Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Course Description

This combined lecture/laboratory course (ETP2402C) introduces students to the fundamental principles, components, and configurations of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Students gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to understand, assess, size, and describe the installation of residential and commercial PV systems. The course is situated within the Engineering Technologies > Energy Power Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) and is designed to support stackable credentials in renewable energy technology programs.

Topics include solar radiation fundamentals, PV cell physics, system components, site assessment, system sizing and design, grid-tied and off-grid configurations, applicable electrical codes, and basic maintenance and troubleshooting. Laboratory activities reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on exercises with PV equipment, measurement instruments, and simulation tools.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the photovoltaic effect and the physics by which solar cells convert sunlight into electrical current.
• Identify and describe the function of all major PV system components, including modules, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, combiners, disconnects, and mounting hardware.
• Differentiate between grid-tied, off-grid (stand-alone), and hybrid PV system configurations and their appropriate applications.
• Conduct a basic solar site assessment, including evaluation of solar resource, shading analysis, roof/ground orientation, and tilt angle.
• Perform fundamental system sizing calculations, including load analysis, array sizing, inverter selection, and battery bank sizing.
• Apply relevant provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 690 and related articles (705, 706) to PV system design and installation scenarios.
• Describe safe work practices for PV installations, including OSHA standards, fall protection, lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash awareness, and electrical safety.
• Explain the permitting and inspection process for solar PV installations in Florida municipalities, including utility interconnection agreements.
• Describe basic PV system maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Discuss the environmental, economic, and social benefits of solar PV technology and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy relative to other generation sources.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be addressed depending on institutional emphasis and available lab resources:

• Use PV design software (e.g., PVWatts, Aurora, or similar tools) to model system performance and estimate annual energy production.
• Interpret utility rate structures, net metering policies, and the Florida solar regulatory environment, including FSEC certification requirements.
• Describe energy storage technologies (lead-acid, lithium-ion) and their role in PV system design.
• Explain solar thermal systems and distinguish them from photovoltaic systems.
• Demonstrate familiarity with NEC Article 690 wiring methods including DC string wiring, combiner boxes, and rapid shutdown requirements.
• Identify career pathways and professional certification options including the NABCEP PV Associate credential.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Introduction to Solar Energy and the PV Industry
   • History and development of photovoltaic technology
   • Florida and U.S. solar energy markets and policy overview
   • Environmental and economic drivers for solar adoption
   • Career opportunities in the PV industry
2. Solar Radiation and the Solar Resource
   • Solar irradiance, insolation, and peak sun hours
   • Sun paths, solar angles, and azimuth/tilt considerations
   • Shading analysis concepts and tools
   • Florida-specific solar resource data
3. PV Cell and Module Technology
   • Photovoltaic effect and semiconductor physics
   • Types of PV cells: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film
   • Module construction, ratings, and nameplate data (STC, PTC)
   • Module efficiency and temperature coefficients
4. PV System Components and Configurations
   • Inverters: string, microinverter, and power optimizer types
   • Charge controllers (PWM and MPPT)
   • Batteries and energy storage basics
   • Combiners, disconnects, overcurrent protection, and grounding
   • Mounting and racking systems
5. PV System Types
   • Grid-tied (utility-interactive) systems
   • Stand-alone (off-grid) systems
   • Battery-backup and hybrid systems
   • Utility-scale vs. residential vs. commercial applications
6. Site Assessment and System Planning
   • Site survey procedures and tools
   • Roof/structure evaluation and load-bearing considerations
   • Shading evaluation and solar window analysis
   • Blueprint reading and job site layout
7. System Sizing and Design Fundamentals
   • Electrical load analysis
   • Array sizing, string configuration, and DC/AC ratio
   • Wire sizing and voltage drop calculations
   • Inverter selection and compatibility
   • Battery bank sizing for off-grid applications
8. Electrical Codes and Standards
   • NEC Article 690: Solar Photovoltaic Systems
   • NEC Article 705: Interconnected Power Production Sources
   • NEC Article 706: Energy Storage Systems
   • Florida Building Code and FSEC certification standards
   • Utility interconnection requirements and net metering in Florida
9. Safety
   • OSHA general industry and construction safety standards
   • Electrical safety: arc flash, shock hazard, PPE
   • Fall protection and roof safety
   • Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
   • Rapid shutdown requirements
10. System Installation Overview
    • Installation sequence and best practices
    • Mounting and racking installation
    • Wiring methods and conduit fill
    • Inverter and disconnect installation overview
    • Commissioning and system startup
11. Maintenance, Inspection, and Troubleshooting
    • Preventive maintenance schedules and procedures
    • Visual inspection and electrical testing
    • Common faults: ground faults, arc faults, shading losses
    • Monitoring systems: residential and utility-grade equipment

Optional Topics

• PV system performance modeling using software tools (PVWatts, Aurora, HelioScope)
• Advanced energy storage: lithium-ion battery systems and battery management
• Commercial and utility-scale PV system design considerations
• Solar thermal systems and comparison with PV technology
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging integration with PV systems
• Smart grid and demand response concepts
• Florida net metering laws, solar easements, and HOA regulations

Resources & Tools

• Textbook: Photovoltaic Systems (American Technical Publishers) — widely adopted for NABCEP-aligned PV coursework
• NFPA 70 / National Electrical Code (NEC) — current edition, Articles 690, 705, 706, 710
• NABCEP PV Associate Study Guide and Job Task Analysis (JTA)
• FSEC (Florida Solar Energy Center) resources and certification standards — fsec.ucf.edu
• PVWatts Calculator (NREL) — online tool for estimating PV system energy production
• Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) — flscns.fldoe.org
• PV desktop trainers and lab equipment for hands-on activities
• Solar irradiance meters, multimeters, and clamp meters

Career Pathways

Successful completion of this course supports entry into high-demand careers in Florida's rapidly growing solar energy sector. Florida ranks among the top states nationally for solar installations.

• Solar PV Installer / Technician — installs, maintains, and repairs residential and commercial PV systems
• Solar Project Coordinator — supports permitting, inspection scheduling, and project logistics
• PV System Designer — performs load analysis, system sizing, and design documentation
• Solar Sales Consultant — advises customers on system options, financing, and ROI
• Renewable Energy Electrician — licensed electrician specializing in PV and energy storage systems
• Energy Auditor / Efficiency Consultant — assesses building energy use and recommends solar and efficiency measures

This course is a foundational component in Florida college programs leading to the College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Solar Energy Systems Specialist or the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Energy Power Technology.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is aligned with the learning objectives of the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) PV Associate credential, which is an industry-recognized certification validating foundational knowledge of photovoltaic system operations. Students who complete this course will have covered the core content areas of the NABCEP PV Associate exam, including PV system types, components, site assessment, electrical principles, codes and standards, and safety. Students wishing to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam are responsible for applicable exam fees.

The course also supports preparation for FSEC-recognized solar training and aligns with Florida Department of Education curriculum frameworks for solar photovoltaic system design, installation, and maintenance. Students pursuing licensure as a Florida Certified Solar Contractor will find this course foundational to meeting the educational requirements of that credential pathway.

Laboratory Requirement

As a combined lecture/laboratory course (designated by the "C" lab suffix in the SCNS), hands-on lab activities are an integral part of instruction. Lab sessions may include PV module characterization, wiring exercises, use of test instruments, system simulation, and site assessment practice. Students should be prepared for outdoor activities and must comply with all applicable safety requirements during lab sessions.