Solar Engineer Course

Lesson 1 • Energy Units and Key Metrics

Defines watts, watt-hours, peak sun hours, and capacity factor. Ensures consistent unit usage across design, reporting, and financial analysis tasks.

Lesson 2 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar spectrum, irradiance, and how Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight. Provides the physical baseline for all energy yield calculations in later sections.

Lesson 3 • Photovoltaic Effect Explained

Explains semiconductor physics behind electron-hole pair generation. Links atomic-level behavior to measurable current and voltage output.

Lesson 4 • Solar Thermal Energy Basics

Introduces flat-plate and evacuated-tube collectors alongside concentrating thermal systems. Distinguishes thermal from photovoltaic pathways for energy conversion.

Lesson 1 • Module Degradation and Reliability

Examines LID, PID, delamination, and soiling as degradation mechanisms. Reliability knowledge supports warranty evaluation and long-term yield forecasting.

Lesson 2 • Cell Technologies Compared

Surveys monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and emerging cell types. Efficiency, cost, and degradation trade-offs guide technology selection decisions.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Characteristics of Modules

Interprets I-V and P-V curves, STC ratings, and temperature coefficients. These parameters are essential inputs for system design and performance modeling.

Lesson 4 • Module Selection for Applications

Applies efficiency, form factor, and temperature performance criteria to real project constraints. Connects technology knowledge to procurement and design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Inverter Types and Functions

Covers string, central, microinverter, and power optimizer topologies with their trade-offs. Inverter selection drives system efficiency, monitoring capability, and cost.

Lesson 2 • Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Architectures

Contrasts grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid system topologies with their component requirements. Architecture choice determines permitting path, reliability design, and cost structure.

Lesson 3 • Battery Storage Integration

Introduces lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow battery chemistries alongside charge controllers. Storage architecture determines self-consumption rates and backup capability.

Lesson 4 • Wiring, Combiners, and Disconnects

Specifies DC and AC wiring, combiner boxes, fuses, and disconnect switches. Proper component selection ensures safety, code compliance, and minimal resistive losses.

Lesson 1 • Off-Grid and Hybrid Sizing

Sizes battery banks, backup generators, and arrays for autonomous or hybrid operation. Autonomy days and depth-of-discharge targets drive off-grid design decisions.

Lesson 2 • Load Analysis and Energy Auditing

Analyzes utility bills, appliance inventories, and demand profiles to define energy needs. Load data anchors system sizing and storage capacity calculations.

Lesson 3 • Site Survey Methodology

Covers roof condition inspection, shading analysis, and structural load verification. Systematic surveys prevent costly redesigns and installation delays.

Lesson 4 • PV System Sizing Calculations

Applies peak sun hours, system losses, and load data to determine array and inverter size. Sizing accuracy directly affects financial performance and customer satisfaction.

Lesson 1 • Yield Uncertainty and P-Values

Applies statistical methods to express P50, P90, and P99 production estimates. Lenders and investors require probabilistic yield outputs for project financing.

Lesson 2 • Irradiance Transposition Models

Compares isotropic, Perez, and Hay-Davies transposition models for tilted surfaces. Model selection affects yield accuracy, especially at high latitudes and low tilt angles.

Lesson 3 • Temperature and Soiling Loss Modeling

Quantifies thermal derating and soiling losses using climate and environmental data. Accurate loss modeling prevents overestimation of annual energy delivery.

Lesson 4 • Performance Modeling Fundamentals

Introduces loss cascade methodology and key performance ratio metrics. Understanding the loss chain enables engineers to identify and reduce yield gaps.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Safety Practices

Applies lockout/tagout, arc-flash analysis, and PPE selection to PV work environments. Safety compliance protects workers and reduces liability for employers.

Lesson 2 • Grounding and Bonding Requirements

Explains equipment grounding, system grounding, and bonding conductor sizing. Correct grounding prevents shock hazards and reduces lightning damage risk.

Lesson 3 • Single-Line Diagram Development

Teaches creation of SLDs showing all components, ratings, and interconnections. SLDs are required for permitting, inspection, and utility interconnection applications.

Lesson 4 • PV Electrical Design Principles

Covers voltage, current, and power calculations for series and parallel string configurations. Correct electrical design prevents equipment damage and ensures safe operation.

Lesson 1 • Commissioning and Testing Protocols

Applies insulation resistance, I-V curve, and functional tests to verify system integrity. Commissioning data forms the baseline for ongoing performance monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Installation Planning and Logistics

Covers crew scheduling, material staging, equipment delivery, and permit coordination. Effective planning reduces installation time and avoids costly on-site delays.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical Installation Procedures

Details racking attachment, module placement, and torque specifications for rooftop and ground systems. Correct mechanical installation ensures structural integrity and warranty compliance.

Lesson 4 • Quality Assurance and Inspection

Implements inspection checklists, photographic documentation, and defect remediation workflows. QA processes protect project owners and support warranty claims.

Lesson 1 • Preventive Maintenance Programs

Schedules cleaning, electrical inspections, and thermal imaging to sustain peak output. Preventive maintenance extends asset life and reduces unplanned downtime costs.

Lesson 2 • Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Applies systematic diagnostic methods to identify underperformance causes and equipment faults. Fast, accurate diagnosis minimizes energy loss and repair costs.

Lesson 3 • Monitoring Systems and Data Analysis

Configures inverter monitoring, data loggers, and performance dashboards for ongoing oversight. Continuous monitoring enables rapid fault detection and performance optimization.

Lesson 4 • Incentives, Tariffs, and Contracts

Surveys net metering, feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and power purchase agreement structures. Policy and contract knowledge maximizes project revenue and reduces financial risk.