205 Solar Energy courses delivered Online

Students who complete the PV201L workshop will be able to: Perform power and energy calculations Obtain and apply specifications for PV modules and determine their performance given various environmental and operating conditions Safely operate various types of digital multimeters Diagram and determine the power, current, and voltage characteristics of PV modules in different series and parallel configurations Install various mounting systems (ground, pole, roof, and trackers). Decipher balance-of-system equipment specification sheets to determine the critical information needed for system design Install a residential grid-direct system including the array, inverter, circuit conductors, and overcurrent protection Safely operate equipment grounding, system grounding, and components and conductors used for grounding Work with wires and components on schematics of residential grid-direct systems: disconnects, inverter, equipment grounding conductors, ungrounded conductors, grounded conductors, the grounding electrode(s), and the AC and DC system grounds Identify potential safety hazards and demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment for working on grid-direct PV systems List the order of installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a grid-direct PV system Note: This class is a great complement to PV301L, the Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based).

Students who complete the PV301L workshop will be able to: Identify and describe the basic functions of each component in a PV system Describe the configuration of various types of PV systems: PV direct, Stand-alone, PV/hybrid, Multimode, Zero-sell, Micro-grid, Utility-scale energy storage Calculate the capacity & voltage of different batteries Determine the state of charge of a battery by testing voltage and specific gravity List safety precautions & equipment required to work with batteries Demonstrate safe procedures for connecting and disconnecting batteries Demonstrate the process of adding water to batteries Identify appropriate battery enclosures Diagram and wire battery banks in series and parallel configurations, given various system parameters Make cables and lug connections for battery wiring Install temperature sensors on batteries Wire the battery bank for a live system Wire and test charge controllers through the various stages of operation Install and test PWM and MPPT charge controllers Program MPPT charge controllers based on battery and array values Wire and program battery SOC meters in different PV system configurations Set up and operate batteries during bulk, absorption, float, and equalization cycles Describe how maximum power point tracking and voltage step-down affect a PV system Identify some features, options, and metering available on different types of battery chargers Identify appropriate inverter types for different battery-based system configurations Compare available features and capabilities of battery-based inverters Identify specifications critical for battery-based inverters Wire test and program battery based inverters Discuss when and why breakers would be used rather than fuses Use a 3-line diagram to wire a system Discuss the order and perform safe installation practices Demonstrate the order of safe commissioning Demonstrate the order of shut-down and how to establish an electrically safe working environment

Students who complete the PV351 workshop will be able to: Determine use and analyze results from various test tools used during commissioning, performance evaluation, operations and maintenance, and troubleshooting. Define the theory, procedures, and processes behind insulation resistance testing, IV curve tracing, infrared cameras and thermal imaging, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting Demonstrate proper set-up, use, and function of PV test tools including: IV curve tracers, insulation resistance testers, and thermal cameras Evaluate the performance of working systems using correct and complete field procedures Troubleshoot and locate common PV array and system faults using appropriate methodologies and testing tools

Students who complete PV202 will be able to: Define the purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) and NEC® terminology for PV equipment Determine procedures for proper installation of equipment and conductors, including minimum requirements for working space Examine methods for PV wire management and determine where expansion fittings are required Describe and identify electrical services, including split-phase and three-phase Wye (Y) and Delta (∆) Evaluate electrical service details to collect and record during solar site evaluation Identify options for NEC®-compliant PV system interconnection to the utility grid and determine whether a supply side, load side, or additional service connection is appropriate Identify code-compliant methods for connecting an inverter to an existing AC feeder Calculate PV module voltage based on temperature to ensure compatibility with system components and NEC® Section 690.7, and explore other options for maximum PV system DC voltage calculations Identify NEC® requirements and sizing of disconnects and overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) in grid-direct PV systems Define inverter grounding configurations Evaluate inverter choices and system configurations, including string inverters, central inverters, and module level power electronics (MLPE) Identify requirements for equipment grounding, equipment grounding conductors (EGC), and grounding electrode conductors (GEC), and size the conductors according to the NEC® Identify common causes of ground-faults and arc-faults Describe ground-fault and arc-fault protection devices Describe benefits and appropriate locations of surge protection devices (SPD) Demonstrate the use of sun charts and perform calculations to determine row spacing and minimize inter-row shading Identify how Codes detailing access for first responders impact PV array roof layout Examine fire classifications that affect racking and module selection Detail NEC rapid shutdown requirements and options for implementation Identify load and structural considerations for low- and steep-slope roof-mounted PV systems Calculate wind uplift force and select appropriate lag bolts Review issues related to planning, design, and installation of ground-mount PV arrays Review PV system circuit terminology, definitions, and conductor types Calculate minimum overcurrent protection device (OCPD) size and conductor ampacity using appropriate adjustment and correction factors Calculate voltage drop and verify system operation within acceptable limits Examine requirements for PV system labeling Calculate the maximum and minimum number of modules per PV source circuit, and number of PV source circuits per inverter Determine size of residential grid-direct PV system based on site and customer-specific considerations including the number and wiring layout of modules, conductor and OCPD sizes, and the AC interconnections Determine the size of a large, multiple inverter, grid-direct PV system based on site and customer-specific considerations, including the quantity and layout of modules and inverters and the AC interconnection Define large-scale PV and review associated NEC® allowances and requirements Describe importance of Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) Identify common DAS equipment and hardware Review DAS design, installation, and commissioning processes and common problems associated with DAS Show how reports can be generated and utilized to remotely assess health of system

