Solar Fundamentals

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"></p>
<p>Photovoltaics (commonly known as
PV) is the term used to describe the conversion of solar radiation (‘photo’) into electricity
(‘voltaics’). Solar cells are small PV units able to generate electricity when sunlight hits
them. These solar cells are used collectively to form the PV modules comprising a
grid-connected PV system.</p>

<p>This course will teach you:</p>
<ul>
<li>How a solar cell converts sunlight
into electricity</li>
<li>The electrical and operating
characteristics of a solar cell</li>
<li>How solar cells are combined in
series to create a solar module</li>
<li>How solar modules are combined in
series and parallel to create a solar array</li>
<li>Manufacturing processes of different
types of module technologies</li>
<li>Protection requirements for effective
operation of modules in an array</li>
<li>How external conditions can
affect the performance and reliability of modules</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>This course is part of the Grid-Connected PV Systems training pathways. Before you enrol in this course, you should complete the DC Electricity and Solar Radiation courses.</p><p><span style="font-size:0.9375rem;">Access will expire 1 year after enrolment.</span></p><br />

<p>The PV modules installed in an array should produce the maximum yield
and have the appropriate structural support to withstand the real-world
environment. Various mounting systems and techniques are necessary in order to
achieve both these goals, which also need to comply with applicable building codes,
regulations and standards, and module manufacturer’s mounting requirements.</p>

<p>This course will teach you how to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Explain mounting system
considerations</li>
<li>Compare different types of
mounting systems, including roof, ground and building-integrated PV</li>
<li>List the main components of roof
mounting system design including mounting rails, roof attachments and module
clamps</li>
<li>Use techniques to meet or exceed
the maximum expected wind speeds at a location</li>
</ul>
<p>This course is part of the Grid-Connected PV Systems training pathways. Before you enrol in this course, you should complete the Workplace Health and Safety, DC Electricity, Solar Radiation, PV Fundamentals, AC Electricity and Inverters courses.</p>
<p>Access will expire 1 year after enrolment.</p>

<p>Solar radiation,
also known as the solar resource or simply sunlight, is a general term for the energy
emitted by the sun. The electricity produced by a solar cell is proportional to
the solar radiation input, so it is important to determine the amount of solar
radiation that will reach the PV cell or module. The received solar radiation
varies depending on the location, time of day and time of year, as well as on
the orientation of the PV module relative to the Sun’s position. Using this
information, the modules can be optimally located so that they receive maximum solar
radiation and hence produce the most amount of electrical energy.</p>

<p>This course will teach you how to:</p>

<p></p>
<ul>
<li>
develop an understanding on the source of solar
radiation and the solar radiation spectrum
</li>
<li>determine solar radiation measurements, peak sun
hours, the units and the associated conversions</li>
<li>analyse the effect of geometry (which is
essentially the tilt and orientation)</li>
<li>compare the varying positions of the sun throughout
the day and year</li>
<li>calculate solar altitude</li>
<li>identify the optimal tilt and orientation for a
site to maximise the amount of irradiation received</li>
</ul>

<p></p>









<p>This course is part of the Grid-Connected PV Systems training pathways. Before you enrol in this course, you should complete the Workplace Health and Safety, and DC Electricity courses.</p>
<p>Access will expire 1 year after enrolment.</p><br />
<p></p>

The PV modules installed in an array should produce the maximum yield and have the appropriate structural support to withstand the real-world environment. Various mounting systems and techniques are necessary in order to achieve both these goals, which also need to comply with applicable building codes, regulations and standards, and module manufacturer’s mounting requirements. This course will teach you how to:

- Explain mounting system considerations
- Compare different types of mounting systems, including roof, ground and building-integrated PV
- List the main components of roof mounting system design including mounting rails, roof attachments and module clamps
- Use techniques to meet or exceed the maximum expected wind speeds at a location