Solar PV Boot Camp 6-Day
The Solar PV Boot Camp uses a blended mix of instructor-led training, hands-on labs, and computer-based software tools. You will learn solar-electric system design, installation, and safety procedures, plus business and industry topics important for professionals new to photovoltaics.
Our hands-on solar training labs cover the common steps of a residential solar electric retrofit. You will wire up inverters from a variety of manufacturers and mount solar panels on racking systems with roof penetrations and panel attachments. You will learn how to work with DC disconnects, inverters, AC disconnects, and load center/service panels to tie in with the utility. We will also demonstrate the connection of a live solar array feeding power into the grid. The techniques of PV financial estimation and system sizing & placement are taught using a combination of hands-on tools and software on Internet-connected PCs at each student's desk.
Course Includes
Your tuition fee includes instruction, materials, text book, examination fee, labs and daily catered lunch on all 6 days. All students receive a course completion certificate on the last day. Students who pass the certification exam on the last day are also awarded the CleanEdison Certified Solar PV Professional certification.
Prerequisites
This event is optimized for architects, engineers, licensed or journeyman electricians, general contractors, and other home-improvement contractors.
Testimonials
The Solar Boot Camp was extremely well-planned and executed, equipping its students with the tools to implement technical skills in this industry. The teachers applied the topics in a practical manner related to their combined real-life experiences lending creditability to the course. Hands-on lab work with top of the line components provided an extremely realistic learning environment. Paul H.
Syllabus
INTRO TO PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
- Introduction to Solar Energy and PV Systems
- Overview of Solar Industry
- PV Systems Grid-Tie and Off-grid
- Electricity Basics
- Power, Energy and Electricity
- Hands-on Lab: Measuring AC power
- Electricity Arithmetic
- PV System Components and Configurations
- Solar panels, inverters, mounting, BOS
- Solar Energy Fundamentals
- Sun - earth relationship, sun path
- Hands-on Lab: Orientation and tilt
- Hands-on Lab: The power of the sun, in Watts
SYSTEM DESIGN
- Solar Site Survey
- The elements of site survey
- Hands-on Lab: Site analysis. Roof measurement and Site Worksheet
- PV System Sizing
- Grid-Tie Systems
- Site factors affect performance
- Sizing the PV System, using manual and online tools
- Economic Analysis
- System Cost
- Payback/ROI
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
- Electrical Integration
- Safety of DC and AC Power
- The main electrical components
- Hands-on Lab: Assemble Balance of System (BOS)
- Wire sizing, specifications and rating DC and AC
- Utility Integration
- Breaker sizing and the 120% Rule
- Utility and code regulations
- Next day objectives, homework
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A PV SYSTEM
- PV cells, modules and arrays
- All about solar cells and modules
- Modules specifications: Watts, Voc, Isc, Vnominal
- IV curves, Series and parallel array circuits
- Hands-on Lab: Open circuit and IV curves
- Inverters
- Operation and Efficiency
- Model and size, Specifications
- Online sizing and performance tools
- Mechanical Integration
- Mounting Systems Options for Roof and Ground
- Roof loading Performance issues
- Hands-on Lab: Roof mount
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
- Commissioning, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
- Commissioning - Starting it up
- Maintenance, service, Trouble shooting common situations
- Performance Monitoring
- Permitting
- Jurisdiction and authority
- National Electrical Code NEC
- Safety (again)
- Live Installation
- Lab: Connect PV array to BOS and utility power
OFF-GRID SYSTEMS
- Off-grid and remote power applications
- Batteries and charge controllers
- Back-up, Hybrid and Bimodal systems
THE BUSINESS OF SOLAR
- Energy and the Economy
- The Solar Industry
- Project Financials: Rebates, Tax Credits, Financing
- Know the Market for PV
- Your Business
- Sales
- The Sales Process
- Closing the Sale
- Tracking Leads and Customers
- Estimates, Contracts and Proposals
- Marketing
- Define and reach your customers
- Marketing strategies
- Next steps
- Evaluation
CEU Credits
This course meets the education criteria for NABCEP certification.
