Solar Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Series and Parallel DC Circuits

Analyzes current, voltage, and resistance behavior in series, parallel, and combination circuits. This directly applies to PV module string and array wiring configurations.

Lesson 2 • Atomic Structure and Electron Flow

Covers atomic theory, free electrons, and conductivity as the basis of current flow. This establishes the physical foundation for all subsequent electrical concepts.

Lesson 3 • Voltage, Current, and Resistance

Defines the three core electrical quantities and their units of measurement. These quantities are connected through Ohm's Law for circuit problem-solving.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Measurement Tools

Introduces multimeters, clamp meters, and oscilloscopes for measuring DC and AC quantities. Proper tool use is essential for safe PV system diagnostics.

Lesson 1 • I-V Curve and Module Parameters

Interprets current-voltage curves and key parameters including Voc, Isc, Vmp, and Imp. These parameters are used in system sizing and performance verification.

Lesson 2 • Solar Cell Types and Technologies

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and bifacial cell technologies. This enables technicians to select appropriate modules for specific installation conditions.

Lesson 3 • Module Construction and Components

Details encapsulants, glass, backsheets, frames, and junction boxes in module assembly. Understanding construction aids in identifying physical damage and degradation.

Lesson 4 • Semiconductor Physics of Solar Cells

Covers p-n junction theory, photon absorption, and electron-hole pair generation. This establishes the physical mechanism behind photovoltaic energy conversion.

Lesson 1 • Emergency Response Procedures

Prepares technicians to respond to electrical shock, fire, and chemical exposure incidents. Rapid and correct response minimizes injury severity and equipment damage.

Lesson 2 • Personal Protective Equipment

Covers arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, face shields, and footwear for PV tasks. Correct PPE selection is matched to calculated incident energy levels.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Hazards in PV Systems

Identifies shock, arc flash, arc blast, and fire risks specific to PV DC and AC circuits. Recognizing hazards is the first step in selecting appropriate protective measures.

Lesson 4 • Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Establishes energy isolation steps for de-energizing PV arrays, inverters, and batteries. LOTO compliance protects technicians during maintenance and repair operations.

Lesson 1 • PV Array Configuration

Explains series stringing, parallel connections, and combiner box wiring for arrays. Array configuration directly determines inverter input voltage and current.

Lesson 2 • Disconnects, Overcurrent, and Wiring

Identifies DC and AC disconnects, fuses, breakers, and conductor sizing requirements. Proper protection devices prevent equipment damage and ensure personnel safety.

Lesson 3 • Charge Controllers and Battery Systems

Covers PWM and MPPT charge controller operation and battery bank sizing. These components are critical for off-grid and hybrid energy storage systems.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring and Data Acquisition Systems

Describes string-level and system-level monitoring hardware and communication protocols. Monitoring enables performance verification and early fault detection.

Lesson 1 • Load Analysis and Energy Consumption

Calculates daily and annual energy loads from appliance inventories and utility bills. Accurate load data is the starting point for all system sizing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Solar Resource Assessment

Uses peak sun hours, irradiance data, and shading analysis to quantify available solar energy. Resource data directly determines required array size and expected yield.

Lesson 3 • Array and Inverter Sizing

Sizes PV arrays and matches inverter capacity using DC-to-AC ratio guidelines. Correct sizing maximises energy harvest while protecting inverter warranty conditions.

Lesson 4 • System Performance Estimation

Applies system losses, performance ratio, and simulation tools to estimate annual energy output. Performance estimates support financial analysis and client proposals.

Lesson 1 • Grounding, Bonding, and Surge Protection

Installs equipment grounding conductors, bonding jumpers, and surge protective devices. Proper grounding limits shock hazard and protects equipment from lightning surges.

Lesson 2 • Module Mounting and Electrical Connections

Installs modules onto racking and makes MC4 and junction box connections correctly. Proper connections prevent resistance losses, arcing, and water ingress.

Lesson 3 • Mounting System Selection and Installation

Covers rail-based, ballasted, and ground-mount racking systems and their attachment methods. Correct mounting ensures structural integrity under wind, snow, and seismic loads.

Lesson 4 • DC Wiring and Combiner Installation

Routes and terminates DC string wires, installs combiners, and labels all conductors. Organised DC wiring reduces troubleshooting time and improves system safety.

Lesson 1 • AC System Testing and Grid Interconnection

Measures AC output voltage, frequency, and power factor at the point of interconnection. AC testing confirms inverter output quality and utility interconnection compliance.

Lesson 2 • DC System Testing Procedures

Measures open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and insulation resistance for each string. DC test results confirm array wiring integrity and module performance.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Energisation Inspection Checklist

Verifies mechanical, electrical, and labelling completeness before applying power to the system. Catching errors before energisation prevents equipment damage and safety incidents.

Lesson 4 • Inverter Startup and Configuration

Executes inverter startup sequences, configures grid parameters, and verifies MPPT operation. Correct inverter configuration ensures safe grid connection and optimal energy harvest.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Fault Diagnosis Methodology

Applies a structured divide-and-conquer approach to isolate faults in PV systems. A repeatable diagnostic process reduces repair time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Common DC-Side Faults

Diagnoses open strings, ground faults, arc faults, and bypass diode failures in PV arrays. DC faults are the most frequent cause of PV system underperformance.

Lesson 3 • Inverter and AC-Side Fault Diagnosis

Interprets inverter fault codes, diagnoses grid faults, and tests AC protection devices. Inverter faults often indicate upstream DC issues or grid disturbances.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Programmes

Schedules and executes cleaning, torque checks, thermal scans, and performance reviews. Preventive maintenance maximises system uptime and extends component service life.