Photovoltaic Energy Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Resource Assessment

Teaches measurement of solar resource using irradiance data, databases, and meteorological inputs. Enables accurate energy yield estimation from the start.

Lesson 2 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and extraterrestrial radiation. Provides the energy source context required for all subsequent PV analysis.

Lesson 3 • The Photovoltaic Effect

Explains photon absorption, electron-hole pair creation, and charge separation at the p-n junction. Directly links physics to electrical output.

Lesson 1 • Thin-Film Cell Technologies

Covers CdTe, CIGS, and amorphous silicon deposition methods and performance trade-offs. Expands the technology palette beyond crystalline silicon.

Lesson 2 • Crystalline Silicon Cells

Details monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon manufacturing and efficiency ranges. Establishes the dominant commercial baseline for technology comparison.

Lesson 3 • Cell Performance Parameters

Defines Voc, Isc, fill factor, and efficiency under standard test conditions. Provides the metrics used throughout module and system analysis.

Lesson 1 • Module Construction and Encapsulation

Explains cell interconnection, encapsulant materials, glass, and frame assembly. Connects cell-level physics to the commercial product used in the field.

Lesson 2 • Array Configuration and Mismatch

Teaches series string and parallel branch design, mismatch effects, and bypass diode operation. Directly impacts array energy yield and reliability.

Lesson 3 • Shading Analysis and Mitigation

Addresses partial shading impacts on I-V curves and energy loss quantification. Introduces mitigation strategies including module-level power electronics.

Lesson 1 • Grid Connection Requirements

Covers anti-islanding protection, power quality standards, and grid synchronization. Ensures students understand regulatory and safety requirements for grid-tied systems.

Lesson 2 • Maximum Power Point Tracking

Details MPPT algorithms including perturb-and-observe and incremental conductance. Explains how MPPT maximizes energy harvest under varying conditions.

Lesson 3 • Inverter Fundamentals

Explains DC-to-AC conversion, switching devices, and pulse-width modulation. Establishes the electrical engineering basis for all inverter selection decisions.

Lesson 4 • Inverter Topologies and Types

Compares string, central, microinverter, and power optimizer topologies by scale and application. Guides topology selection for different system sizes.

Lesson 1 • Load Analysis and Energy Demand

Quantifies electrical loads, consumption profiles, and demand patterns for residential and commercial sites. Forms the demand-side basis for all sizing calculations.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical Layout and Mounting

Covers roof and ground-mount racking, tilt angle optimization, and structural load considerations. Integrates mechanical design with electrical performance goals.

Lesson 3 • Energy Yield Simulation

Uses simulation software to model annual energy production with weather data and loss factors. Validates the design before procurement and installation.

Lesson 4 • Balance of System Components

Identifies wiring, combiners, disconnects, meters, and monitoring hardware. Ensures students account for all non-module, non-inverter system elements.

Lesson 1 • Battery Technology Overview

Compares lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow battery chemistries by energy density, cycle life, and cost. Establishes the technology basis for storage selection.

Lesson 2 • Hybrid System Control Strategies

Covers self-consumption maximization, time-of-use shifting, and backup priority control logic. Connects storage hardware to intelligent energy management outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Battery Management Systems

Explains cell balancing, state-of-charge estimation, and protection functions of a BMS. Ensures safe and optimal battery operation within the PV system.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Installation Procedures

Details racking assembly, module mounting, torque specifications, and weatherproofing. Ensures structural integrity and long-term reliability of the installed array.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning and Testing

Applies open-circuit voltage checks, insulation resistance tests, and functional inverter startup. Confirms system safety and performance before grid connection.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Wiring and Connections

Covers conductor sizing, connector crimping, conduit routing, and labeling requirements. Produces a safe and code-compliant electrical installation.

Lesson 1 • Degradation and Long-Term Yield

Quantifies annual degradation rates, soiling losses, and long-term energy production forecasts. Supports asset management decisions over the system's full lifetime.

Lesson 2 • Corrective Maintenance and Reporting

Covers repair procedures, spare parts management, and O&M reporting for asset owners. Closes the loop between fault detection and documented resolution.

Lesson 3 • Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Uses I-V curve tracing, thermal imaging, and monitoring alerts to locate and classify faults. Restores system output efficiently with systematic diagnostic methods.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Practices

Schedules cleaning, visual inspections, torque checks, and vegetation management tasks. Prevents performance degradation and extends equipment service life.