Solar Power Generation Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Cell Types and Materials

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies by efficiency and cost. Guides material selection decisions in later design chapters.

Lesson 2 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and how Earth's atmosphere affects energy delivery. Provides the physical baseline for all subsequent energy calculations.

Lesson 3 • Key Electrical Parameters of Cells

Defines Voc, Isc, fill factor, and efficiency metrics used to evaluate cell performance. These parameters recur throughout system sizing and troubleshooting.

Lesson 1 • Inverters: Types and Functions

Covers string, microinverter, and power optimizer topologies and their DC-to-AC conversion roles. Inverter choice directly affects system yield and monitoring capability.

Lesson 2 • Battery Storage Equipment

Introduces lead-acid and lithium-ion battery technologies, charge controllers, and battery management systems. Storage integration is foundational for off-grid and hybrid designs.

Lesson 3 • PV Modules: Structure and Ratings

Examines module construction layers, STC ratings, and nameplate data interpretation. Connects cell-level knowledge to module-level specifications used in design.

Lesson 4 • Balance-of-System Components

Identifies wiring, combiners, disconnects, meters, and monitoring hardware. These components complete the electrical path and enable safe operation and data collection.

Lesson 1 • Solar Irradiance Measurement Tools

Covers pyranometers, pyrheliometers, and reference cells used to measure irradiance on-site. Accurate measurement underpins all energy yield predictions.

Lesson 2 • Solar Databases and Mapping Tools

Introduces satellite-derived irradiance databases and online mapping platforms for resource estimation. Remote data reduces site visit costs while maintaining acceptable accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Shading Analysis Techniques

Teaches horizon profiling, sun path diagrams, and software-based shading simulations. Shading losses are among the largest reducible energy losses in PV systems.

Lesson 1 • Overcurrent and Disconnect Design

Selects fuses, breakers, and disconnects sized to protect conductors and equipment. Protection devices are mandatory for safe and code-compliant installations.

Lesson 2 • Wire Sizing and Voltage Drop

Uses ampacity tables and voltage drop formulas to select conductor sizes. Proper wire sizing prevents overheating and maintains system efficiency.

Lesson 3 • String and Array Configuration

Applies voltage and current rules to configure modules in series and parallel strings. Correct string design ensures inverter compatibility and maximises performance.

Lesson 4 • Grounding and Bonding Requirements

Explains equipment grounding, system grounding, and bonding conductor sizing. Proper grounding protects personnel and equipment from fault currents and lightning.

Lesson 1 • Performance Ratio and PR Targets

Defines performance ratio as the key system quality metric and establishes realistic PR benchmarks. PR targets guide design decisions and contractual performance guarantees.

Lesson 2 • Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis

Tests how variations in irradiance data and loss assumptions affect predicted yield. Understanding uncertainty helps set realistic client expectations and financial projections.

Lesson 3 • Loss Factor Identification

Catalogues soiling, mismatch, wiring, and inverter losses that reduce system output below STC. Quantifying each loss enables targeted design improvements.

Lesson 1 • Inverter and AC Wiring Installation

Guides inverter mounting, DC input connection, and AC output wiring to the service panel. Correct inverter installation ensures safe grid interconnection.

Lesson 2 • Site Preparation and Safety

Covers fall protection, electrical hazard controls, and tool requirements before installation begins. Safety protocols prevent injuries and are legally required on job sites.

Lesson 3 • DC Wiring and Combiner Installation

Covers module-level wiring, connector crimping, and combiner box termination. Proper DC wiring prevents arc faults and ensures reliable current collection.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning and Pre-Energization Checks

Performs polarity checks, insulation resistance tests, and functional tests before energising. Commissioning verifies installation quality and prevents equipment damage at startup.

Lesson 1 • Inspection and Utility Approval Process

Walks through building inspection, electrical inspection, and utility witness test sequences. Passing inspections on the first attempt saves project time and cost.

Lesson 2 • Permitting and Plan Set Preparation

Outlines required drawings, specifications, and forms for building and electrical permit applications. A complete plan set accelerates permit approval and avoids costly resubmissions.

Lesson 3 • Net Metering and Billing Structures

Describes net metering, net billing, and feed-in tariff structures that determine customer compensation. Understanding billing structures is essential for accurate financial analysis.

Lesson 1 • Module and Inverter Replacement

Covers safe removal, replacement, and re-commissioning of failed modules and inverters. Correct replacement procedures restore system output without introducing new faults.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Applies IV curve tracing, thermal imaging, and multimeter tests to locate electrical faults. Systematic diagnosis reduces troubleshooting time and avoids unnecessary component replacement.

Lesson 3 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Defines inspection intervals, cleaning protocols, and component check procedures for long-term reliability. Consistent preventive maintenance maximises system lifetime and energy yield.

Lesson 4 • Performance Monitoring and Alerts

Uses monitoring dashboards, specific yield metrics, and alert thresholds to detect underperformance. Early detection of faults minimises energy loss and repair costs.