Syllabus: (PV 452) Designing Solar Plus Storage Systems
Prerequisites: Energy Storage Fundamentals (PV 451)
Course Description
This eight-hour course uses presentations, exercises, activities, and classroom discussion to walk through the design process of solar plus storage (S+S) systems – with an emphasis on lithium technologies. Participants will review design principles for S+S systems, beginning with an overview of the design process and the numerous desired outcomes that can steer S+S design. Along with an analysis of daily loads and determining which loads will be backed up, numerous design variables will be explored in the sizing of the S+S system. This includes the energy and power capability of the battery bank, inverter sizing, array sizing, and various system configurations. While calculating this manually, we will review common design tools from individual manufacturers. As part of the system design, participants will become familiar with energy storage system (ESS) location requirements and all codes applicable to S+S installations. There will be a heavy emphasis on safety regarding all aspects of S+S systems. Participants will also gain an understanding of the necessary steps in the permitting process and have an introduction to available options of manufacturer specific training.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Outline the necessary steps in designing a S+S system
- Differentiate between the multiple motivations that will steer S+S system design
- List the different variables of design that are possible
- Outline the desired goals that will steer S+S design
- Explain the applications of backed-up load panels, sub panels, whole-home backup, and smart electrical panels
- Define time of use and peak demand reduction
- Explain grid support functionality possible with S+S systems
- Explain back-up and zero export functions
- Explain the “duck curve” effect of solar penetration without storage and how S+S helps to mitigate the negative effects of it
- List different financial impacts of S+S
- Differentiate between residential, small commercial, large commercial, and utility S+S designs
- Explain what a virtual power plant is and how it operates
- List different energy management benefits and devices
- Explain the different requirements of designing Lithium vs. Lead-acid battery systems
- Summarize the importance of distinguishing between critical loads and loads that are simply “protected”
- Differentiate between power consumption and energy consumption
- Explain the methodology and rationale behind the backed-up loads design
- Summarize how to monitor/quantify power consumption
- Explain the different values sought in measuring power consumption
- Summarize how to monitor/quantify energy consumption
- Identify the necessary tools and methodology to perform an energy analysis
- Determine site-specific factors that will steer appropriate sizing of inverter, energy storage, and PV
- Identify codes that are relevant to S+S installations
- Understand the maintenance implications in S+S systems
- Identify safety practices necessary for building, owning, and servicing S+S systems
- Identify safety practices directly related to Covid-19
Required Materials
- Pen or pencil and notepad
- Calculator
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.