Solar Electrical Engineer Course

Lesson 1 • Core System Components Overview

Introduces inverters, batteries, charge controllers, and balance-of-system parts. Provides a system-level map before deep dives in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Cell Physics

Explains the photovoltaic effect and semiconductor behaviour in solar cells. Links cell-level physics to module-level electrical output.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and Energy Basics

Covers solar irradiance, spectrum, and energy measurement units. Establishes the physical basis for all subsequent system design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Solar Industry Landscape

Surveys market segments, installation scales, and professional roles. Contextualises the engineer's responsibilities within the broader industry.

Lesson 1 • AC Circuit Principles

Covers alternating current waveforms, frequency, and power factor. Prepares students to analyse inverter output and grid interconnection requirements.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Safety Principles

Establishes shock hazard thresholds, arc flash risks, and lockout/tagout procedures. Safety practices introduced here apply to every hands-on chapter.

Lesson 3 • PV I-V and P-V Curves

Analyses current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics of PV modules. Students use curve data to predict system performance under varying conditions.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Measurements and Instruments

Trains students to use multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation testers on PV systems. Accurate measurement underpins commissioning and troubleshooting tasks.

Lesson 1 • Commercial and Utility-Scale Topologies

Introduces central inverter, combiner box, and medium-voltage transformer configurations. Scales design concepts from residential to large commercial projects.

Lesson 2 • Off-Grid System Design Principles

Covers standalone PV systems with battery storage and backup generation. Students size components to meet critical loads without grid support.

Lesson 3 • Hybrid and Battery Backup Systems

Examines grid-tied systems with battery storage for resilience and self-consumption. Students configure hybrid inverters and define backup load circuits.

Lesson 4 • Emerging System Configurations

Surveys bifacial modules, floating PV, and agrivoltaic installations. Expands students' awareness of non-standard topologies entering the market.

Lesson 1 • Solar Resource Data and Tools

Introduces satellite-derived irradiance databases and typical meteorological year data. Students retrieve and interpret resource data for energy modelling.

Lesson 2 • Feasibility and Pre-Design Assessment

Combines site, resource, and load data into a feasibility summary. Students recommend system size and configuration before detailed design begins.

Lesson 3 • Energy Production Modelling

Applies simulation software to generate annual energy yield estimates. Students validate model inputs against site measurements and datasheet values.

Lesson 4 • Shading Analysis Methods

Teaches solar pathfinder, drone imaging, and software-based shading analysis. Students quantify shading losses and select mitigation strategies.

Lesson 1 • Array Sizing and String Design

Calculates optimal string lengths and parallel strings for inverter compatibility. Students apply voltage and current limits across temperature extremes.

Lesson 2 • Inverter Selection and Sizing

Matches inverter capacity to array output using clipping analysis and efficiency curves. Students justify inverter selection with technical and economic criteria.

Lesson 3 • Battery Storage Sizing

Sizes battery banks for off-grid autonomy and grid-tied backup applications. Students apply depth-of-discharge and round-trip efficiency in calculations.

Lesson 4 • Overcurrent and Disconnect Design

Selects fuses, breakers, and disconnects for each circuit based on calculated fault currents. Students ensure coordination between protective devices.

Lesson 5 • Earthing and Bonding Design

Designs equipment earthing, system earthing, and lightning protection for PV arrays. Students apply earthing principles to reduce shock and surge risks.

Lesson 1 • Environmental Load Calculations

Calculates wind uplift, snow, and seismic forces acting on PV arrays. Students apply load combinations to verify racking system adequacy.

Lesson 2 • Carport and Canopy Structures

Addresses elevated PV structures over parking and walkways with dual-use requirements. Students apply additional live load and clearance criteria.

Lesson 3 • Roof-Mount Structural Considerations

Evaluates roof framing, attachment points, and load transfer for residential and commercial rooftops. Students identify structural deficiencies before design proceeds.

Lesson 4 • Ground-Mount Racking Systems

Covers fixed-tilt, single-axis tracker, and dual-axis tracker foundations and frames. Students select ground-mount systems based on site and energy yield goals.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Installation Procedures

Details racking assembly, module mounting, and torque specifications for mechanical components. Students apply manufacturer instructions and safety protocols.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning and Startup Testing

Defines pre-energisation checks, startup procedures, and performance verification tests. Students document commissioning results against design specifications.

Lesson 3 • Inspection Readiness and AHJ Coordination

Prepares students to present systems to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for approval. Students compile permit packages and address common inspection deficiencies.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Installation Procedures

Covers DC wiring, conduit installation, inverter mounting, and AC interconnection steps. Students follow wiring diagrams and apply conductor labelling standards.

Lesson 1 • Performance Monitoring and Analysis

Uses monitoring platforms to track energy yield, performance ratio, and specific yield. Students identify underperformance trends before they become failures.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical and Structural Inspections

Identifies racking corrosion, fastener loosening, and module physical damage during inspections. Students prioritise repairs based on safety and performance impact.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Applies systematic testing to locate earth faults, arc faults, and string underperformance. Students use IV curve tracers and thermal cameras as diagnostic tools.

Lesson 4 • System Upgrades and Repowering

Evaluates when inverter replacement, module addition, or storage retrofit improves system economics. Students produce upgrade feasibility assessments.