Photovoltaic System Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and seasonal variation. Provides the energy-source context needed for all subsequent PV calculations.

Lesson 2 • Semiconductor Physics Basics

Introduces band theory, doping, and p-n junctions. These concepts directly explain how PV cells generate voltage and current.

Lesson 3 • Photovoltaic Effect Explained

Details photon absorption, electron-hole pair generation, and charge separation. Links semiconductor physics to measurable electrical output.

Lesson 1 • Types of PV Cell Technologies

Surveys monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and emerging cell types. Establishes efficiency and cost trade-offs central to technology selection.

Lesson 2 • Module Construction and Components

Explains encapsulants, glass, backsheets, frames, and junction boxes. Understanding construction informs durability assessment and installation decisions.

Lesson 3 • Reading and Interpreting Datasheets

Teaches extraction of Pmax, Voc, Isc, Vmp, and Imp from manufacturer datasheets. Accurate datasheet reading is prerequisite to system sizing.

Lesson 4 • Module Performance and Degradation

Covers light-induced degradation, potential-induced degradation, and soiling. Students can predict long-term energy yield and plan maintenance schedules.

Lesson 1 • Inverters: Types and Functions

Covers string, central, micro, and hybrid inverters including MPPT operation. Inverter selection directly determines energy harvest and grid compliance.

Lesson 2 • Mounting and Racking Systems

Reviews rooftop, ground-mount, and tracking structures. Structural compatibility and orientation directly affect energy yield and installation cost.

Lesson 3 • Balance of System Components

Identifies wiring, combiners, disconnects, meters, and monitoring devices. BOS components affect safety, code compliance, and system reliability.

Lesson 4 • System Types and Configurations

Distinguishes grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid systems. Configuration choice drives all subsequent component selection and design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Solar Resource Data and Tools

Introduces irradiance databases, satellite data, and TMY datasets. Accurate resource data is the foundation of reliable energy yield estimates.

Lesson 2 • Site Assessment Report Preparation

Structures findings into a professional deliverable covering resource, shading, and constraints. Report quality directly affects client confidence and project approval.

Lesson 3 • Roof and Site Evaluation

Covers structural assessment, orientation, tilt, and available area. Physical site constraints determine feasible system size and layout.

Lesson 4 • Shading Analysis Techniques

Teaches horizon profiling, sun path diagrams, and shading simulation tools. Shading is the leading cause of underperformance in installed systems.

Lesson 1 • Design Documentation and Drawings

Produces single-line diagrams, layout drawings, and equipment schedules. Complete documentation is required for permitting, inspection, and contractor bidding.

Lesson 2 • Inverter and BOS Sizing

Matches inverter capacity to array output and selects appropriately rated BOS components. Proper sizing ensures safe operation and maximizes energy harvest.

Lesson 3 • Battery Storage Sizing

Calculates required storage capacity based on autonomy days and load profiles. Correct battery sizing balances cost, cycle life, and reliability targets.

Lesson 4 • Array Sizing Calculations

Determines required array capacity using peak sun hours and system losses. Sizing accuracy directly controls project economics and client satisfaction.

Lesson 1 • Performance Monitoring and KPIs

Sets up monitoring dashboards and defines key performance indicators for ongoing tracking. Continuous monitoring enables early fault detection and yield optimization.

Lesson 2 • Specific Yield and Capacity Factor

Defines specific yield (kWh/kWp) and capacity factor as design quality indicators. These metrics enable comparison across different system sizes and locations.

Lesson 3 • Loss Factors and Performance Ratio

Identifies and quantifies soiling, wiring, mismatch, and inverter losses. Performance ratio is the primary metric for comparing system quality across sites.

Lesson 4 • Uncertainty and P-Value Analysis

Explains P50, P90, and P99 yield estimates and their role in project financing. Lenders require probabilistic yield estimates before approving project loans.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Installation Procedures

Details racking attachment, module placement, and torque specifications. Correct mechanical installation prevents structural failures and warranty voidance.

Lesson 2 • Inspection, Permitting, and Interconnection

Navigates the permit application, authority inspection, and utility interconnection process. Approval milestones control project timeline and revenue start date.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Wiring and Connections

Covers conductor routing, connector crimping, conduit installation, and labeling. Proper wiring ensures safety, code compliance, and long-term reliability.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning and Startup Testing

Defines pre-energization checks, insulation resistance tests, and inverter startup. Systematic commissioning catches wiring errors before they cause equipment damage.

Lesson 1 • Preventive Maintenance Programs

Defines inspection intervals, cleaning schedules, and component checks. Preventive maintenance maximizes uptime and protects long-term energy production guarantees.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Fault Diagnosis

Applies multimeter, clamp meter, and insulation tester to locate wiring faults. Correct instrument use and test sequence prevent misdiagnosis and repeat failures.

Lesson 3 • Corrective Actions and Component Replacement

Covers safe module swap, inverter replacement, and battery servicing procedures. Proper corrective procedures restore yield while maintaining safety and warranty compliance.

Lesson 4 • Performance Analysis and Fault Detection

Uses monitoring data and performance ratios to identify underperforming strings or modules. Data-driven fault detection reduces diagnostic time and revenue loss.