Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems
A person with this certificate has basic knowledge of photovoltaic systems, suitable for a supervised, entry level position with a dealer/installer or other PV industry company. The skills identified in this analysis do not replace Electrical Trades, Technician, Technologist or Engineering training.
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1. PV Markets and Applications |
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Task/Skill |
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1.1. Describe history of PV technology and industry |
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1.2. Describe markets and applications for PV (grid-tie, remote homes, telecom, etc.) |
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1.3. Identify types of PV systems (direct motor, standalone with storage, grid-backup, etc.) |
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1.4. Associate key features and benefits of PV with applications |
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2. Safety Basics |
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Task/Skill |
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2.1. Identify safety hazards of operational and non-operational PV systems |
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2.2. Identify safety hazards, practices and protective equipment during PV system installation and maintenance (electricity, batteries, roof work) |
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3. Electricity Basics |
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Task/Skill |
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3.1. Explain difference between energy and power |
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3.2. Define basic electrical terms |
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3.3. Describe the use of digital multi-meter |
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3.4. Calculate simple circuit values |
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4. Solar Energy Fundamentals |
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Task/Skill |
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4.1 Define basic solar terms (e.g., irradiation, Langley, azimuth) |
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4.2 Determine true (solar) south from magnetic (compass) south given a declination map |
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4.3 Describe Basic solar movement and effect of earth tilt |
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4.4 Predict solar position using solar path diagrams |
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4.5 Describe angular effects on the irradiance of array |
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4.6 Identify factors that reduce/enhance solar irradiation |
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4.7 Determine average solar irradiation on various surfaces |
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4.8 Convert solar irradiation into a variety of units |
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4.9 Determine effect of horizon on solar irradiation (shading) |
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4.10 Demonstrate use of Solar Pathfinder or sun charts |
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5. PV Module Fundamentals |
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Task/Skill |
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5.1. Explain how a solar cell converts sunlight into electric power |
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5.2. Label key points on a typical IV curve |
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5.3. Identify key output values of solar modules using manufacturer literature |
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5.4. Illustrate effect of environmental conditions on IV curve |
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5.5. Illustrate effect of series/parallel connections on IV curve |
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5.6. Define measurement conditions for solar cells and modules (STC, NOCT, PTC) |
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5.7. Compute expected output values of solar module under variety of environmental conditions |
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5.8. Compare the construction of solar cells of various manufacturing technologies |
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5.9. Compare the performance and characteristics of various cell technologies |
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5.10. Describe the components and construction of a typical flat plate solar module |
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5.11. Calculate efficiency of solar module |
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5.12. Explain purpose and operation of bypass diode |
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5.13. Describe typical deterioration/failure modes of solar modules |
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5.14. Describe the major qualification tests and standards for solar modules |
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6. System Components |
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Task/Skill |
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6.1. Describe most common solar module mounting techniques (ground, roof, pole) |
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6.2. Compare features and benefits of different solar mounting techniques |
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6.3. Explain the relationship between solar module cell temperature and environmental conditions, given mounting method (e.g., NOCT) |
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6.4. Describe purpose and operation of main electrical BOS components (inverter, charge controller, combiner, ground fault protection, battery, generator) |
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6.5. Identify key specifications of main electrical BOS components (inverter, charge controller, combiner, battery, generator) |
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7. PV System Sizing |
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Task/Skill |
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7.1. Illustrate interaction of typical loads with IV curve (battery, MPPT, dc motor) |
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7.2. Analyze load demand for stand-alone and grid interactive service |
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7.3. Identify typical system electrical output derating factors |
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7.4. Calculate estimated peak power output (dc and ac) |
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7.5. Calculate array and inverter size for grid-connected system |
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7.6. Calculate estimated monthly and annual energy output of grid-connected system |
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7.7. Explain relationship between array and battery size for stand-alone systems |
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7.8. Calculate array, battery and inverter size for stand-alone system |
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8. PV System Electrical Design |
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Task/Skill |
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8.1. Determine series/parallel PV array arrangement based on module and inverter specifications |
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8.2. Select BOS components appropriate for specific system requirements |
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8.3. Determine voltage drop between major components |
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9. PV System Mechanical Design |
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Task/Skill |
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9.1. Describe the relationship between row spacing of tilted modules and sun angle |
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9.2. Describe the mechanical loads on a PV array (e.g., wind, snow, seismic) |
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10. Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting |
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Task/Skill |
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10.1. Describe typical system design errors |
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10.2. Describe typical system performance problems |
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10.3. Associate performance problems with typical causes |
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10.4. List equipment needed for typical system performance analysis |
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10.5. Compare actual system power output to expected |
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10.6. Identify typical locations for electrical/mechanical failure |