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Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Course
More than 2 million students worldwide

Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Course

4.1

Gain the hands-on technical knowledge you need to install, wire, and maintain solar PV systems the right way. This course covers everything from safety protocols and electrical code compliance to system design, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Whether you're entering the solar trade or expanding your existing skills, you'll finish ready to work on real residential and commercial projects.

Dedika for businesses

What you'll learn:

You'll build a complete skill set covering solar energy fundamentals, PV component selection, and both grid-connected and off-grid system architectures. The course walks you through site assessment, shading analysis, array sizing, and permit documentation. You'll learn to wire DC and AC circuits to code, install racking on pitched roofs, flat roofs, and ground mounts, and safely commission a fully operational system. Preventive maintenance schedules, inverter fault diagnosis, and advanced diagnostic tools are also covered. Supplementary material addresses battery storage, project economics, commercial-scale systems, and client communication.

How you study in practice Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Course

How you practise Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Course

For businesses looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Safety, Regulations, and Professional Standards

  • Lesson 1 • Regulatory Framework and Permitting

    Explains building, electrical, and utility interconnection permit processes and applicable standards. Regulatory compliance protects installers, clients, and grid operators.

  • Lesson 2 • Fall Protection and Roof Safety

    Addresses harness systems, anchor points, and ladder safety for rooftop PV installation. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the solar installation trade.

  • Lesson 3 • Environmental and Waste Management

    Covers responsible disposal of modules, batteries, and hazardous materials at end of life. Environmental compliance reduces liability and supports sustainability goals.

  • Lesson 4 • Electrical Safety for PV Installers

    Covers lockout/tagout, arc flash hazards, and personal protective equipment for PV DC and AC circuits. Electrical hazards are present even when inverters are off.

  • Lesson 5 • Installer Certification and Licensing

    Reviews industry certification programmes, continuing education requirements, and contractor licensing. Credentials demonstrate competence and are often required for incentive programmes.

Chapter 2See details

Solar Energy Fundamentals and PV Technology

  • Lesson 1 • PV Cell and Module Technologies

    Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies by efficiency and cost. Enables informed module selection for diverse applications.

  • Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Cell Physics

    Explains the photoelectric effect and p-n junction operation. Links semiconductor behaviour to practical cell output characteristics.

  • Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and Energy Basics

    Covers solar irradiance, sun angles, and seasonal variation. Provides the physics foundation needed to evaluate site potential and system sizing.

  • Lesson 4 • PV Module Specifications and Datasheets

    Teaches interpretation of manufacturer datasheets under standard test conditions. Connects rated specs to real-world performance expectations.

Chapter 3See details

PV System Components and Architecture

  • Lesson 1 • Battery Storage Systems

    Examines lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow battery chemistries for energy storage. Connects storage selection to autonomy requirements and cycle life.

  • Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Communication Devices

    Introduces data loggers, revenue-grade meters, and remote monitoring platforms. Connects monitoring hardware to ongoing performance verification.

  • Lesson 3 • Balance of System Components

    Details charge controllers, combiners, disconnects, and wiring hardware. Ensures students can specify all BOS components for a complete system.

  • Lesson 4 • Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Architectures

    Compares system topologies, anti-islanding requirements, and utility interconnection points. Builds ability to design the correct architecture for each application.

  • Lesson 5 • Inverter Types and Functions

    Covers string, microinverter, and power optimizer topologies and their DC-to-AC conversion roles. Prepares students to match inverter type to system design.

Chapter 4See details

Site Assessment and System Design

  • Lesson 1 • Design Documentation and Permitting Drawings

    Covers single-line diagrams, site plans, and equipment schedules required for permit submission. Proper documentation accelerates approval and reduces rework.

  • Lesson 2 • Electrical Load Assessment

    Teaches energy audit methods and load profile construction for residential and commercial clients. Load data directly drives array and storage sizing decisions.

  • Lesson 3 • Array Sizing and String Design

    Applies irradiance data and load requirements to calculate array size and string configurations. Ensures voltage and current stay within inverter operating windows.

  • Lesson 4 • Design Software and Simulation Tools

    Introduces industry-standard simulation platforms for energy yield modelling. Simulation outputs validate design assumptions before procurement.

  • Lesson 5 • Site Survey and Shading Analysis

    Covers roof measurement, compass orientation, and shading tool use. Accurate site data is the prerequisite for all subsequent design calculations.

Chapter 5See details

Electrical Wiring and Code Compliance

  • Lesson 1 • Labelling, Signage, and Inspection Readiness

    Details required labels, warning signs, and conductor markings for PV systems. Correct labelling is mandatory for inspection approval and emergency responder safety.

