Given climate change and growing interest and transition to renewable energy, employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 52 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This program covers the basic concepts of PV systems and their components, along with general sizing and electrical/mechanical design requirements.
The course widely covers the design of photovoltaic systems, such as utility scale solar farms or residential scale systems. Students will learn about the function and operation of various components including inverters, batteries, DC-DC converters and their interaction with both the modules and the grid.

Program’s Curriculum

Basic Safety (12.5 Hours)

Presents basic jobsite safety information to prepare workers for the construction environment. Describes the common causes of workplace incidents and accidents and how to avoid them. Introduces common PPE, including equipment required for work at height, and its proper use. Information related to safety in several specific environments, including welding areas and confined spaces, is also provided.

Introduction to Construction Math (10 Hours)

Reviews basic math skills related to the construction trades and demonstrates how they apply to the trades. Covers multiple systems of measurement, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry.

Introduction to Hand Tools (10 Hours)

Introduces common hand tools used in a variety of construction crafts. Identifies tools and how to safely use them. Proper hand tool maintenance is also presented.

Introduction to Power Tools (10 Hours)

Identifies and describes the operation of many power tools common in the construction environment. Provides instruction on proper use, as well as on safe-handling guidelines and basic maintenance.

Introduction to Construction Drawings (10 Hours)

Introduces the basic elements of construction drawings. The common components of drawings are presented, as well as the most common drawing types. The use of drawing scales and how to measure drawings is also covered.

Introduction to Basic Rigging (7.5 Elective Hours)

Provides basic information related to rigging and rigging hardware, such as slings, rigging hitches, and hoists. Emphasizes safe working habits in the vicinity of rigging operations.

Basic Communication Skills (7.5 Hours)

Provides good techniques for effective communication on the job. Includes examples that emphasize the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Describes the importance of reading skills in the construction industry and covers proper techniques to use in a variety of different written communication formats. 

Basic Employability Skills (7.5 Hours)

Describes the opportunities offered by the construction trades. Discusses critical thinking and essential problem-solving skills for the construction industry. Also identifies and discusses positive social skills and their value in the workplace.

Introduction to Material Handling (5 Hours)

Describes the hazards associated with handling materials and provides techniques to avoid both injury and property damage. Common material-handling equipment is also introduced.

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics (40 Hours)

Covers the basic concepts of PV systems and their components, along with general sizing and electrical/ mechanical design requirements. Provides an overview of performance analysis and troubleshooting. Successful completion of this module will help prepare trainees for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Exam.

Site Assessment (10 Hours)

Explains how to determine customer needs, assess site-specific safety hazards, conduct a site survey, and identify a suitable location for the PV array and other system components. Also explains how to acquire and interpret site solar radiation and temperature data.

System Design (25 Hours)

Describes system design considerations, including array configurations, component selection, and wire sizing. Covers bonding, grounding, and the selection of overcurrent protection and disconnects.

 System Installation and Inspection (60 Hours)

Explains how to use the information from the site assessment and system design documents to safely install a photovoltaic array and other system components.

 Maintenance and Troubleshooting (10 Hours)

Covers basic system performance monitoring and troubleshooting procedures, including recordkeeping requirements.