CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE ELMT-1402 Solar Photovoltaic Systems. Semester Hours Credit: 4 INSTRUCTOR: OFFICE HOURS:

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1 I. INTRODUCTION CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE ELMT-1402 Solar Photovoltaic Systems Semester Hours Credit: 4 INSTRUCTOR: OFFICE HOURS: A. This course provides students with an opportunity to investigate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems which are a rapidly growing sector of the overall energy industry. The comprehensive studies include the design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial PV systems. The course addresses system advantages and disadvantages, site evaluation, component operation, system design and sizing, system installation requirements, installation recommended practices. B. This course is a recommended elective for the AAS Computer Electronics and as deemed appropriate by other Central Texas College Instructional Departments. C. Prerequisite: Departmental Approval II. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this course, the student will A. Evaluate solar PV design priorities B. Differentiate between solar power and solar energy C. Identify the factors affecting the quantity and composition of solar energy received on the earth s surface D. Explain the process of determining potential array locations E. Describe the purposes and functions of the major components in PV systems F. Describe the various performance rating conditions for PV modules G. Identify major battery components and their functions H. Identify the principal functions of charge controllers I. Explain the basic types of inverters used in PV systems J. Calculate the size and configuration of the array based on system requirements K. Identify key considerations for integrating arrays on buildings and other structures L. Identify the electrical codes, regulations, and practices applicable to PV systems M. Describe how interconnected PV systems can affect utility operations N. Describe the common requirements for permit applications O. Describe the steps involved in commissioning a new PV system P. Describe how economic variables such as discount rate affect the present value of future costs May 1, 2014

2 III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through B. Other Instructional Materials: None IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS A. Reading Assignments: Chapter text as assigned. The students are quizzed at end of each chapter. B. Projects: Research project which includes designing a solar PV system to meet customer requirements and present a formal proposal of the final design. C. Class Performance: Students are required to be in class on time. Excessive tardiness (four) will result in a five point reduction to the final grade. It is the recommendation of this department that students exchange telephone numbers so that they may acquire missed lecture notes and assignments. D. Class Participation: Students are expected to be interactive with the instructor during lecture. V. EXAMINATIONS There will be two exams, a Mid-Term and a Final Exam, each covering the chapters completed in class. A general review will be given before each exam. Should a test be missed due to extenuating circumstances, you may contact the instructor for a make-up exam. Make-up exams may have more questions than the normally scheduled test. In addition to the two exams, quizzes are given to assess the level of content mastery for each chapter. VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATION Homework 100 Points = A Quizzes 100 Points = B Exam One 150 Points = C Exam Two 150 Points = D Lab Projects 200 Points = F Design Project 300 Points Total 1000 Points Students, who do not complete all projects successfully, with approval by the instructor, may receive an Incomplete for the course grade and afforded and opportunity to complete the remaining course requirement(s) according to Central Texas College policy. ELMT

3 VII. ATTENDANCE Students are required to attend all classes in which they have enrolled. Students are required to be in the classrooms on time and remain for the duration of the class. Any time a student has 10 hours absence, an administrative withdrawal will be submitted. A. Four Classes of 2 ½ hours = 10 Hours B. Late for Class = 1 Hour Absence: 10 Times = 10 Hours VIII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR A. Course Withdrawal: It is the student s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course if circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to, or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting, must file a Central Texas College Application of Withdrawal (CTC Form 59). The withdrawal form must be signed by the student. A student who officially withdraws will be awarded the grade of W provided the student s attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal application with the College before they may be considered for withdrawal. A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued the student a grade of F. B. Administrative Withdrawal: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to meet College attendance requirements. C. Incomplete Grade: The College catalog states an incomplete grade may be given in those cases where the student has completed the majority of the course work, but because of personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders, the student is unable to complete the requirements for a course. Prior approval from the instructor is required before the grade of IP for Incomplete is recorded. A student who merely fails to show for the final examination will receive a zero for the final and an F for the course. D. Cellular Phones and Beepers: Cellular phones and beepers will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory. E. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Disability Support Services provides services to students who have appropriate documentation of a disability. Students requiring accommodations for class are responsible for contacting the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) located on the central campus. This service is available to all students, regardless of location. Explore the website at for further information. Reasonable accommodations will be given in accordance with the federal and state laws through the DSS office. ELMT

4 F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements. G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. IX. COURSE OUTLINE A. Unit 1: Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems a. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of installing a PV system b. Understand some of the factors that have motivated the growth of PV technology worldwide c. Evaluate the design priorities for PV systems in different types of applications d. Describe the primary levels of the PV industry and how they interact e. Understand why it is important for installers to be well trained f. Differentiate between flat-plate collectors and concentrating collectors g. Understand how the different types of solar energy technologies utilize solar radiation a. Read Chapter 1 in the textbook. B. Unit 2: Solar Radiation a. Differentiate between solar irradiance (solar power) and solar irradiation (solar energy) b. Identify the factors affecting the quantity and composition of solar energy received on Earth s surface c. Identify the factors affecting the sun s apparent position and path through the sky d. Calculate differences between solar time and standard time. e. Evaluate how array orientation affects solar energy received by modules ELMT

