DESCRIPTION
This 16-hour solar course will be an introduction to solar systems. It will be designed to introduce students to the basics of solar installations and some of the aspects to installing solar systems. In class will cover safety aspects of getting on and off a roof. An overview of how a solar system works with a brief description of the different components used in a solar system. Grounding and bonding of a solar system along with the codes used to install solar systems will be covered. Solar module construction and the difference between mono-crystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous types. Students will understand how to interpret module spec sheets, the IV curve, module degradation as well as learn the effects of solar radiance and temperature change on a module’s output. Students will learn the function of an inverter. Central, string and microinverters will be looked at and the advantages of each will be considered. Students will also learn how to properly size strings considering temperature correction and code requirements. Students will learn about the various types of batteries as well as understanding battery capacity and battery chemistry. Proper battery handling, maintenance, care and safety will also be discussed in detail.
The hands-on portion of the course will cover how panels ae set up on a roof. The railing systems used, and techniques used to fasten the solar panels to the roof. Grounding and bonding of the railing systems will also be covered. Different layouts for panels on a roof will be discussed with the hands-on portion of the course.