Solar Electric Fundamentals
and Grid-Direct Design (PV 101)

A Five day intensive workshop, October 18-22 2010 at Nipissing University Muskoka Campus, Bracebridge, Ontario. Cost: $1350 +HST, register soon, space is limited. Lunch provided. Class is 9:00am-5:00pm  Register here.  Download a flyer here (pdf)

The Fourth Pig is proud to be partnering with world-renowned Solar Energy International (SEI) for their first Canadian solar training. SEI literally wrote the book on solar install and design (all workshop participants will get the book and other resources) and people travel from all over to take their trainings in the U.S. and around the world. Enrollment is on a first-come basis and class size is limited.

The instructors are certified by North American Board of Certified Energy Practioners (NABCEP) and are also accredited by Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Completion of this courses fulfills the education requirement for NABCEP certification and helps you to prepare to pass the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam, however further study, particularly around battery use is recommended. 


General course overview
This course will provide an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including:  system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding – all of which will be expanded upon in PV 202.

Students receive an introductory level hands-on experience through the opportunity to work on lab kits.  The course will include Ontario specific content including information about Ontario’s Feed in Tariff, local content, and code requirements.


Students who complete the PV 101 workshop will be able to perform the following:

  1. •Analyze net metering and other incentives that affect the final cost of a PV system

  2. •List the pros and cons and draw a block diagram of the following systems:  DC direct, stand-alone, grid-direct, and grid-tied with battery back-up

  3. •Diagram an array in series and parallel configurations

  4. •Obtain and apply module specifications for a given module and determine a module’s performance given various environmental conditions

  5. •Determine performance of an array/system based on irradiance changes or for array orientation and tilt angle at a given site

  6. •Determine the magnetic declination, find the orientation and altitude angle of the sun, and evaluate the shade potential for a given site

  7. •List the pros and cons of different mounting structures (ground, pole, roof, and trackers)
    Read equipment specification sheets to determine the critical information needed in system design

  8. •Size a residential grid-direct system including the inverter, array, PV source and inverter output circuit conductors (basic), and overcurrent protection

  9. •Determine the number of modules that can fit on a given roof space

  10. •Identify the following wires and components on a three-line diagram of a residential grid-direct system:  the array, disconnects, inverter, the equipment grounding conductors, ungrounded conductors, grounded conductors, the grounding electrode(s), and the system grounds

  11. •List the order of commissioning and decommissioning, as well as potential safety hazards, for a grid-direct system


Prerequisites
 Before participating in the PV 101 in-person workshop students are required to complete the self-paced PV 101 PREP online component.  This free online component allows immediate access to start your solar education! 

PV 101 PREP is an online, on-demand instructorless course, which will require approximately 10-15 hours to complete and will help you be successful in our PV 101 workshop.

Students receive access information after registration for PV 101. PV 101 PREP enhances students’ learning experience and allows time to cover more information in the PV 101 course. 

Students who complete the PV 101 PREP will be able to perform the following:
•    Differentiate between various renewable energy sources and types of systems
•    Perform power and energy calculations
•    Perform a load analysis for a grid-direct system and evaluate utility bills and rate plans
•    Implement electrical efficiency measures to reduce system size

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Exam:  Both NABCEP and SEI recommend that students do not take the exam immediately following PV 101, but rather spend additional time preparing.  The NABCEP exam includes questions on grid-direct and battery-based PV systems.  If students elect to not take PV 203, they will need to spend a significant amount of time independently studying topics related to battery-based systems, in addition to the post-course review recommended by NABCEP. See www.nabcep.org for more on their recommendations.


Workshop Policies for
Solar Electric Fundamentals and Grid-Direct Design

Enrollment Policy
Enrollment is on a first-come basis and class size is limited. You can pay via paypal on the Fourth Pig site or send a cheque to 2630 Muskoka Rd. 117, PO Box 10, Baysville, ON P0B 1A0. Please note that if you are sending a cheque, please email info@fourthpig.org to let us know that you are sending payment. 

Please note that this and all Fourth Pig workshops are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment (however we anticipate this workshop will be fully enrolled).

If we must cancel the workshop due to low enrollment, instructor illness or other unforeseen circumstances we will notify you, most likely at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the workshop.  The Fourth Pig is not responsible for losses incurred on housing, travel or other arrangements.

Waiting List
If a workshop is full we will place you on the waiting list.  There is no charge to be on the waiting list. If space becomes available, we contact the first person on the list. You then have 24 hours to register before we move on to the next person.

Transfers If you choose to transfer your space to someone in your company or family, a $100 administration fee is charged.

Cancellation Policy
We recognize that cancellations are sometimes necessary. For cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of your course, 50% of your tuition will be refunded. Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the start of your course result in forfeiture of your tuition.

If you are unable to complete your course due to illness or natural disaster, please contact the Fourth Pig at: info@fourthpig.org

Lodging
You are responsible for your own lodging.  There are several motels, hotels and b&bs a short distance from the campus.

Food
Morning coffee and a light lunch will be provided.  You are responsible for all other food, snacks, beverages.

Prerequisite Course
Before participating in the PV 101 in-person workshop students are required to complete the self-paced PV 101 PREP online component.  PV 101 PREP is an online, on-demand instructorless course, which will require approximately 10-15 hours to complete and will help you be successful in the PV 101 workshop.

Students receive access information after registration for PV 101. PV 101 PREP enhances students’ learning experience and allows time to cover more information in the PV 101 course. 

Workshop Atmosphere
We try our best to make your experience rewarding, safe and enjoyable. Classes sizes are small. This class will be taught in English. People from different cultures attend our workshops, and we expect that all participants will be treated with equal respect.

Workshop Materials
The fee for each workshop includes all course materials. You will receive a workshop binder and textbook.  You may wish to bring a notebook and or laptop to take notes. Lab tools will be provided but you are free to bring your own if you wish.

Class Times
The workshop will run from approximately 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day of class.  Please plan to arrive at the classroom no later than 8:45 on the first day so that the instructors can check you into the class. Lunch will be from approximately noon - 1pm each day, in addition to a short morning and afternoon break. Feel free to bring snacks and beverages.


Register here


Want to help us spread the word? PV 101 FLYER (pdf)