Course Overview
Addresses more advanced PV system design as well as the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code. The design principles of grid-tie PV systems, off grid hybrid systems and Building Integrated PV systems are covered in detail. Advances in PV technology, the economics of PV systems, computer programs for PV design and the PV industry in general are also discussed. - Identify potential PV system designs suitable for a particular application and site - Specify and design PV systems for various types of applications - Relate the operating principles of PV system components to PV system design - Estimate the energy production of a grid-tie PV system - Refer to and interpret sections of the CEC applicable to PV systems.
- Retired
- This course has been retired and is no longer offered. Find other Flexible Learning courses that may interest you.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
Solar Photovoltaic Power systems
- Outline the advantages and disadvantages of solar electric power generation.
- Illustrate various PV system configurations.
Design process for a stand-alone solar PV system.
- Describe the main features of stand-alone DC and AC PV systems.
- Analyze the electrical loads and solar resource for stand-alone PV systems.
- Specify the major components of stand-alone solar PV systems.
Design process for a grid-connected solar PV system.
- Describe features of grid-interactive and grid-interconnected PV systems.
- Evaluate power requirement and solar resource for a grid-connected PV system.
- Specify the major components of grid-connected solar PV system.
- Mechanical and Electrical Integration of PV systems with buildings (3 hours)
Safety and Maintenance
- Identify key parts of the electrical code that apply to solar PV systems.
- Illustrate proper placement and selection of electrical equipment in a PV system.
- Illustrate proper wire selection for PV systems.
- Illustrate proper bonding and grounding methods in a PV system.
- Analyze the performance of a PV system for maintenance and trouble shooting.
Economics, Future Trends and the PV Industry (Optional 3 hours)
- Calculate the life cycle cost and economics of a PV system.
- Describe space, prototype and non-commercial PV technologies.
- Identify companies, incentives and trends in the Photovoltaic Industry
Effective as of Fall 2003
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.