Solar Battery System Fundamentals
Solar Battery System Fundamentals is an online course that provides a comprehensive introduction to grid-connected battery energy systems and how they can work in conjunction with a PV system. It is a technical course that introduces key concepts regarding the technologies used, the basics of sizing a battery and the operational life of a battery system. It will also cover some typical functions of a battery system such as providing backup during grid outages and off-setting peak loads.
This four hour solar battery fundamentals course is perfect for homeowners, council members and non-technical people working in the industry.
This course is eligible for 30 core CPD points with the Clean Energy Council (CEC), valid until 15 March 2024, and 4 hours professional development with Engineers Australia.
This is a GSES Auto-Enrol course. Before purchase, please read the Important Enrolment Information in the description section below to ensure a smooth and speedy enrolment.
Course Content Whether you are a homeowner, tradesperson, or anyone wishing to gain a sound fundamental understanding of battery storage systems; this course provides a structured approach to studying the essentials of battery storage.
This short course provides a structured approach to understanding the fundamentals of battery storage systems including:
- Technological overview of battery storage and PV systems and how they can work together
- Different application of battery storage systems and their associated functionalities
- Overview of battery characteristics and chemistries
- Sizing a battery system quantitatively and qualitatively according to their function
- Overview of BOS components associated with a battery storage system
- Overview of hazards and maintenance procedures associated with a battery storage system
- End of life recycling and system economics.
There is no assumed knowledge for this course.
Students can download a GSES certificate of completion stating they have completed the Solar Battery System Fundamentals course.
This course is eligible for 30 core CPD points with the Clean Energy Council (CEC), valid until 15 March 2024, and 4 hours professional development with Engineers Australia.
A computer, laptop, tablet, or phone with reliable internet access is required.
Delivery Method Delivery is online comprising video content, theory, and short quizzes at the end of each topic. Tutor support is available if required.
Duration This online course is self-paced. We estimate it may take approximately 4 hours to complete, however this can vary. Course access is valid for 12 months.
A full refund is available within 14 days of purchase, on the condition that the student/s have not yet logged into the student portal. Due to the online nature of the course, no refunds are possible once the course has been accessed on the student portal.
Description
This course uses Auto-Enrol, which means students gain immediate access to the full course upon enrolment. Because the enrolment process is completed automatically, please note the following to ensure correct enrolment:
- If you are only enrolling yourself in this course, do not tick the “Purchase for someone else” box. Your account on this website, created during checkout or a previous purchase, will provide the details required for your automatic account creation on our student training portal. You will receive course login details via email within a few minutes after purchase.
- If you are enrolling one or more students other than yourself, please tick the “Purchase for someone else” box. You will receive an email within a few minutes after purchase. Use the link included in this email to enter the student/s details (this may include yourself), and the accounts will be created on our student training portal.
- Student’s names and email addresses can only be altered after enrolment by GSES staff. Please ensure names are entered as they should appear on the completion certificate. Ensure email addresses are entered correctly, as this is how course access is provided.
If you experience any technical issues during enrolment, please contact the GSES office on training@gses.com.au or 61 2 9024 5312. Staff will be available to assist during business hours only (AEST/AEDT). Note that tax invoices are issued manually, which may take a few working days from enrolment.
Course Content
The main FOCUS of this course is grid-connected battery systems and how they interact with a PV system. Stand-alone systems and other battery applications are briefly touched upon. The course is presented in topics starting with overview how battery and PV systems work, progressing on to characteristics of batteries, common and emerging battery technologies, sizing batteries and finally the operational life of battery systems.
Delivery is online comprising video content, theory, and short quizzes. Short videos are available to give an overview of each topic. Tutor support is available if required.
A computer, laptop, tablet, or phone with reliable internet access.
Students will receive a GSES certificate of completion stating they have completed the Solar Battery System Fundamentals course. Upon completion, CEC (Clean Energy Council) accredited designers/installers will be eligible for 50 CPD points.