Students who complete PV203 will be able to: Recognize demand and PV production curves Identify the common types of PV systems and their major components Describe DC and AC coupled systems Discuss load profiles and modes of operation, including: peak load shaving, time-of-use, zero-sell, self-consumption prioritization, demand-side management Introduce utility-scale storage and microgrids Explain the relationship between real power, apparent power, and reactive power Complete a load estimate for different system types and for seasonal loads; evaluate electrical requirements of loads Identify phantom loads and efficiency upgrades Estimate starting surge and power factor requirements Describe the differences when sizing battery-based systems compared to grid-direct systems Choose a peak sun hour value based on design criteria for various systems Review battery basics and terminology Describe and compare different battery chemistries and technologies Find the capacity and voltage of different batteries; determine state of charge List safety precautions and hazards to be aware of when working with batteries; list appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) Identify appropriate battery enclosures Calculate values for current, voltage, and energy for different battery bank configurations Review battery bank design parameters Complete a lithium-ion battery bank design example Review and compare different design example costs List features, options, and metering available for different types of battery chargers Explain basics of lithium battery charging Compare generator types and duty cycle ratings, including fuel options Identify specifications critical for choosing appropriate battery-based inverters Discuss different overcurrent protection devices and equipment disconnects and when/where they are required Define the maximum voltage drop slowed for the proper functioning of a battery-based PV system Identify safe installation procedures List basic commissioning tests which should be completed before and after a system is operating

Multimode system configurations Load analysis and battery bank sizing PV array sizing Specifying multimode inverters Advanced multimode functions Code compliance, best practices, and installation considerations Charge controllers for multimode systems DC coupled multimode battery backup design example AC coupled system design considerations AC coupled multimode battery backup design example Energy Storage Systems (ESS) overview ESS residential sizing example Large-scale multimode system design and use cases   Note: SEI recommends working closely with a qualified person and/or taking PV 202 for more information on conductor sizing, electrical panel specification, and grounding systems. These topics will part of this course, but they are not the focus.

Stand-alone system configurations Charge controller and array considerations RV system design example DC lighting system design example Clinic system design example Code compliance and best practices for stand-alone systems Advanced battery-based inverters Generator sizing DC coupled stand-alone residential system design example AC coupled stand-alone microgrid system design example Large-scale microgrid considerations and case studies Flooded battery maintenance considerations Stand-alone PV system commissioning and maintenance Note: SEI recommends working closely with a qualified person and/or taking PV 202 for more information on conductor sizing, electrical panel specification, and grounding systems. These topics will part of this course, but they are not the focus.

Participants perform preliminary system sizing for mechanical and electrical power generation of 50-watt to 100-kilowatt capacities. This training combines class lectures with site tours and lab exercises. Hands-on exercises include: methods of flow measurement, determining head, analyzing and assembling small functioning systems. The class is taught by two highly experienced Micro-hydro installers/instructors. Topics Include: • Learn safety procedures working with electricity • Understand fundamental water hydraulics and hydrostatic pressures. Understand the difference between static and dynamic heads. • Understand the various components of hydroelectric systems • Identify the two major hydro turbine groups (reaction and impulse turbines) • Learn the differences between AC and DC Systems • Develop site analysis skills for measuring water flow and elevation difference (head) • Review 6 different plan examples of hydroelectric system designs • Learn battery design and energy storage techniques • Understand controls for balancing energy production with energy loads • Summarize troubleshooting procedures and resources • Develop maintenance requirements both short and long term • Learn integration techniques for hybrid solar, wind and hydroelectric systems • Review 4 case studies using different turbine types • Learn legal requirements for hydroelectric systems including FERC permits, water rights and stream alteration.

