Photovoltaic Practitioner Certificate Program

ZTEC-018    Photovoltaic Practitioner Certificate Program
Fee:  $895 includes required textbook and manual (* Students should also bring a copy of the National Electrical Code or National Electrical Code Handbook to class)

Winter/Spring 2010 Schedule
Mondays and Thursdays, February 1, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, March 1, 8, 11, 18, 22, 25, and 29, 6:00-9:00 p.m.  and
Saturdays, February 20 (8:00 a.m.-Noon), March 6  (8:00 a.m.-Noon), March 13 (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), and March 20 (8:00 a.m.-Noon)

Spring Exam Date:
Monday, April 8:  Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
(Separate exam fee of approximately $100 applies)

Fall Exam Date:
Monday, November 23:  Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
(Separate exam fee of approximately $100 applies)

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Program Description

This course is designed for Architects, Engineers, Licensed Electricians, Journeyman Electrician students, General Contractors and those interested in developing a career in Photovoltaics to prepare for the  North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam.  As the market grows for photovoltaics, students holding this industry-sponsored Entry Level Certificate may find that their employment opportunities may be enhanced by being able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system to a current or potential employer.  It is important to understand however that the Certificate by itself does not qualify an individual to install PV systems.

Time will be devoted to current and projected SOLAR PV research and development inclinations. Many new designs are emerging and SOLAR PV in three to five years will be unrecognizable from what is now standard.  The field of SOLAR PV is a perfect example of applying  "Moore’s’ Law;" which states  "mass integration and mass production leads to accelerating R and D which produces huge gains in product efficiency and dramatic cost reductions" .  Photovoltaic Practitioners need to be aware of projected improvements in the PV Technology in order to better serve their intended markets.

This course will provide a comprehensive coverage of stand alone, utility interactive, and dedicated load applications for solar electricity.

Participants will gain a detailed understanding of:

  • The types of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules
  • The design of various PV Direct Current Source Circuits and their associated power electronics and switchgear
  • Proper metering of solar production as well as monitoring, storage
  • Data acquisition systems specific to the technology will be reviewed in depth.
  • The emerging microgrids paradigm

The microgrids paradigm is a novel network structure being implemented within active distribution networks. Such active distribution networks efficiently link power sources with consumer demand. As a technology, microgrids encompass low voltage (LV) distribution systems with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs); for example microhydroturbines, mini windturbines, fuel cells, photovoltaic arrays (PV), and others coupled with a variety of storage elements (capacitors, batteries, on-demand hydrogen, flywheels, water storage, etc.)

The course will include sessions on:

  • Solar resource analysis and modeling site specific production
  • Review structural and mechanical code requirements
  • Best practices for mounting PV arrays
  • Case studies will illustrate electrical integration into existing buildings and efficient incorporation into new construction
  • Particular emphasis will be placed on safe installation practices
  • Interconnection requirements
  • Jurisdictional permitting, and utility notifications
  • The STCC Technology Park 30 kW PV system will be utilized for field demonstration lessons

Prerequisite

Program Instructors

Instructor:  Michael D. Kocsmiersky
Mike receive his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester, is licensed by the Association of Energy Engineers as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and has completed Building Analyst I, Shell Specialist, and HERS rater training with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) as well as advanced courses in PV design and solar engineering.  He is currently Vice President of Research and Development for Alteris Renewables™, Springfield, MA.  Click for additional details.

Course Material

All enrolled students will receive a copy of the required course textbook, Photovoltaic Systems, by Jim Dunlop, PE, published by American Technical Publishers Inc.

  • Participants must have a copy of :  The latest version of the National Electrical Code or The National Electrical Code Handbook
  • Be able to access web-based materials
     

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