5 f. Demonstrate how solar radiation data is used in sizing and estimating performance for PV systems a. Read Chapter 2 in the textbook. C. Unit 3: Site Surveys and Preplanning a. Identify issues to be discussed to determine customer needs, concerns, and expectations b. Identify factors to consider in a preliminary assessment, including the local solar resource, environmental conditions, and building code and utility interconnection requirements c. Explain the process of determining potential array locations d. Describe methods for determining and diagramming shading patterns e. Discuss considerations in determining the suitability and condition of existing roofing, structural systems, and electrical systems and equipment f. Explain the function of an energy audit and identify opportunities for conservation and energy efficiency g. Identify factors to be considered when preparing a proposal, including estimates for cost, size, performance, and value of a PV system a. Read Chapter 3 in the textbook. D. Unit 4: System Components and Configurations a. Describe the purposes and functions of the major components in PV systems b. Identify the common types of energy storage systems c. Compare the functions of various power conditioning devices d. Describe various energy sources that can be interfaced with PV systems e. Compare the features, requirements, and applications of various system configurations ELMT

6 f. List various electrical and mechanical balance-of-system components a. Read Chapter 4 in the textbook. E. Unit 5: Cells, Modules, and Arrays a. Identify the relationships between PV cells, modules, and arrays b. Describe the photovoltaic effect and the fundamental operation of PV devices c. Understand the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics for PV devices and define the key I-V parameters d. Understand how the electrical load, solar radiation, and operating temperatures affect the electrical output of a PV device e. Translate the voltage, current, and power output of a PV device from a reference condition to another operating condition f. Determine the electrical output of similar and dissimilar PV devices connected in series and in parallel g. Understand the construction and features of PV modules h. Describe the various performance rating conditions for PV modules a. Read Chapter 5 in the textbook. F. Unit 6: Batteries a. Identify major battery components and their functions b. Differentiate between the basic types and classifications of batteries c. Understand the operation of batteries and their discharging and charging characteristics d. Understand how temperature, discharge and charge rates, and electrolyte specific gravity affect battery capacity and life ELMT

7 e. Understand major principles and considerations for designing battery banks a. Read Chapter 6 in the textbook. G. Unit 7: Charge Controllers a. Identify the principal functions and features of charge controllers b. Define charge regulation and load control setpoints c. Explain how temperature compensation affects setpoints d. Differentiate between various types of charge controller algorithms and switching designs e. Understand the impacts of control algorithms and setpoints on system and battery performance f. Identify concerns and requirements for charge controller applications and installation g. Identify the requirements for PV systems operating without charge control a. Read Chapter 7 in the textbook. H. Unit 8: Inverters a. Identify basic waveform types and properties b. Compare applications for static inverters c. Explain the basic types of inverters used in PV systems d. Describe the operation of a simple square wave inverter e. Explain how inverters make sine waves from square waves f. Describe the functions and features of power conditioning units g. Understand inverter specifications and ratings ELMT

8 a. Read Chapter 8 in the textbook. I. Unit 9: System Sizing a. Differentiate between the approaches and methodologies for sizing different types of PV systems b. Understand the primary factors that affect system sizing c. Determine the system energy and power requirements from a load analysis d. Calculate the critical design parameters based on monthly load and insolation information e. Calculate the size and configuration of the battery bank based on system requirements f. Calculate the size and configuration of the array based on system requirements a. Read Chapter 9 in the textbook. J. Unit 10: Mechanical Integration a. Identify the key considerations for integrating arrays on buildings and other structures b. Understand the key factors involved in choosing a mounting system c. Differentiate between the various types of mounting configurations and their features d. Differentiate between the various types of attachment methods e. Compare the various types of structural loads on arrays and the factors that affect each type a. Read Chapter 10 in the textbook. ELMT

9 K. Unit 11: Electrical Integration a. Identify the electrical codes, regulations, and practices applicable to PV systems b. Calculate the voltage and current limits for various circuits of a PV system c. Determine appropriate conductor ampacities and overcurrent protection ratings for various circuits d. Identify the appropriate types of conductors for PV system circuits based on application and environment e. Describe the required types of disconnects and their locations f. Identify acceptable PV system grounding methods g. Describe the functions and requirements of electrical balance-of-system (BOS) components a. Read Chapter 11 in the textbook. L. Unit 12: Utility Interconnection a. Compare the differences in the interconnection of rotating generators and electronic inverters b. Identify the applicable codes and standards for utility interconnection c. Describe how interconnected PV systems can affect utility operations d. Differentiate between load-side and supply-side interconnections and identify the code and installation requirements for each type e. Compare the technical and policy issues between net metering and dual metering f. Identify the common issues addressed in interconnection agreements for PV systems a. Read Chapter 12 in the textbook. ELMT

10 M. Unit 13: Permitting and Inspection a. Understand the role of building codes and code enforcement in electrical installations b. Describe the common requirements for permit applications c. Identify the applicable articles of the NEC for both general electrical system requirements and PV-specific requirements d. Describe the labeling requirements for PV systems and components e. Understand the function of an inspection checklist in checking a PV system for common installation code compliance issues a. Read Chapter 13 in the textbook. N. Unit 14: Commissioning, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting a. Describe the steps involved with commissioning a new PV system. b. Identify the maintenance tasks involved with maximizing array output, battery health, and other equipment operation c. Develop a maintenance plan based on system configuration, installation, and location d. Compare the various methods of monitoring system parameters for performance verification and troubleshooting e. Troubleshoot PV systems based on a logical and efficient process a. Read Chapter 14 in the textbook. ELMT

11 O. Unit 15: Economic Analysis a. Compare the numerous incentive options based on type, source, availability, and requirements b. Describe how present and future costs are calculated c. Understand how economic variable such as discount rate affect the present value of future costs d. Compare energy-production systems based on total life-cycle costs e. Differentiate between the ways different incentives affect the life-cycle costs of PV systems f. Determine whether a PV system can pay back its costs against an alternate energy source a. Read Chapter 15 in the textbook. ELMT