5-Day PV Class Details

Solar Academy’s 5-Day Solar PV Design and Installation Course (Level One) covers fundamental knowledge and reviews the design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.  The solar training, based on the NABCEP learning objectives, includes site evaluation tools and techniques, solar electric component operation and connection, system design and sizing, and standard requirements and practices. This special Ontario Solar Academy course guides students from system fundamentals to advanced mechanical and electrical concepts in accordance with Electrical Code requirements in Ontario.

All students completing the course receive Solar Academy International’s “Solar Practitioner Certificate: Level One.”

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills; familiarity with equations, fractions & algebra; ability to safely lift 50 lbs.

Daily Schedule

Each day the training begins promptly at 9:00 am. The morning session is 3.5 hours.  There is a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. The afternoon session is 3.5 hours, ending at 5:00 pm.  Each day there are approximately 7  hours of instruction. Fridays we end at 2:00 pm.

Field Trip

Our 5-Day course concludes with a field trip on the final day to a uniquely advanced green building, certified Gold under LEED for New Construction.  The building is a showcase of cutting edge sustainable building technology, including solar energy and energy metering. Two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are in operation there:  a 28 kW fixed system and a 58kW parking lot system with 6 separate dual-axis tracking arrays that follow the sun from east to west during the day, increasing output by up to 30 per cent over a fixed panel.

The full program includes approximately 32 hours of professional training over the five-day course.

Topics Covered

• Grid-Tied PV System Design & Sizing
• Off grid battery systems
• Rooftop Mounting Installation
• Economic, Financial & Regulatory Considerations
• Electrical Component Selection and Functions
• Customer Site Evaluation

Sample Course Outline

Monday

• Registration
• Introduction / Course Overview
• PV Markets & Applications
• Break
• Safety Basics
• Electricity Basics
• Lunch
• Mini solar PV exercise
• Solar Energy Fundamentals
• Site Surveys and  Pre Planning