Solar Fundamentals

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. This course will teach you how to:

- Develop an understanding on the source of solar radiation and the solar radiation spectrum
- Determine solar radiation measurements, peak sun hours, the units and the associated conversions
- Analyse the effect of geometry (which is essentially the tilt and orientation)
- Compare the varying positions of the sun throughout the day and year
- Calculate solar altitude
- Identify the optimal tilt and orientation for a site to maximise the amount of irradiation received

Solar cells are small PV units that are able to generate electricity when sunlight hits them.
The following course will explore how a solar cell converts sunlight to electricity, the electrical characteristics that a solar cell exhibits, the electrical output from combining solar cells in series to create a solar module and the electric output from combining solar modules in series and parallel to create a solar array.

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. This course will teach you:

- How a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity
- The electrical and operating characteristics of a solar cell
- How solar cells are combined in series to create a solar module
- How solar modules are combined in series and parallel to create a solar array
- Manufacturing processes of different types of module technologies
- Protection requirements for effective operation of modules in an array
- How external conditions can affect the performance and reliability of modules

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