09-22-2012 - Solar Installation and Design - Bakersfield, CA

COURSE DURATION: 40 hours total (24 hours online theory & 16 hours hands-on lab)

Solar PV Installation and Design is an accredited course and it covers fundamentals in design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course curriculum is based on standards set by the NABCEP & IREC.

The solar PV training includes the use of various tools and techniques, solar electric component operation and connection, system design and sizing, standard requirements and practices. The solar photovoltaic panels installation and design course guides students from PV system fundamentals to advanced mechanical and electrical concepts in accordance with the National Electrical Code. The 40 hour certification program includes 2 modules.

Module 1: Solar Installation and Design, Online Class - Theory

COURSE DURATION: 24 Hours (Self Paced) - Duration ~ 4-6 Weeks

This online solar training workshop establishes fundamental concepts required for safe, code-compliant design and installation of photovoltaic systems, with an emphasis on residential-sized grid-direct solar electric systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. This course objective for this workshop is designed in accordance with the NABCEP entry-level certification.

The course will also cover the basics theory of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, over current protection, and grounding - all of which will be expanded upon in PV Hands on Lab class. After successfully completing both PVONL-101 and PVLAB-202, you are eligible to sit for the NABCEP Entry Level Exam.

Course Objectives:

• Solar Resource & Terminology
• Solar PV Industry, History and Trends
• PV System Types
• PV System Component Technology
• Photovoltaic's Module Technology
• Introduction to Electricity
• PV Safety
• PV Site Analysis
• Grid Tied Design
• Off-Grid Design
• PV Project Elements, Participants and Processes
• PV Mechanical Installation
• PV Electrical Installation
• PV System Commissioning & Performance Verification

Module 2: Solar Installation and Design, Hands-On Lab

COURSE DURATION: 16 Hours (Hands-On Lab)

This is the ultimate hands-on experience available anywhere! This solar training workshop offers two days of hands-on installation practice with grid-direct systems. Students will install, teardown, dissect, and reinstall different grid-direct PV systems. The lab workshop will focus on safe installation and commissioning practices. The maximum twenty to one student-to-instructor ratio and comprehensive lab setting create the perfect environment to get your first hands-on PV experience.

Course Objectives:

• Running tests and experiments with various solar modules wired in series, parallel, and connected to batteries and loads
• Properly flashing penetrations on an asphalt shingle roof
• Safety equipment lab: job site, personal protection equipment, fall protection, electrical, and photovoltaic DC systems
• Installing, commissioning, and troubleshooting a grid-tied solar PV system

PLEASE NOTE: Student must complete Module 1 of the Solar Installation and Design (theory on-line) prior to attending the in-person lab. If a student has done the theory portion of the class elsewhere and would like to take our hands on lab, they may be eligible to do so.