20806292Solar Photovoltaic Technology
Course Information
Description
Examines the scientific principles, engineering design, and economic analysis of solar photovoltaic systems. Complete a site assessment, specify hardware components, and model economic performance for a solar PV system. This course can be applied as an elective for several STEM degree programs at Madison College and four-year universities, particularly those with program emphases in sustainability and renewable energy.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the function of solar photovoltaic materials and their incorporation in photovoltaic modules
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Distinguish between electrical insulators, conductors, and semi-conductors
    Distinguish between n-type and p-type semiconductors
    Describe the characteristics of a p-n junction diode
    Describe the function of a solar photovoltaic cell
    Describe the difference between silicon, CdTe, and CIGS, photovoltaic materials
    Differentiate between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous silicon materials
    Identify the various components of a photovoltaic module

  2. Analyze basic measures of electrical quantities (Electric Potential, Current, and Power) and their use in selecting solar photovoltaic equipment
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Identify the quantities of electric potential, current, resistance and Ohm’s law
    Convert between various units of electrical measurements
    Use Ohm’s and Watt’s Law to solve simple electrical problems
    Differentiate between electrical energy and electric power
    Convert between various units of energy and power

  3. Explain the function of electrical components of a solar photovoltaic system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz, Oral Presentation
    Criteria
    Differentiate between AC and DC current
    Describe the function of a DC to AC string inverter
    Describe the function of DC to AC microinverter
    Describe the function of a DC optimizer
    Explain the function and requirements for different types of overcurrent protection devices
    Explain the function and requirements for different types electrical disconnect devices

  4. Examine solar irradiance and the impact of time of day, seasons and local weather patterns
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Describe the wavelength and frequency of the solar spectrum
    Differentiate between irradiance and illuminance
    Use and convert between various measures of irradiance (W/m^2 and BTU/ft^2)
    Describe how irradiance varies over the course of a day
    Describe how irradiance varies with season
    Describe the behavior of the sun on the equinoxes, solstices, and the time between those dates
    Describe how weather patterns influence irradiance at the Earth’s Surface
    Define the astronomical solar window and the practical photovoltaic solar window
    Define Standard Test Conditions (STC) for solar photovoltaic panels
    Describe how STC conditions might vary from actual conditions at a given location

  5. Assess potential of given site for generation of solar electricity
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Describe the wavelength and frequency of the solar spectrum
    Differentiate between irradiance and illuminance
    Use and convert between various measures of irradiance (W/m^2 and BTU/ft^2)
    Describe how irradiance varies over the course of a day
    Describe how irradiance varies with season
    Describe the behavior of the sun on the equinoxes, solstices, and the time between those dates
    Describe how weather patterns influence irradiance at the Earth’s Surface
    Define the astronomical solar window and the practical photovoltaic solar window
    Define Standard Test Conditions (STC) for solar photovoltaic panels
    Describe how STC conditions might vary from actual conditions at a given location

  6. Determine electrical loads
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Calculate the energy and power consumption of an electrical devices to develop a load profile for a residence or business place
    Identify the components and various charges found on a typical electric utility bill
    Use utility bill information to develop a load profile for a residence or business place
    Calculations are accurate

  7. Design solar photovoltaic system for given application
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Specify a system to satisfy designated electrical load
    Select components to integrate solar modules, inverters, and other balance of system hardware
    Perform string sizing calculations to determine the electric potential and currents
    Use winter low and summer high temperature data to determine the effect on open circuit potential (Voc), and compare this result with specifications for inverter hardware
    Use Helioscope, Energy Toolbox, SAM, or similar software to design and model a PV system for a given application
    Determine peak power output and estimated energy losses for the system
    Determine estimated annual energy production
    Compare power and energy generated with the load profile of the selected application

  8. Estimate installation cost and determine economic payback for a solar photovoltaic system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Quiz
    Criteria
    Estimate materials costs based on available list prices
    Estimate labor cost based on local prevailing wage estimates
    Estimate available cash incentives or tax credits
    Calculate a simple payback period and return on investment
    Differentiate between electrical generation “in front of” and “behind the meter”
    Determine the value of solar electricity for a given electric rate structure based on net metering policies and published utility tariffs
    Calculations are accurate and/or within range as specified