Course Description

This two day course covers the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems with a focus primarily upon ground mounted systems.  It involves classroom lecture and actual hands-on work with PV systems and equipment. This program is intended for contractors, electricians, technicians, utilities, engineers and other practitioners, with an overall goal of developing ground mounted "system-knowledgeable" professionals to help ensure the safety and quality of PV system installations.

The course format includes a balance of classroom instruction and student-interactive exercises. These exercises include hands-on and demonstration laboratories that simulate the process of preparing, installing and commissioning small commercial grid-connected PV systems that are ground mounted (as opposed to roof mounted), and are intended to develop the participant's working knowledge of PV systems and equipment. An emphasis is placed on code compliance and accepted state-of-the-art industry design and installation practice.
 
Participants successfully completing this two day course will be awarded a certificate of completion from the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Course Objectives

Specific objectives of this course include developing the participant's ability to:

• Determine the available solar resource and conduct site assessments for PV installations.
  
• Plan and prepare for PV system installations.
  
• Implement mechanical designs for PV systems that meet the performance, architectural and structural requirements for given applications.
  
• Implement electrical designs for PV systems that meet the safety, code-compliance and functional requirements for given applications.
  
• Conduct acceptance tests and inspections, and commission PV system installations.
  
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and maintain PV systems.

Course Material

Students will be provided with the FSEC Installing Photovoltaic System Manual as well as a supplemental CD containing relevant PV installation material