(PV 425) PV System Operations & Maintenance
Syllabus: (PV 425) PV System Operations & Maintenance
Prerequisites: Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101), PV Site Assessment (PV 201), and PV System Design (PV 202) or NABCEP credential
Course Description
This four-hour course is designed to provide current and aspiring technicians an understanding of the periodic maintenance required to ensure optimal energy production over the lifetime of a solar electric (PV) system. Participants will review the components in a PV system, learn what’s expected in a six- and twelve-month checkup, and explore tools that can be used to find existing and potential problem areas through a combination of presentations, resources, and quizzes.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the balance of system (BOS) components found in a PV system
- Recognize common PV system malfunctions
- Identify potential obstructions to the solar window
- Calculate for voltage rise and drop with changes in ambient temperature, using the NEC and manufacturer specifications
- Describe the necessary steps for performing a six-month inspection and checkup
- Identify equipment required for taking safe and accurate field measurements
- Analyze infrared scans to find hot spots
- Examine I-V curves and data tables to find performance and production issues like passing clouds, frost, shading, low irradiance, and lightning damage
- Describe the necessary steps for performing a one-year inspection and checkup
- Plan for replacement parts and warranty issues
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.