Description This five-day course provides a one week intensive hands-on exposure to the process of installing a photovoltaic system. With the increasing focus on ways to leverage renewable energy resources, predictions are favorable for the increased use of PV systems in both residential and commercial dwellings.
The PV System Installation course provides critical knowledge of solar energy and systems applied to PV installations. It also focuses on gaining a full understanding of how to organize a successful PV installation project including the review of project documents, site plans, electrical drawings, job specifications, manufacturer installation instructions, and pertinent documentation from the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). You will gain essential knowledge and skills in methods to construct the PV array, support structures and install both DC and AC wiring and equipment. You will learn how to conduct an insulation integrity test for DC or AC wiring and equipment and which OSHA requirements apply to the project. You will have many opportunities to apply your week-long experience to real world installation activities. You will also acquire the skills and knowledge to complete the project including needed inspections and evaluations, proper signing and labeling, system testing, calibration and verification of system performance.
Vital to any successful PV installation is a thorough understanding of how the National Electrical Code (NEC), in particular Article 690, applies to it. You will gain understanding in how to determine the requirements that apply to your PV installation as well as other requirements.
Finally, no installation project ends without training the customer in how to operate their new PV system. You learn how to approach dealing with the customer at the end of the installation and gain their satisfaction with your work.
Note: This course does not cover how to design a PV system. The topics of optimization and troubleshooting will only be covered in so far as they pertain to a PV system installation. In addition, please note that completion of this course does not certify an individual as a PV System Installer. To become a Certified PV System Installer you must register for and pass the PV Installer Certification exam.
Contact UL University at 1-888-503-5536 to learn how you can save 40% off the registration fee!
Objectives
- Organize and plan a PV installation project
- Construct a PV array
- Install DC wiring and equipment as it pertains to a PV installation
- Install AC wiring and equipment as it pertains to a PV installation
- Complete a PV system installation project
- Commission the PV system and close-out the project
- Comprehend and use common solar energy and PV system terms and concepts
- Apply OSHA and NEC requirements to the PV installation
Synopsis of topics and activities
(Click on the link for each day to review the topics that will be covered)
- Day One
- Organizing a PV installation
- Reviewing project documents
- Contacting and verifying local requirements
- Developing lists for materials, tools, and equipment
- Coordinating logistics and manpower
- Conducting safety briefing
- Verifying existing ground electrode systems
- Verifying adequacy of existing electrical system
- Case Review Activity – Organizing the PV Installation
- Constructing the PV Array
- Overview of PV arrays, other equipment, and materials
- Issues regarding array layout and construction
- NEC requirements
- Safety practices
- Troubleshooting construction issues
- Demonstration – Constructing the PV Array
- Hands-on Activity – Constructing the PV Array
- VOLT (Voluntary Open Lab Time)
- Day Two
- Hands-on Activity – Constructing the PV Array (continued from Day 1)
- Installing DC Wiring and Equipment
- Laying out the DC wiring and equipment
- Installing the DC equipment
- Installing the DC wiring methods
- Routing DC wiring from modules/arrays to inverter
- Determining and installing appropriate materials, including fasteners, junction boxes, cable runs, conduit, tubing fittings, and grounding/bonding of conductors.
- Testing DC insulation integrity
- Troubleshooting DC wiring methods and equipment
- Obtaining DC rough inspection approval
- Labeling DC conductors
- Terminating DC conductors
- Installing DC GEC
- Installing DC bonding and grounding EGC
- Bonding lightning protection systems
- Installing inverters
- Installing battery system
- Hands-on Activity – Install DC Wiring and Equipment on a PV System
- VOLT (Voluntary Open Lab Time)
- Day Three
- Installing AC Wiring and Equipment
- Laying out the AC wiring and equipment
- Installing the AC equipment; upgrading electrical service if needed
- Installing AC disconnects
- Installing AC wiring methods
- Testing insulation integrity
- Obtaining AC wiring rough inspection
- Labeling AC conductors
- Terminating AC conductors
- Installing grounding electrode systems
- Installing grounding and bonding
- Connecting other power sources
- Hands-on Activity – Install AC Wiring and Equipment on a PV System
- VOLT (Voluntary Open Lab Time)
- Day Four
- Completing the PV System Construction
- Visual inspections of the project
- Developing and completing a project punch list
- Installing overcurrent protective devices
- Installing required signs and labels
- Troubleshooting potential problems
- Completing project as-builts
- Obtaining the field evaluation
- Final inspection approval
- Site clean-up
- Hands-on Activity – Completing the PV Construction
- Commissioning the System and Closing Out the Project
- Performing system test and start-up
- System calibrations
- System performance monitoring and troubleshooting
- Hands-on Activity – Calibrating the PV System
- Overall Course Summary
- VOLT (Voluntary Open Lab Time)
- Day Five
- Performance Assessment
- Hands-on performance assessment in work teams
- Performance assessment debrief
- Written assessment
- NOTE: This is not the certification exam.
- Course Evaluations
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Target Audience
- Licensed electricians
- Journeymen / apprentices
- Electrical contractors
- Builders / inspectors
- Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
Course schedule
- Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm; certification exam 2:00pm - 5:00pm
- Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Cancellation policy
Paid registrations canceled up to thirty (30) days prior to the training are entitled to a full refund. All cancellations within thirty (30) days prior to the training are non-reundable. You may reschedule the training to an alternative training date without incurring cancellation penalties.
UL reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule a workshop due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or other events beyond our control. If this should happen, UL will notify you as soon as possible. UL’s liability is limited to the return or credit of the registration fee(s). UL shall not be responsible for any consequential or other losses resulting from the cancellation or postponement of this workshop such as airline and/or other travel and personal expenses. |
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UL University's workshops are designed for and intended to serve individuals using and relying upon UL services. UL University reserves the right to limit workshop attendance strictly to the foregoing. In addition, UL University reserves the right to change, reschedule or cancel any workshop at any time. UL shall not be responsible for any consequential or other losses resulting from the cancellation or postponement of this workshop such as airline and other travel/personal expenses.
UL University accepts the following forms of payment for registration: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Invoice/PO. Please note that Invoice/PO is not accepted for online courses.
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