This program provides the student with a solid understanding of photovoltaic (PV) markets and applications, electricity basics, safety basics, solar energy fundamentals, PV system mechanical design and performance analysis, and PV system maintenance and troubleshooting – leading to certification with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and entry-level employment in the fast-growing field of solar energy technology. The course includes various safety basics, including – Identification of Safety hazards of operational and non-operational PV systems; Review of job site hazards, safety practices and protective equipment while installing PV systems.The fundamentals of Solar Energy, providing a base to become a Solar Technician in NY or anywhere else in the world.
- Identification and review of basic solar vocabulary
- Determine magnetic declination given true south vs. magnetic south
- Describe Basic solar movement and effect of earth tilt
- Predict solar position using solar path diagrams
- Describe angular effects on the irradiance of array
- Identify factors that reduce/enhance solar irradiation
- Determine average solar irradiation on various surfaces
- Convert solar irradiation into a variety of units
- Establish the effect of the horizon on solar irradiation
- Demonstrate use of Solar Pathfinder or sun charts
How to analyze performance and troubleshoot problems
- Identify typical system design errors of PV systems
- Define typical system performance problems
- Link array performance glitches with typical causes
- List the equipment needed for typical system performance analysis
- Identify the contrast between actual system power output to expected output
- Review locations of common electrical and mechanical failures