Introduction:

As the world moves toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have become a key player in reducing carbon footprints and meeting energy demands. This 5-day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of solar photovoltaic technology, including system design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Participants will gain practical knowledge of PV system components, electrical considerations, and the latest industry standards to implement and manage solar energy systems effectively.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the basic principles of solar energy and photovoltaic technology.
2. Learn about the components of a solar photovoltaic system, including panels, inverters, and batteries.
3. Gain knowledge of PV system design, including load estimation and site analysis.
4. Understand electrical considerations, wiring, and safety protocols for installing solar PV systems.
5. Learn about the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar energy systems.
6. Be familiar with the regulatory environment, incentives, and market trends in solar energy.
7. Gain hands-on experience in designing and configuring a solar photovoltaic system.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for individuals working or aspiring to work in the renewable energy sector, including:

• Electrical Engineers and Technicians
• Solar Installers and Contractors
• Energy Consultants and Project Managers
• Architects and Builders interested in solar integration
• Students and professionals interested in pursuing a career in solar energy
• Policymakers and regulatory bodies involved in renewable energy

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Energy

• Session 1: Fundamentals of Solar Energy
  • What is Solar Energy? Types of Solar Technologies (Thermal vs. Photovoltaic)
  • Solar Radiation: How Solar Energy is Captured and Converted into Electricity
  • The Role of Solar PV in Global Energy Systems and Sustainability
• Session 2: Basics of Photovoltaic Technology
  • How Solar Cells Work: The Photovoltaic Effect
  • Solar Panel Types: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film
  • The Efficiency of Solar Cells and Panels
• Session 3: Solar PV System Components
  • Solar Panels: Specifications, Ratings, and Selection Criteria
  • Inverters: Types (String Inverters, Microinverters, and Power Optimizers)
  • Battery Storage Systems: Role, Types, and Sizing
  • Balance of System (BOS) Components: Racking, Wiring, and Protection Devices
• Activity: Group Discussion – Comparing the Different Types of Solar Panels and Their Applications

Day 2: Solar PV System Design

• Session 1: Basic Principles of Solar PV System Design
  • Understanding Energy Requirements: Load Estimation and Demand Analysis
  • Site Assessment: Evaluating Roof Space, Sunlight Exposure, and Shading
  • Sizing a PV System: Calculating Panel Quantity and Energy Generation Potential
• Session 2: Solar PV System Configurations
  • Grid-Tied Systems: Design, Advantages, and Limitations
  • Off-Grid Systems: Battery Storage and Remote Applications
  • Hybrid Systems: Combining Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Features
• Session 3: Electrical Considerations and Wiring
  • Voltage and Current: Series and Parallel Connections in Solar Arrays
  • Electrical Components: Fuses, Breakers, Disconnects, and Grounding
  • Cable Sizing and Voltage Drop Calculations
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Designing a Basic Grid-Tied Solar PV System for a Residential Building

Day 3: Installation of Solar PV Systems

• Session 1: Planning the Installation Process
  • Site Preparation: Structural Assessment of Roofs and Ground Mounts
  • Safety Measures: PPE, Electrical Safety, and Site Hazard Identification
  • Tools and Equipment Required for Installation
• Session 2: Mounting Systems and Array Layout
  • Types of Mounting Systems: Roof-Mounted, Ground-Mounted, and Tracking Systems
  • Orientation and Tilt Angle Optimization for Maximum Energy Production
  • Installing Panels: Step-by-Step Process for Roof and Ground Mounts
• Session 3: Wiring, Inverters, and Battery Integration
  • Connecting Solar Panels: Proper Wiring and Junction Box Setup
  • Inverter Installation: Wiring and Commissioning Inverters
  • Integrating Battery Storage: Sizing, Wiring, and Safety Considerations
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Installing Solar Panels, Inverters, and Wiring a PV System on a Mock Setup

Day 4: Operation, Monitoring, and Maintenance of PV Systems

• Session 1: System Commissioning and Testing
  • Verifying System Components: Electrical Connections, Voltage, and Current Testing
  • Testing Inverters: Start-up Procedures and Error Troubleshooting
  • Commissioning Reports and Documentation for Compliance
• Session 2: Monitoring and Performance Evaluation
  • Monitoring System Performance: Energy Production vs. Consumption
  • Data Loggers and Monitoring Platforms: How to Use Them for Real-Time Data Collection
  • Evaluating System Efficiency and Identifying Performance Issues
• Session 3: Maintenance of Solar PV Systems
  • Preventative Maintenance: Cleaning, Inspection, and Periodic Testing
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues: Faulty Panels, Inverters, and Wiring
  • Longevity and Upgrades: Maximizing System Life and Efficiency
• Activity: Workshop – Troubleshooting Common Solar PV System Issues

Day 5: Regulatory Framework, Incentives, and Future Trends

• Session 1: Solar Energy Regulations and Standards
  • Global and Local Solar Energy Standards: IEC, UL, and IEEE
  • Grid Connection Standards and Interconnection Agreements
  • Net Metering and Feed-in Tariffs: Understanding Solar Energy Policies
• Session 2: Incentives and Financial Considerations
  • Government Incentives: Subsidies, Tax Credits, and Rebates
  • Financing Options: Solar Loans, Leasing, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  • Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Period Calculations for Solar Projects
• Session 3: The Future of Solar Energy
  • Advancements in Solar PV Technology: Perovskite Solar Cells and Bifacial Panels
  • Solar Power Integration with Smart Grids and Energy Storage
  • The Growing Role of Solar Energy in the Global Renewable Energy Transition
• Activity: Group Discussion – Exploring Future Trends and Innovations in Solar Photovoltaic Energy

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Sessions: Lectures and presentations on solar energy principles, system design, and installation techniques.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical sessions to design, install, and troubleshoot solar PV systems.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of solar projects and their challenges.
• Workshops: Collaborative activities for problem-solving and system design.
• Site Visits (Optional): If feasible, visits to active solar installations to observe systems in action.