and life expectancy are illustrated as well.

Chapter 7 - Photovoltaic Systems Wire

The basics of PV system wiring is covered in this chapter with the intent of providing safe and reliable construction practices in accordance with current NEC and building code articles.PV systems wire sizing considering ampacity and grounding NEC® regulations as well as maximum allowed voltage drop is discussed.

Part B Objectives:

Upon completion of Part B of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the criteria to consider for sizing a grid-tied and a stand-alone photovoltaic system taking into account load requirements and budget
• Describe solar modules and inverters features and specifications under different standard conditions and illustrate panel I-V curves
• Discuss the various types of deep cycle lead-acid batteries and charge controllers used with PV systems and describe their features, applications, and factors that affect their performance
• Determine wire size for a PV system using ampacity and voltage drop limitations and discuss grounding requirements as listed in current NEC® standards

Part C - Installation Procedures:

Chapter 8 – PV Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

This chapter discusses different types of PV installations both on rooftops and on the ground. Maintenance and troubleshooting procedures taking into account construction and electrical NEC® requirements are listed and described for both grid-tied and stand-alone systems with battery banks.

Chapter 9 - Safety

This chapter illustrates the importance of electrical and construction safety rules when installing and maintaining PV systems. Standard safety rules included in the NEC®, UL, and OSHA publications related to PV systems installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting are introduced.

Part C Objectives:

Upon completion of Part C of this course, students will be able to:

• List and describe installation practices, procedures, and safety considerations for all aspects and elements of a PV system
• Discuss general safety rules while working on a PV system as pertains to electrical safety, construction site safety, and working aloft safety