Solar PV Power Plant Course

Lesson 1 • PV Cell Types and Technologies

Surveys monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and emerging cell technologies. Enables informed technology selection based on efficiency, cost, and application.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Effect and Cell Physics

Explains semiconductor physics, p-n junctions, and the photovoltaic effect. Connects atomic-level behaviour to measurable cell voltage and current output.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and atmospheric effects on incoming radiation. Establishes the energy source basis for all subsequent PV design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Mismatch, Shading, and Bypass Diodes

Analyses how partial shading and mismatch degrade array output and how bypass diodes mitigate losses. Informs layout decisions to minimise energy yield reduction.

Lesson 2 • Module Construction and Ratings

Examines module lamination, encapsulants, frames, and nameplate ratings. Links cell-level physics to module-level datasheets used in system design.

Lesson 3 • Array Layout and Tilt Optimisation

Applies azimuth, tilt angle, and row spacing principles to maximise annual energy capture. Connects array geometry to site-specific solar resource data.

Lesson 4 • Series and Parallel String Design

Covers voltage addition in series strings and current addition in parallel branches. Establishes array sizing rules that feed directly into inverter selection.

Lesson 1 • Maximum Power Point Tracking

Explains MPPT algorithms and their effect on energy harvest under varying conditions. Directly supports string sizing and inverter matching decisions.

Lesson 2 • Microinverters and Power Optimisers

Compares module-level power electronics to string and central inverter architectures. Identifies scenarios where module-level electronics improve yield or simplify design.

Lesson 3 • Inverter Sizing and Clipping

Covers DC-to-AC ratio, clipping losses, and oversizing strategies for cost optimisation. Enables engineers to balance capital cost against annual energy yield.

Lesson 4 • Grid-Tie Requirements and Protection

Reviews anti-islanding protection, voltage and frequency ride-through, and reactive power capability. Ensures plant designs comply with grid interconnection technical standards.

Lesson 1 • Grounding and Lightning Protection

Details equipment grounding, ground fault detection, and lightning protection systems. Ensures personnel safety and equipment protection across the entire plant.

Lesson 2 • DC Wiring and Combiner Boxes

Covers string wire sizing, voltage drop limits, and combiner box fusing. Establishes DC collection architecture that feeds into AC system design.

Lesson 3 • Transformers and Substations

Explains step-up transformer sizing, impedance, and substation layout for utility-scale plants. Prepares students to coordinate with utility interconnection requirements.

Lesson 4 • AC Wiring and Switchgear

Addresses AC feeder sizing, medium-voltage switchgear, and protection coordination. Connects inverter output to the plant's point of interconnection.

Lesson 1 • Horizon and Shading Analysis

Applies horizon profiling, near-shading objects, and shading simulation tools to quantify losses. Directly informs array layout and row spacing decisions from Chapter 2.

Lesson 2 • Solar Resource Data Sources

Surveys satellite-derived and ground-measured irradiance databases and their uncertainty ranges. Establishes data quality standards that underpin reliable energy yield estimates.

Lesson 3 • Geotechnical and Environmental Inputs

Reviews soil bearing capacity, flood risk, and environmental constraints affecting plant siting. Feeds civil and structural design requirements for mounting and foundation systems.

Lesson 4 • Grid Interconnection Feasibility

Covers transmission capacity studies, point-of-interconnection selection, and queue processes. Determines whether a site can export power and at what cost.

Lesson 1 • P50 and P90 Energy Estimates

Explains probabilistic energy estimates, interannual variability, and uncertainty stacking methods. Produces the bankable yield figures required by lenders and investors.

Lesson 2 • Energy Simulation Software Workflow

Guides users through input setup, simulation execution, and output interpretation in PV simulation tools. Builds practical modelling competency applied in subsequent performance analysis.

Lesson 3 • Performance Ratio and Specific Yield

Defines performance ratio, specific yield, and capacity factor as plant performance benchmarks. Enables comparison of modelled versus actual performance during operations.

Lesson 4 • Loss Factor Identification and Quantification

Catalogues soiling, wiring, mismatch, availability, and other loss categories with typical values. Provides the loss budget framework central to all energy yield simulations.

Lesson 1 • Equipment Layout and Spacing Plans

Produces georeferenced equipment layout plans showing array blocks, inverter pads, and roads. Ensures constructability and maintenance access across the full plant footprint.

Lesson 2 • Permitting and Regulatory Approvals

Identifies required permits, environmental impact assessments, and utility interconnection agreements. Prepares students to manage the approval process from application to construction authorisation.

Lesson 3 • Civil and Structural Engineering Inputs

Covers grading plans, access roads, drainage design, and structural load calculations for racking. Integrates geotechnical data from site assessment into construction documents.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Single-Line Diagram Design

Develops single-line diagrams from module strings through the point of interconnection. Translates component selections from earlier chapters into a formal engineering document.

Lesson 1 • Operations and Maintenance Programmes

Establishes preventive maintenance schedules, corrective maintenance workflows, and spare parts inventory. Sustains long-term energy yield and equipment reliability throughout plant life.

Lesson 2 • Construction Management and Quality Control

Covers contractor management, inspection hold points, and non-conformance reporting during construction. Ensures the built plant matches the engineered design and quality standards.

Lesson 3 • SCADA and Remote Monitoring Systems

Configures SCADA data acquisition, alarm management, and performance dashboards for remote oversight. Enables rapid fault detection and data-driven O&M decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Commissioning Electrical Testing

Details insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, and ground fault tests before energisation. Verifies electrical safety and correctness prior to applying grid voltage.