A full refund is available within 14 days of purchase, on the condition that the student/s have not yet logged into the student portal. Due to the online nature of the course, no refunds are possible once the course has been accessed on the student portal.
Overview
Learn how to install and maintain photovoltaic (PV) panels (solar panels) on a roof or ground level. In this course, you are introduced to the concepts of solar electricity generation and operation of PV panels, equipment components and installation practices.
Solar panel installers are in demand, with more Nova Scotians looking to supplement their traditional home systems with solar power. Upon course completion, you will receive an official transcript enabling you to join Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Approved Solar Homes Installer list.
In this course, you learn to:
- Explain solar PV panel and system operation according to solar PV generation principles.
- Explain the characteristics and applications of types of solar PV components and equipment.
- Calculate series and parallel connections of PV panels according to system specifications and Canadian Electrical Code requirements.
- Install solar PV systems according to manufacturers’ specifications and Canadian Electrical Code requirements.
Our student supports and services will help you get the most out of your experiences while learning with us. We have support staff to guide you.
In addition to the program being fully funded, there are student support funds available to support your success, including urgent aid, disability support funds.
Solar Training Academy
The solar industry is growing, with solar representing one out of every 100 jobs created in the US in 2017 according to the Solar Jobs Census. than half of the jobs are in construction. But as an emerging industry, employers still report having difficulty finding people with skills, experience, and certifications. Since 2017, GRID Colorado has addressed these concerns directly in its Solar Training Academy. With a combination of classroom and hands-on training, this program will provide hard skills, soft skills, industry-recognized certifications, networking and job readiness, and eligibility for solar employment upon program completion.
The Solar Training Academy (STA) is a paid two-week solar installation training program designed to give you the skills you need to enter the solar industry. Trainees will gain installation experience through interactive classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and mock installations using real-world system components.
Benefits of the STA Program for Participants
REMEMBER: No prior experience required. However you must be at least 18 years of age and a Denver metro area resident. We encourage individuals who are facing barriers to employment and are seeking living-wage jobs in solar or related construction industries to apply.
If you are not a Denver Resident please check out our Installation Basics Training Program (IBT).
Solar Installation Skills Taught in the STA
Want to get involved? Fill out this online application to request a spot in the City and County of Denver funded Solar Training Academy! You must have access to get to and from our training facilities and the job site training that will be associated with your training to apply. If you need assistance with transportation please ask about our transportation stipend that is available to you. If accepted, we will notify trainees via email and/or phone call, as well as communicate which job site training you will be participating in.
Do You Have Questions About the Program?
If you have any more questions about the program reach out to our Workforce Team:
Rosa Cleary, Workforce Coordinator
Organisational Benefits
Companies who send in their employees to participate in this course can benefit in the following ways:
- Participants will understand the idea of solar energy and appreciate its significance in the operation and maintenance of an electrical power system
- Make the participants mindful of solar energy either during project construction or maintenance
- Benefit from having professionally trained staff in solar energy
- The course will allow participants to network and gain knowledge from each other’s shared experiences
- Participants will have adequate awareness to achieve reduced capital, operating and maintenance costs along with an increase in efficiency
Personal Benefits
Professionals who participate in this Solar Energy System – Installation and Storage course can benefit in the following ways:
- Learn everything on Solar Modules, Optimisers (DC/DC converters), Junction Boxes, Inverters, Solar Meters
- Regulate the optimum panel placement for Solar PV
- Calculate efficiency losses due to equipment
- Calculate Solar Array size
- Establish and select the correct apparatuses for the Solar PV system
- Compute Peak Sun Hours for any location in the world!
- Control if the Roof Pitch and Azimuth of a property is good for a Solar System
- Study Solar Cells Chemistry
Who Should Attend?
This program is intended for people who are currently working in or looking for employment in the renewable energy business, including pupils in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage in their career, experienced specialists who are offering renewable energy products/services, as well as those who lack a professional certification or degree in solar energy.
