Solar PV Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Types of Solar Cells and Panels

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies by efficiency and application. Guides material selection decisions throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Effect and Energy Conversion

Explains how semiconductors convert photons into electrical current. Establishes the physics basis required for all subsequent assembly and troubleshooting work.

Lesson 3 • Solar Panel Anatomy and Specifications

Identifies every physical layer and electrical parameter of a standard panel. Provides the vocabulary needed to read datasheets and perform assembly tasks.

Lesson 1 • Hand Tools and Measuring Instruments

Introduces torque wrenches, crimping tools, multimeters, and clamp meters used in assembly. Proper calibration and handling ensure accurate measurements throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Laminator and Autoclave Operation

Explains vacuum laminator cycles, temperature profiles, and pressure settings for panel encapsulation. Safe machine operation is prerequisite to the lamination assembly stage.

Lesson 3 • Workplace Organisation and Material Handling

Covers 5S principles, ESD precautions, and safe glass panel transport. An organised workspace reduces defects and injuries during all assembly operations.

Lesson 4 • Personal Protective Equipment and Hazards

Covers electrical, chemical, and fall hazards specific to solar work environments. Correct PPE selection prevents injury during every subsequent hands-on activity.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Testing of Cell Strings

Measures open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of each string to confirm performance. Early electrical verification prevents defective strings from entering lamination.

Lesson 2 • Cell String Layout and Interconnection

Covers string length planning, cell spacing, and cross-ribbon soldering to form complete strings. Correct layout ensures uniform current flow and fits the panel frame dimensions.

Lesson 3 • Cell Sorting and Quality Grading

Teaches electroluminescence and visual inspection methods to grade cells by efficiency and defect class. Consistent grading prevents mismatched cells from degrading string output.

Lesson 1 • Trimming and Edge Finishing

Removes excess encapsulant and backsheet material and inspects edges for delamination. Clean edges are required before framing and junction box installation.

Lesson 2 • Lamination Quality Inspection

Uses electroluminescence imaging and peel tests to verify lamination quality. Identifying defects at this stage prevents costly rework after framing.

Lesson 3 • Lamination Cycle Execution

Runs the vacuum laminator through heating, crosslinking, and cooling phases to encapsulate the panel. Correct cycle parameters ensure full EVA cure and bubble-free encapsulation.

Lesson 4 • String Placement and Layup Assembly

Positions cell strings on the front EVA layer with correct spacing, polarity, and bus wire routing. Accurate placement determines the panel's electrical and mechanical integrity.

Lesson 1 • Junction Box Mounting and Wiring

Attaches the junction box to the backsheet, routes bus wires, and solders connections to bypass diode terminals. Proper sealing prevents moisture ingress that causes corrosion.

Lesson 2 • Final Electrical and Visual Inspection

Performs open-circuit voltage, insulation resistance, and wet leakage tests on the completed panel. All results are recorded against datasheet specifications before the panel is released.

Lesson 3 • Aluminium Frame Preparation and Installation

Covers frame cutting, corner key insertion, and silicone sealant application before pressing the laminate into the frame. Correct framing provides structural rigidity and weatherproofing.

Lesson 1 • Inverter Connection and System Commissioning

Connects the DC array to the inverter, verifies input parameters, and performs initial power-on checks. Successful commissioning confirms the system is ready for performance monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Series and Parallel String Configuration

Explains how series wiring increases voltage and parallel wiring increases current to match inverter input requirements. Students calculate string sizing for given system specifications.

Lesson 3 • DC Wiring and Cable Management

Covers UV-rated cable selection, conduit routing, and connector mating in the field. Proper cable management reduces resistive losses and protects wiring from mechanical damage.

Lesson 4 • Combiner Box and Overcurrent Protection

Installs string fuses, surge protection devices, and disconnect switches inside the combiner box. Correct protection sizing prevents fire and equipment damage under fault conditions.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Performance Testing in the Field

Measures I-V curves, string voltages, and insulation resistance to quantify performance degradation. Field data is compared to baseline commissioning values to identify underperforming strings.

Lesson 2 • Connector and Wiring Maintenance

Inspects connectors for corrosion, moisture ingress, and improper mating, then cleans or replaces as needed. Connector integrity directly affects system safety and energy yield.

Lesson 3 • Visual and Thermal Inspection Techniques

Uses infrared thermography and visual inspection to detect hot spots, delamination, and discolouration. Early defect detection prevents catastrophic failures and fire hazards.

Lesson 4 • Panel Cleaning Methods and Frequency

Compares dry brushing, deionised water washing, and automated cleaning systems for soiling removal. Correct cleaning frequency and technique prevent micro-scratches and output losses.

Lesson 1 • Inverter and Balance-of-System Faults

Diagnoses inverter error codes, MPPT faults, and communication failures that reduce system output. Resolving balance-of-system faults restores full array performance.

Lesson 2 • Fault Classification and Diagnostic Framework

Categorises faults by type—open circuit, short circuit, ground fault, and degradation—and maps each to diagnostic tools. A structured framework reduces diagnostic time and misdiagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Hot Spot and Bypass Diode Failures

Diagnoses hot spots caused by shading, cracked cells, or failed bypass diodes using thermal imaging and I-V analysis. Correct repair prevents fire risk and restores string output.

Lesson 4 • Post-Repair Testing and Documentation

Verifies repaired systems with I-V curve testing, insulation resistance checks, and performance ratio comparison. Complete documentation supports warranty claims and future maintenance planning.