Off Grid Solar PV Design Course

Lesson 1 • From Cells to Modules and Arrays

Describes how cells are interconnected into modules and modules into arrays, including series and parallel configurations. Prepares learners for array design and electrical calculations.

Lesson 2 • Solar Radiation and the Sun's Energy

Covers solar irradiance, spectral distribution, and how atmospheric conditions affect energy availability. Establishes the resource basis for all subsequent system sizing work.

Lesson 3 • Energy Conversion Efficiency Concepts

Defines system efficiency, performance ratio, and capacity factor for PV systems. Provides metrics used throughout the course to evaluate and compare designs.

Lesson 4 • PV Cell Technologies and Materials

Surveys monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and emerging cell types with their efficiency and cost trade-offs. Guides technology selection decisions in later design chapters.

Lesson 1 • PV Modules and Array Mounting

Covers module selection criteria, mounting structure types, and orientation strategies for off-grid sites. Links module choice and placement to energy harvest optimisation.

Lesson 2 • Battery Storage Technologies

Surveys lead-acid, lithium-ion, and alternative battery chemistries with key performance parameters. Provides the knowledge base for battery bank sizing in the next chapter.

Lesson 3 • Wiring, Protection, and Balance of System

Identifies cables, fuses, circuit breakers, disconnects, and earthing components that complete the system. Establishes safety and reliability foundations before electrical design begins.

Lesson 4 • Inverters and Power Conversion Units

Covers pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters, inverter-chargers, and bidirectional converters for off-grid use. Connects inverter selection to load compatibility and system voltage.

Lesson 5 • Overview of Autonomous PV System Types

Distinguishes standalone, hybrid, and DC-coupled off-grid configurations by load type and backup strategy. Sets the architectural context for component selection throughout the chapter.

Lesson 1 • Calculating Daily Energy Consumption

Applies watt-hour calculations to each load using daily usage hours to derive total daily demand. This figure is the primary input for array and battery sizing.

Lesson 2 • Load Profiling and Peak Demand

Constructs hourly load profiles to identify peak demand periods and coincident load patterns. Peak demand data drives inverter and wire sizing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Site Assessment and Data Collection

Covers field survey techniques, shading analysis tools, and solar resource data sources for a specific site. Accurate site data ensures sizing calculations reflect real-world conditions.

Lesson 4 • Identifying and Cataloging Electrical Loads

Teaches systematic inventory of all AC and DC loads, including appliances, lighting, and motors. Accurate load lists are the direct input to energy demand calculations.

Lesson 1 • Calculating Required Array Power

Derives required array watt-peak from daily energy demand, system efficiency, and peak sun hours. This calculation determines the minimum array size before module selection.

Lesson 2 • Sizing Methodology Overview

Introduces the peak sun hour method and loss-adjusted sizing approach as the framework for array calculations. Establishes the logical flow used in all subsequent sizing steps.

Lesson 3 • Array Tilt and Orientation Optimisation

Applies tilt angle formulas and azimuth guidelines to maximise annual or worst-month energy harvest. Optimisation decisions are documented as part of the design deliverable.

Lesson 4 • Module Selection and String Configuration

Selects modules based on voltage compatibility and configures series-parallel strings to meet array power and voltage requirements. Directly determines the physical array layout.

Lesson 1 • Charge and Discharge Rate Considerations

Explains C-rate effects on usable capacity and how charge current limits affect recharge time. Ensures the array and controller can fully recharge the bank within the design window.

Lesson 2 • Battery Maintenance and State Monitoring

Covers equalisation charging, electrolyte maintenance, and state-of-charge monitoring methods. Proper maintenance practices extend battery life and preserve system reliability.

Lesson 3 • Autonomy Days and Storage Requirements

Defines days of autonomy, calculates required usable energy storage, and accounts for depth-of-discharge limits. This calculation sets the minimum battery bank capacity.

Lesson 4 • Battery Bank Configuration

Configures series and parallel battery connections to achieve the required system voltage and total capacity. Correct configuration prevents imbalance and premature failure.

Lesson 1 • Single-Line Diagrams and Wiring Schematics

Teaches drafting of single-line diagrams and detailed wiring schematics using standard symbols and notation. Complete drawings are required deliverables for installation and inspection.

Lesson 2 • Wire Sizing and Voltage Drop Calculations

Applies ampacity tables and voltage drop formulas to size conductors for each circuit segment. Correctly sized wires prevent overheating and maintain system performance.

Lesson 3 • System Voltage Selection and DC Architecture

Guides selection of 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V system voltage based on load power and cable run length. System voltage choice affects all downstream wiring and component selections.

Lesson 4 • Overcurrent Protection and Disconnects

Specifies fuses and circuit breakers for array, battery, and load circuits based on conductor and component ratings. Protection devices prevent fire and equipment damage under fault conditions.

Lesson 1 • Module Installation and Array Wiring

Covers safe module handling, mechanical attachment, and MC4 connector wiring for series and parallel strings. Proper wiring sequence prevents arc faults and ensures correct polarity.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning, Testing, and Handover

Executes pre-energisation checks, functional tests, and performance verification before system handover. Documented commissioning results confirm the system meets design specifications.

Lesson 3 • Mounting Structure Installation

Details anchor installation, racking assembly, and structural alignment for roof, ground, and pole mounts. Correct mounting ensures structural integrity and optimal module orientation.

Lesson 4 • Installation Planning and Safety Preparation

Covers pre-installation site review, tool and material staging, and electrical safety protocols for PV work. Thorough planning prevents delays, rework, and safety incidents on site.

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Tools and Test Equipment

Covers multimeters, clamp meters, I-V curve tracers, and thermal imaging cameras used in PV diagnostics. Correct tool selection and use are prerequisites for accurate fault diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Component Replacement and System Upgrades

Guides safe replacement of failed modules, batteries, and controllers, and evaluates capacity expansion options. Proper replacement procedures maintain system integrity and warranty compliance.

Lesson 3 • Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis

Uses monitoring systems to track energy yield, battery state, and system efficiency against design targets. Data analysis identifies degradation trends before they cause failures.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Programmes

Establishes inspection intervals, cleaning procedures, and component checks for long-term system health. Preventive maintenance reduces unplanned downtime and extends component life.