Syllabus: (PV 201) PV Site Assessment
Prerequisites:
PV 101
Course Description
This eight-hour course uses presentations, exercises, activities, and class discussion to demonstrate how to perform a residential PV site assessment, using a template created by the MREA. Topics covered include: load analysis and consumption history, energy efficiency recommendations, mounting options, balance of system location requirements, shade analysis, system sizing, financial analysis and options, and non-financial benefits of PV. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific shade analysis, recommend system size and location, calculate energy production, estimate system costs, and identify available PV rebates and incentives.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform a load analysis
- Identify and recommend steps for energy efficiency
- Analyze an electrical bill
- Use shade analysis tools (Solar PathfinderÔ)
- Estimate energy production with online tools (PVWattsÒ)
- Quantify a site’s solar resource, using the Solar Pathfinder & PVWatts Calculator
- Identify and recommend PV array location
- Identify and recommend balance of system location
- Recommend a PV system type and size to meet client goals
- Estimate system costs and basic cash flow analysis
- Identify applicable rebates, incentives, and taxes
- Address non-financial benefits of PV systems
- Write a professional PV site assessment report
Required Materials
- Online: computer with speakers and Internet access
- In-person: calculator & writing utensil
Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
For more detailed information on MREA courses and Continuing Education Credits see our NABCEP Credentials and Continuing Education pages.
If you have questions about our training programs please don’t hesitate to ask, we can be reached via email at courses@midwestrenew.org or call us 715-592-6595.