Math/Electricity Basics
Course goal: To provide the basic electricity concepts that will enable students to understand the workings of solar electric installations

Course performance objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be familiar with the electrical circuit, Resistors, Ohm’s Law and simple calculations.

• Basic Electrical Theory- Components of the atom, how electrons flow through conductors, conductivity
• The Electrical Circuit- Series, Parallel, series/parallel circuits, tracing circuits, trouble shooting, voltage/current/resistance
• Voltage- DC and AC, Single phase and Three phase, Ohm’s Law

Course goal:        To provide a comprehensive overview of the history, physics, design, installation, and operation of photovoltaic systems

Course performance objectives:  Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to recognize and identify all major and minor components of the stand alone and net metered, grid intertied PV system.  The student will understand the interlink between design criteria such as sizing, siting and orientation, component selection, legal/code/utility requirements, as well as the economic impact of various options.  Hands on design skills, replicating those required in actual commercial service, will be taught and used by the student in realistic (lab) setting.  Hands on use of various tools will be offered utilizing recommended safety products and procedures.   Representative installations will be visited, discussed, and analyzed.  NABCEP test orientation and introductory preparation will be provided.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with electricity basics and algebra

• Introduction- PV History/Future, Applications
• Electric Principles- AC, DC, Energy, Power, Current, Voltage, Resistance
• Solar Resource- Irradiation, sun path, effects on different surface orientations, shading
• PV Principles- Photo effect, cells, modules, types, characteristics
• ON Grid System Component Fundamentals- Inverter, disconnects, combiners
• Electrical On Grid System Design- Component sizing, Grid interconnections, NEC 690, Grounding, Equipment locations
• Off Grid System Component Fundaments- Charge controller, Off grid inverters, Batteries, BOS
• Electrical Off Grid System Design- Component sizing, Load analysis, NEC 690, Hybrid off grid systems
• Structural Design Aspects- Types of mounting systems, Design considerations for mounting systems, Building codes
• Safety Issues- During installation, Normal operation, emergencies and system trouble shooting
• Installation- Planning, good workmanship, inspections, common mistakes to avoidMaintenance of PV Systems- trouble shooting, maintenance
• Course review and test preparation
• Solar Field Trip
• Hands on Workshop