  • Lesson 2 • Earthing, Bonding, and Surge Protection

    Explains equipment earthing, array bonding, and transient voltage suppression. Proper earthing protects personnel and equipment from fault currents and lightning.

  • Lesson 3 • DC Wiring Fundamentals

    Covers PV source circuit wiring, conductor ampacity, and voltage drop calculations. DC wiring errors are the most common cause of system failures and fires.

  • Lesson 4 • Overcurrent Protection and Disconnects

    Covers fuse and breaker selection, rapid shutdown requirements, and disconnect placement. Correct protection devices prevent equipment damage and enable safe servicing.

  • Lesson 5 • AC Wiring and Interconnection

    Addresses inverter output circuit wiring, panel interconnection, and supply-side vs. load-side connections. Correct AC wiring ensures safe grid interaction.

Chapter 6See details

Mechanical Mounting and Structural Installation

  • Lesson 1 • Ground Mount and Carport Systems

    Covers driven pile, concrete pier, and helical anchor foundations for ground arrays. Ground mounts offer optimal tilt but require soil assessment and permitting.

  • Lesson 2 • Flat Roof and Ballasted Systems

    Addresses ballasted tilt-frame design, wind uplift calculations, and membrane protection. Ballasted systems avoid penetrations but require careful weight distribution.

  • Lesson 3 • Pitched Roof Racking Systems

    Covers rail-based and rail-free mounting hardware, flashing, and lag bolt installation. Proper attachment prevents leaks and ensures wind and snow load resistance.

  • Lesson 4 • Module Handling and Array Assembly

    Teaches safe module lifting, placement sequencing, and torque specifications for final assembly. Proper handling prevents cell micro-cracking and warranty voidance.

  • Lesson 5 • Roof Types and Structural Considerations

    Identifies roofing materials, rafter spacing, and load-bearing capacity relevant to PV mounting. Structural adequacy must be confirmed before any penetration is made.

Chapter 7See details

System Commissioning and Performance Testing

  • Lesson 1 • Pre-Energisation Inspection and Testing

    Covers visual inspection, continuity testing, and insulation resistance measurement before energising. Pre-energisation checks prevent equipment damage during first startup.

  • Lesson 2 • Inverter Startup and Configuration

    Guides inverter initialisation, grid parameter setting, and communication setup. Correct configuration ensures safe grid interaction and accurate monitoring data.

  • Lesson 3 • Commissioning Documentation and Handover

    Covers as-built drawings, test records, and client handover procedures. Complete documentation supports warranty claims and future maintenance activities.

  • Lesson 4 • Performance Ratio and Yield Verification

    Applies performance ratio calculations and compares measured output to simulated yield. Deviations indicate installation errors or equipment issues requiring correction.

  • Lesson 5 • Thermal and Electrical Diagnostics

    Uses infrared thermography and I-V curve tracing to detect hotspots and cell defects. Diagnostic tools confirm module and string health at commissioning.

Chapter 8See details

Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

  • Lesson 1 • Inverter and BOS Fault Diagnosis

    Interprets inverter fault codes, checks BOS components, and restores normal operation. Systematic fault isolation minimises downtime and revenue loss.

  • Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

    Defines inspection intervals, cleaning protocols, and component service tasks. Scheduled maintenance maximises energy yield and extends system service life.

  • Lesson 3 • Battery System Maintenance

    Addresses battery state-of-health testing, electrolyte checks, and terminal maintenance. Battery health directly affects system autonomy and backup reliability.

  • Lesson 4 • Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

    Applies drone-based thermography, electroluminescence imaging, and data analytics for fault detection. Advanced tools reduce diagnostic time on large commercial arrays.

  • Lesson 5 • Module Degradation and Soiling Analysis

    Covers light-induced degradation, potential-induced degradation, and soiling loss quantification. Understanding degradation mechanisms guides cleaning and replacement decisions.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Electricians: looking to add solar installation to their service offerings.

  • Construction workers: ready to move into the fast-growing renewable energy trade.

  • HVAC technicians: wanting to diversify into solar and battery storage systems.

  • Recent graduates: seeking a practical foundation before entering the solar workforce.

  • Homeowners: planning to oversee or understand their own solar installation projects.

  • Solar sales reps: needing deeper technical knowledge to support their client proposals.

What our students say

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
Mariana Ferres
Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
Luciana Alvarenga
Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast and simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
André Felipe
André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

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