It is perfect for beginners with zero solar experience but is also for experienced solar professionals who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. Engineers, Solar Sales Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Solar Enthusiasts or anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of Solar Photovoltaic energy can also benefit from this course.
Course Outline
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF SOLAR
MODULE 2: TYPES OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Solar Electric / Photovoltaic Systems
- Solar Thermal Systems
- Off-Grid Applications
- Grid-Tied Applications
MODULE 3: EVALUATING THE SOLAR RESOURCE
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Solar Irradiance
- Atmospheric Effects on Solar Radiation
- Latitudinal Effects on Solar Radiation
MODULE 4: LOAD ANALYSIS
MODULE 5: SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
- Components
- Mounting Options
- Grid Interconnectivity
- Electronic Basics
- The Next Generation of Cheap Solar Cells
MODULE 6: SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS
- Collector Types
- Distribution Types
- Storage Types
- System Sizing
- Maintenance
MODULE 7: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
- Shading Control
- Snow
- Wind
- Cleanliness
- Batteries
- Troubleshooting
- Solar PV Systems: Users’ Maintenance Guide
MODULE 8: PV MARKETS APPLICATIONS
- Key contributions to the development PV
- Common types of PV systems
- Advantages disadvantages of PV
- Features and benefits of standalone systems
- Features and benefits of utility-interactive systems
- Roles in the PV industry
- Opportunities for grid-tied and standalone PV systems
- Conservation energy efficiency with PV
MODULE 9: SAFETY BASICS
- Safety hazards of PV systems and components
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for installing PV
- Safe practices and OSHA standards
- Electrical hazards including shock and arc flash
MODULE 10: ELECTRICAL BASICS
- Basic electrical parameters
- Power vs. Energy
- Common electrical system components
- Electrical test equipment
- Ohm’s Law
- Electric utility system operations
MODULE 11: SOLAR ENERGY FUNDAMENTALS
- Basic solar terms
- Diagram the sun’s movement across the sky
- Sun path diagrams
- Factors that increase/decrease solar energy collection
- True North vs. Magnetic North
- Shading
- Gauging the solar window using software
- Avoiding inter-row shading
- Tools for measuring solar power and solar energy
MODULE 12: PV MODULE FUNDAMENTALS
- Describe how solar cells transform sunlight into electricity
- Define PV cells, modules, panels, and arrays
- Five key electrical output parameters
- I-V Curve
- Series and parallel module connections
- Why PV modules make excellent battery chargers
- Performance rating measurement
- Compare manufacturing fabrication processes of solar cells
- Crystalline silicon cells and thin-film modules
- Calculating efficiency per unit area
- PV modules as limited current sources
- Bypass diodes
- Qualification testing to ensure PV module safety reliability
MODULE 13: SYSTEM COMPONENTS
- Common System Configurations
- Major PV System Components
- Balance of System Components
- PV System Power Processing Equipment
MODULE 14: PV SYSTEM SIZING PRINCIPLES
- Standalone vs. utility-interactive PV systems
- Determine peak power demand energy consumption
- De-rating factors
- PVWATTS
- Maximum minimum number of modules with inverters
MODULE 15: PV SYSTEM ELECTRICAL DESIGN
- Prepare one-line electrical diagrams
- Identify the c properties of electrical conductors
- Nameplate specifications on PV modules and inverters
- Charge control
- Labelling requirements on PV systems
- PV system grounding
- Apply Ohm’s Law to calculate voltage drop
- Approvals and code compliance for PV systems
- National Electric Code
MODULE 16: PV SYSTEM MECHANICAL DESIGN
- Common means of securing PV arrays
- Benefits of different mounting options
- Effects of temperature on PV cells
- Building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications
- Weather sealing
- Roofing structural attachments
- Structural loads (dead, live, wind, snow, seismic)
- Safety, performance, code compliance, and warranties