PV 101 – Basic Photovoltaics
PV 101 – Basic Photovoltaics
Price: $90 – $110
MREA members always pay less for courses.
Prerequisites: None
Description
This eight-hour course teaches the basics of solar electricity. Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, compare and contrast different PV system types, identify necessary components and understand the best applications for (and limitations of) each system type. Other topics include evaluating the solar window, investigating energy efficiency recommendations, and researching system costs.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the difference between DC and AC electricity
- Calculate electrical values (Volts, Amps, Watts, kWh) using Ohm’s Law
- Interpret charges on an electrical utility bill
- Recommend energy efficiency strategies (practices and products)
- Define photovoltaic (PV) technology and explain how it works
- Explain how PV cells are made and tested
- Compare and contrast PV system types (grid-tied, stand-alone, multimode)
- Describe the best applications for (and limitations of) each system type
- Identify necessary components for each PV system type
- Define the solar window and evaluate the solar resource for a given site
- Identify mounting options for PV systems
- Perform basic PV system sizing for a given site
- Estimate typical PV system costs for a given site
- Research financial incentives for PV
Required Materials
Computer with Internet access (online version)
Calculator, Pencil, or Pen (classroom version)
Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
This course has been approved for 8 hours of Continuing Education Credits by Wisconsin DSPS.
Course Cancellation Policy
Those wishing to cancel a course registration should email registrations@midwestrenew.org or call the MREA at 715-592-6595.