Students who complete PVOL202 will be able to: Define the purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) and NEC® terminology for PV equipment Determine procedures for proper installation of equipment and conductors, including minimum requirements for working space Examine methods for PV wire management and determine where expansion fittings are required Describe and identify electrical services, including split-phase and three-phase Wye (Y) and Delta (∆) Evaluate electrical service details to collect and record during solar site evaluation Identify options for NEC®-compliant PV system interconnection to the utility grid and determine whether a supply side, load side, or additional service connection is appropriate Identify code-compliant methods for connecting an inverter to an existing AC feeder Calculate PV module voltage based on temperature to ensure compatibility with system components and NEC® Section 690.7, and explore other options for maximum PV system DC voltage calculations Identify NEC® requirements and sizing of disconnects and overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) in grid-direct PV systems Define inverter grounding configurations Evaluate inverter choices and system configurations, including string inverters, central inverters, and module level power electronics (MLPE) Identify requirements for equipment grounding, equipment grounding conductors (EGC), and grounding electrode conductors (GEC), and size the conductors according to the NEC® Identify common causes of ground-faults and arc-faults Describe ground-fault and arc-fault protection devices Describe benefits and appropriate locations of surge protection devices (SPD) Demonstrate the use of sun charts and perform calculations to determine row spacing and minimize inter-row shading Identify how Codes detailing access for first responders impact PV array roof layout Examine fire classifications that affect racking and module selection Detail NEC rapid shutdown requirements and options for implementation Identify load and structural considerations for low- and steep-slope roof-mounted PV systems Calculate wind uplift force and select appropriate lag bolts Review issues related to planning, design, and installation of ground-mount PV arrays Review PV system circuit terminology, definitions, and conductor types Calculate minimum overcurrent protection device (OCPD) size and conductor ampacity using appropriate adjustment and correction factors Calculate voltage drop and verify system operation within acceptable limits Examine requirements for PV system labeling Calculate the maximum and minimum number of modules per PV source circuit, and number of PV source circuits per inverter Determine size of residential grid-direct PV system based on site and customer-specific considerations including the number and wiring layout of modules, conductor and OCPD sizes, and the AC interconnections Determine the size of a large, multiple inverter, grid-direct PV system based on site and customer-specific considerations, including the quantity and layout of modules and inverters and the AC interconnection Define large-scale PV and review associated NEC® allowances and requirements Describe importance of Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) Identify common DAS equipment and hardware Review DAS design, installation, and commissioning processes and common problems associated with DAS Show how reports can be generated and utilized to remotely assess health of system

Students who complete PVOL206 will be able to: Discuss the basics of policy and its effect on the solar industry Identify resources to learn more about policy and keep up to date with new developments Describe general sales tips Discuss common objections Identify techniques to close a sale Identify customer motivations and needs Discuss project timeline with customer Manage customer expectations and advise about PV system limitations Discuss manufactures, installation, and roof warranties Explain expected system performance Identify jurisdictional issues (zoning, fire marshal regulations) and city, county, and utility requirements Understand electric bill terminology, key information, and billing procedures Recognize any variations in energy use Determine property type, house orientation, roof tilt/angle, and available area Identify any shading and evaluate obstructions Estimate array size based on customer budget, kWh consumption, and / or available roof area Price array size based on average $/watt Develop price range, savings estimate, and preliminary economic analysis Present (verbal / brief) initial ballpark proposal and benefits, discuss customer's budget limits Identify overall customer considerations and general safety requirements Define the electrical meter and main service panel information required Identify point of interconnection, location for electrical equipment, and location for conduit runs Describe factors to consider with data monitoring Determine maximum PV capacity that can be connected to a specific service and/or electrical panel Create a final array layout Accurately estimate PV system production Define metrics to evaluate labor and material costs Calculate an average residential system cost & identify the major contributing factors Identify the main benefits of reviewing actual build data (job costing) Define property tax exemptions, tax deductions, transfer credits, sales tax exemptions Explain performance based-initiatives Evaluate taxability of credits and other incentives Review net-metering and feed-in tariff laws Identify different utility financial structures and regulated and deregulated markets Describe demand charges & the duck curve Outline financing basics Explore ownership models Calculate annual and cumulative cash flow, determine payback Calculate the environmental benefits of installing solar Identify what to include in a proposal, the proposal process, and what tools are available to generate proposals