Solar PV System Installation and Maintenance Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory Framework and Permitting

Explains building, electrical, and utility interconnection permit processes and applicable standards. Regulatory compliance protects installers, clients, and grid operators.

Lesson 2 • Fall Protection and Roof Safety

Addresses harness systems, anchor points, and ladder safety for rooftop PV installation. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the solar installation trade.

Lesson 3 • Environmental and Waste Management

Covers responsible disposal of modules, batteries, and hazardous materials at end of life. Environmental compliance reduces liability and supports sustainability goals.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Safety for PV Installers

Covers lockout/tagout, arc flash hazards, and personal protective equipment for PV DC and AC circuits. Electrical hazards are present even when inverters are off.

Lesson 1 • PV Cell and Module Technologies

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies by efficiency and cost. Enables informed module selection for diverse applications.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Cell Physics

Explains the photoelectric effect and p-n junction operation. Links semiconductor behaviour to practical cell output characteristics.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and Energy Basics

Covers solar irradiance, sun angles, and seasonal variation. Provides the physics foundation needed to evaluate site potential and system sizing.

Lesson 1 • Battery Storage Systems

Examines lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow battery chemistries for energy storage. Connects storage selection to autonomy requirements and cycle life.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Communication Devices

Introduces data loggers, revenue-grade meters, and remote monitoring platforms. Connects monitoring hardware to ongoing performance verification.

Lesson 3 • Balance of System Components

Details charge controllers, combiners, disconnects, and wiring hardware. Ensures students can specify all BOS components for a complete system.

Lesson 4 • Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Architectures

Compares system topologies, anti-islanding requirements, and utility interconnection points. Builds ability to design the correct architecture for each application.

Lesson 1 • Design Documentation and Permitting Drawings

Covers single-line diagrams, site plans, and equipment schedules required for permit submission. Proper documentation accelerates approval and reduces rework.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Load Assessment

Teaches energy audit methods and load profile construction for residential and commercial clients. Load data directly drives array and storage sizing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Array Sizing and String Design

Applies irradiance data and load requirements to calculate array size and string configurations. Ensures voltage and current stay within inverter operating windows.

Lesson 4 • Design Software and Simulation Tools

Introduces industry-standard simulation platforms for energy yield modelling. Simulation outputs validate design assumptions before procurement.

Lesson 1 • Labelling, Signage, and Inspection Readiness

Details required labels, warning signs, and conductor markings for PV systems. Correct labelling is compulsory for inspection approval and emergency responder safety.

Lesson 2 • Grounding, Bonding, and Surge Protection

Explains equipment grounding, array bonding, and transient voltage suppression. Proper grounding protects personnel and equipment from fault currents and lightning.

Lesson 3 • DC Wiring Fundamentals

Covers PV source circuit wiring, conductor ampacity, and voltage drop calculations. DC wiring errors are the most common cause of system failures and fires.

Lesson 4 • Overcurrent Protection and Disconnects

Covers fuse and breaker selection, rapid shutdown requirements, and disconnect placement. Correct protection devices prevent equipment damage and enable safe servicing.

Lesson 1 • Ground Mount and Carport Systems

Covers driven pile, concrete pier, and helical anchor foundations for ground arrays. Ground mounts offer optimal tilt but require soil assessment and permitting.

Lesson 2 • Flat Roof and Ballasted Systems

Addresses ballasted tilt-frame design, wind uplift calculations, and membrane protection. Ballasted systems avoid penetrations but require careful weight distribution.

Lesson 3 • Pitched Roof Racking Systems

Covers rail-based and rail-free mounting hardware, flashing, and lag bolt installation. Proper attachment prevents leaks and ensures wind and snow load resistance.

Lesson 4 • Module Handling and Array Assembly

Teaches safe module lifting, placement sequencing, and torque specifications for final assembly. Proper handling prevents cell micro-cracking and warranty voidance.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Energization Inspection and Testing

Covers visual inspection, continuity testing, and insulation resistance measurement before energising. Pre-energisation checks prevent equipment damage during first startup.

Lesson 2 • Inverter Startup and Configuration

Guides inverter initialisation, grid parameter setting, and communication setup. Correct configuration ensures safe grid interaction and accurate monitoring data.

Lesson 3 • Commissioning Documentation and Handover

Covers as-built drawings, test records, and client handover procedures. Complete documentation supports warranty claims and future maintenance activities.

Lesson 4 • Performance Ratio and Yield Verification

Applies performance ratio calculations and compares measured output to simulated yield. Deviations indicate installation errors or equipment issues requiring correction.

Lesson 1 • Inverter and BOS Fault Diagnosis

Interprets inverter fault codes, checks BOS components, and restores normal operation. Systematic fault isolation minimises downtime and revenue loss.

Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Defines inspection intervals, cleaning protocols, and component service tasks. Scheduled maintenance maximises energy yield and extends system service life.

Lesson 3 • Battery System Maintenance

Addresses battery state-of-health testing, electrolyte checks, and terminal maintenance. Battery health directly affects system autonomy and backup reliability.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

Applies drone-based thermography, electroluminescence imaging, and data analytics for fault detection. Advanced tools reduce diagnostic time on large commercial arrays.