Off-Grid Solar Energy Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Panel Types and Ratings

Compares monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies. Enables informed panel selection based on efficiency and cost trade-offs.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Effect Explained

Explains semiconductor physics behind PV cells. Links atomic-level behavior to measurable panel output.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and seasonal variation. Provides the physical baseline needed to evaluate any site's energy potential.

Lesson 1 • Core Components Overview

Introduces solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters as a system. Establishes component roles before deep-dive chapters.

Lesson 2 • Safety and Standards Overview

Surveys electrical safety rules, grounding requirements, and relevant installation standards. Establishes a safety mindset before hands-on work begins.

Lesson 3 • System Sizing Concepts

Introduces load analysis and days-of-autonomy as sizing drivers. Prepares students for detailed sizing calculations in later chapters.

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

Contrasts standalone and utility-connected designs. Clarifies why off-grid systems require dedicated storage and backup strategies.

Lesson 1 • Load Profiling and Demand Patterns

Analyzes when loads operate to identify peak demand windows. Profiles inform battery sizing and inverter capacity decisions.

Lesson 2 • Building the Energy Budget Document

Compiles load data into a formal energy budget used throughout design. Students produce a document that drives all subsequent sizing steps.

Lesson 3 • Calculating Daily Energy Demand

Converts load inventory into watt-hour totals per day. Introduces efficiency derating factors that affect real-world demand.

Lesson 4 • Conducting a Load Inventory

Guides systematic identification of all electrical loads. Accurate inventory prevents undersized systems and wasted capital.

Lesson 1 • Roof and Ground Mount Site Evaluation

Assesses structural capacity, orientation, and tilt options for panel placement. Determines the best mounting location and configuration for maximum yield.

Lesson 2 • Site Survey Documentation

Standardizes data collection during a physical site visit. Proper documentation prevents design errors and supports permitting.

Lesson 3 • Solar Resource Data Sources

Surveys databases and tools that provide irradiance data by location. Accurate resource data is the foundation of reliable energy yield estimates.

Lesson 1 • Battery Bank Sizing

Applies autonomy requirements and DoD limits to calculate bank size. Produces a battery specification tied directly to the energy budget.

Lesson 2 • Key Battery Specifications

Explains capacity, depth of discharge, C-rate, and cycle life. Students interpret datasheets to compare batteries accurately.

Lesson 3 • Battery Management Systems

Covers BMS functions including cell balancing, protection, and monitoring. Explains how BMS integration affects system safety and longevity.

Lesson 4 • Battery Chemistry Comparison

Compares lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate, and other chemistries. Enables chemistry selection based on cost, cycle life, and application.

Lesson 1 • Charge Controller Types and Operation

Compares PWM and MPPT controllers and their operating principles. MPPT advantages justify its use in most off-grid designs.

Lesson 2 • MPPT Configuration and Settings

Walks through programming charge profiles, absorption voltage, and float voltage. Correct settings protect batteries and maximize charge acceptance.

Lesson 3 • Inverter Types and Selection

Distinguishes modified sine wave, pure sine wave, and inverter-chargers. Guides selection based on load sensitivity and backup charging needs.

Lesson 4 • Inverter Sizing and Configuration

Calculates required inverter capacity from peak load demand. Covers wiring, transfer switch integration, and startup configuration.

Lesson 1 • Wire Sizing and Voltage Drop

Applies ampacity tables and voltage drop limits to select conductors. Correct wire sizing prevents overheating and efficiency losses.

Lesson 2 • PV Array Sizing Calculations

Calculates required array power from energy budget and peak sun hours. Accounts for system losses to determine installed panel capacity.

Lesson 3 • Overcurrent Protection and Disconnects

Specifies fuses, breakers, and disconnect switches for each circuit segment. Proper protection ensures safe isolation and fault clearing.

Lesson 4 • Design Documentation Package

Assembles single-line diagrams, equipment schedules, and specifications. Complete documentation supports permitting, installation, and future maintenance.

Lesson 1 • System Commissioning Procedures

Verifies voltage, polarity, and settings before full energization. Commissioning confirms the system performs to design specifications.

Lesson 2 • Mounting System Installation

Covers roof and ground mount assembly, flashing, and structural attachment. Proper mounting prevents water intrusion and wind-load failures.

Lesson 3 • Fault Diagnosis and Repair

Applies systematic diagnostic methods to identify and resolve system faults. Rapid, accurate diagnosis minimizes energy downtime for the end user.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Installation Sequence

Sequences wiring tasks to minimize live-circuit exposure. Correct sequence prevents equipment damage during initial energization.