Photovoltaic Practitioner Certificate Program
(ZTEC-018)
Fee: $695 includes required textbook
| Section 01 | Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., September
29-November 17 (no class on 10/13) and Saturdays, October 4 and 25, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. One additional evening will be scheduled following the conclusion of the course for those wishing to take the entry-level PV Installer exam for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). |
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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 entry-level PV Installer exam for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The course instructor, Michael Kocsmiersky, who has many years of experience in the field and guest lecturers from the Utility and PV industry will discuss grid capacity interaction and PV component development.
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
Course Material
As a result of grant funding from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), 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 should also have a copy of the latest version of the National Electrical Code or the National Electrical Code Handbook and be able to access web-based materials.
