Overview: PV Installer Program
- 180 hrs

Based upon the cognitive elements of the solar industry learning objectives, this program provides a PV installer with the following: Given basic instructions, major components, schematics and drawings, the ability to specify, adapt, implement, configure, install, inspect and maintain PV systems that meet the performance and reliability needs of the customer, incorporate quality craftsmanship, and comply with all applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements.

1. Working Safely with Photovoltaic Systems
2. Conducting Site Assessment
3. Selecting a System Design
4. Adapting the Mechanical Design
5. Installing Subsystems and Components at the Site
6. Performing a System Checkout and Inspection
7. Maintaining and Troubleshooting a System

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate knowledge of how to maintain safe work habits and clean, orderly work area
2. Demonstrate knowledge of safe and proper use of required tools and equipment
3. Demonstrate knowledge of safe and accepted practices for personnel protection
4. Demonstrate awareness of safety hazards and how to avoid them
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic first aid
6. Identify appropriate codes and standards concerning installation, operation and maintenance of PV systems and equipment
7. Identify appropriate codes and standards concerning worker and public safety
8. Identify personal safety hazards associated with PV installations
9. Identify environmental hazards associated with PV installations

Conducting a Site Assessment

1. Identify typical tools and equipment required for conducting site surveys for PV installations, and demonstrate proficiency in their use
2. Establish suitable location with proper orientation, sufficient area, adequate solar access and structural integrity for installing PV array
3. Establish suitable locations for installing inverters, control, batteries and other balance-of-system components
4. Diagram possible layouts and locations for array and equipment, including existing building or site features
5. Identify and assess any site-specific safety hazards or other issues associated with installation of system
6. Obtain and interpret solar radiation and temperature data for site for purposes of establishing performance expectations and use in electrical system calculations
7. Quantify the customer electrical load and energy use through review of utility bills, meter readings, measurements and/or customer interview,
8. Estimate and/or measure the peak load demand and average daily energy use for all loads directly connected to inverter-battery systems for purposes of sizing equipment, as applicable
9. Determine requirements for installing additional subpanels and interfacing PV system with utility service, and/or other generation sources as applicable
10. Identify opportunities for the use of energy efficient equipment/appliances, conservation and energy management practices, as applicable

Selecting a System Design

1. Identify appropriate system designs/configurations based on customer needs, expectations and site conditions
2. Estimate sizing requirements for major components based on customer load, desired energy or peak power production, autonomy requirement, size and costs as applicable
3. Identify and select major components and balance of system equipment required for installation
4. Estimate time, materials and equipment required for installation, determine installation sequence to optimize use of time and materials

Adapting the Mechanical Design

1. Identify a mechanical design, equipment to be used and installation plan that is consistent with the environmental, architectural, structural, code requirements and other conditions of the site
2. Identify appropriate module/array layout, orientation and mounting method for ease of installation, electrical configuration and maintenance at the site
3. Adapting the Electrical Design
4. Determine the design currents for any part of a PV system electrical circuit
5. Select appropriate conductor types and ratings for each electrical circuit in the system based on application
6. Determine the derated ampacity of system conductors, and select appropriate sizes based on design currents
7. Determine appropriate size, ratings and locations for all system overcurrent and disconnect devices
8. Determine appropriate size, ratings and locations for grounding, surge suppression and associated equipment
9. Determine voltage drop for any electrical circuit based on size and length of conductors
10. Verify that the array operating voltage range is within acceptable operating limits for power conditioning equipment, including inverters and controllers
11. Select an appropriate utility interconnection point, and determine the size, ratings and locations for overcurrent and disconnect devices.

Installing Subsystems and Components at the Site

1. Utilize drawings, schematics, instructions and recommended procedures in installing equipment
2. Implement all applicable personnel safety and environmental protection measures
3. Demonstrate know of how to verify continuity and measure impedance of grounding system
4. Program, adjust and/or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes

Performing a System Checkout and Inspection

1. Demonstrate know of how to visually inspect entire installation, identifying and resolving any deficiencies in materials or workmanship
2. Demonstrate know of how to check system mechanical installation for structural integrity and weather sealing
3. Demonstrate know of how to check electrical installation for proper wiring practice, polarity, grounding and integrity of terminations
4. Demonstrate know of how to activate system and verify overall system functionality and performance, compare with expectations
5. Demonstrate know of procedures for connecting and disconnecting the system and equipment from all sources
6. Identify and verify all required markings and labels for the system and equipment
7. Identify and explain all safety issues associated with operation and maintenance of system
8. Identify what documentation is required to be provided to the PV system owner/operator by the installer

Maintaining and Troubleshooting a System

1. Identify tools and equipment required for maintaining and troubleshooting PV systems and demonstrate knowledge of their use.
2. Identify maintenance needs and demonstrate knowledge of service procedures for modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural and weather sealing systems, and balance of systems equipment
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how to measure system performance and operating parameters, compare with specifications and expectations, and assess operating condition of system and equipment
4. Demonstrate know of how to perform diagnostic procedures and interpret results
5. Demonstrate know of how to identify performance and safety issues, and implement corrective measures
6. Demonstrate know of how to verify complete functionality and performance of system, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation and emergency/bypass operation
7. Compile and maintain records of system operation, performance and maintenance