Introduction to Solar Power Systems

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left!”

-Thomas Edison

Overview

This Photovoltaic (PV) systems installation training course is designed to provide participants with the necessary skills for the design, installation, commission, inspection and maintenance of solar systems. The topics covered include: types of PV Systems and their component configurations, sizing, wiring, jobsite analysis, and laws and legislations regarding the National Electrical Code (NEC), commissioning and inspection of newly installed PV systems. In addition, participants will be informed on health and safety regulations related to PV installation and maintenance requirements.

Participants are guaranteed extensive practical exposure to solar system installations through having an opportunity to take part in a 1 - day hands-on rooftop solar installation after completing all in-class sessions..

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform design calculations and installation of solar PV systems, including the inspection and maintenance necessary upon completion. This will allow participants to conform to their duties and responsibilities as required by the country's NEC laws.

Who Should Attend?

This Solar Power Systems training course is open to anyone interested in becoming a professional within the solar industry. These comprehensive workshops are recommended for persons currently working or interested in working in the solar industry, or anyone who would like to know how solar energy works.

Energy is at the foundation of everything we do, and solar energy has the potential to provide value to many sectors of society. Individuals in other fields of work such as Agriculture, Business Management, Craftsmanship, Engineering, Manufacturing, Tourism, Sales, Marketing, Law, Finance and Insurance can greatly benefit from this course.

The growing solar power industry and every country's amending laws in regard to transition to renewable energy, climate change and carbon reduction has much potential to provide many business opportunities and job creation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Understand the principles in how solar energy generates electricity in photovoltaic systems.
• Identify the components, configurations and different types of PV systems that can be installed.
• Analyze the electrical and mechanical load details of buildings, solve simple problems involving energy efficiency and perform PV system sizing calculations with the aid of Microsoft Excel.
• Perform jobsite analyses to determine structural integrity and suitability in the selection of an appropriate location for a PV system installation.
• Apply the proper health and safety practices and procedures needed in the installation of PV systems, such as working with electrical equipment and wires, PV system components and working at elevated heights.
• Comprehend a country's NEC laws and legislations for licensed PV system installations, as well as, procedures for the commissioning, documentation and approved inspection of completed PV systems.
• Gain hands - on exposure while working efficiently during a PV system installation and conduct electrical and system performance measurements.
• Determine issues and maintenance requirements for a completed PV system.
• Discuss the PV system markets, applications, policies and regulations in the human capital potential to export skilled labour to other countries.
• Coordinate with other persons, gain teamwork experience and build networks in group projects involving the complete design and construction of a stand-alone PV system.

Course Objectives

Course Content

• Types of PV systems.
• PV system installation methods.
• Analysing building load details.
• Design and sizing of PV system components.
• Jobsite Analysis.
• PV System installation health and safety.
• NEC laws and legislations.
• 1–day hands-on rooftop solar installation.

Course Schedule

Course Offering

Cycle	Day(s)	Class Times	Start Date	End Date	Duration	Cost
Session 1	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, January 26, 2019	Saturday, February 23, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00
Session 2	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, March 23, 2019	Saturday, April 27, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00
Session 3	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, May 25, 2019	Saturday, June 22, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00
Session 4	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, July 20, 2019	Saturday, August 17, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00
Session 5	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, September 14, 2019	Saturday, October 12, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00
Session 6	Saturday	09:00 am to 04:00 pm	Saturday, November 9, 2019	Saturday, December 7, 2019	5 weeks	$2,500.00

Assessment

Exams and Assessments

The course combines a number of teaching techniques including lectures, class discussions, group work assignments, role playing, and a home assignment that will utilize many of the principles learned.

On Completion - Students will receive a certificate of completion.

Student Support

Facilitators

Mr. Trevor A. Edwards

Mr. Trevor A. Edwards has been working in the renewable energy field since 2010 and is the President of the Solar Power Installers Association and Vice President of the Trinidad & Tobago Electricians Association. He is also the Chief Operating Officer of the Engineering One Company Ltd. offering consultation, providing design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of solar systems. He also provides on-the-job training for and educational services for electrical contractors and individuals who are committed to the environmental transformation of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Muhammad Ronaldo Jaleel

Mr. Ronaldo Jaleel is a renewable energy and energy efficiency management professional who has worked in project engineering and energy sales consultancy for residential and commercial alternative energy projects such as solar systems, wind, energy efficiency and LED indoor and outdoor lighting projects. His greatest accomplishment during this time was his critical role in the tendering, implementation and commissioning of a large commercial solar installation to power a telecommunications tower off the coast of Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, thereby allowing better cell phone and internet reception for persons in the area. Mr. Jaleel continues to promote diversification away from fossil fuel dependence for a cleaner and more economically sustainable future for Trinidad and Tobago.

Programme Manager (Vocational Education)

Mr. Matthew Christian
Phone:720-2939
E-mail: mchristianhidden@ctscbcs.com