Author: MSEPE Staff Published: 7/28/2024 Morehouse School of Extended Professional Education
This online course will familiarize you with the steps and considerations necessary before and during a solar installation project. This includes addressing customer expectations, paperwork and approvals, location options, code compliance, and project site assessment
With the solar market expected to triple by 2028, the demand for professionals with expertise in solar photovoltaic (PV) design is skyrocketing. This Solar Design Training course focuses on practical skills essential to the job, so that you can excel within a career in solar system design.
With a customer-centric approach, you will learn to tailor your designs to meet specific customer needs, considering their energy requirements, preferences, and unique project requirements. You will also gain expertise in defining project criteria and documentation by learning to establish clear criteria for system capacity, location, budget, and timeline and create detailed documentation outlining project specifications and objectives.
Throughout this solar design course, you will delve into mechanical and electrical design principles and learn how to select appropriate equipment, such as solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and wiring. With a focus on understanding how to optimize energy production and system reliability, you will discover custom system layouts, shading analysis, and equipment compatibility.
From start to finish, this solar PV design course provides you with the necessary knowledge to comply with local building codes, utility regulations, and interconnection requirements—so you can prepare and submit all required documentation. Furthermore, you will be able to future proof your solar system designs by implementing monitoring systems for real-time tracking and analysis of system performance for proactive maintenance and optimization.
What you will learn
- Understand how to assess customer expectations for their solar system and tailor it by considering their energy needs, preferences, and any specific requirements they may have
- Master the criteria and requirements for the solar system design project, including system capacity, location, budget, and timeline to create detailed documentation
- Develop the mechanical and electrical design for the solar system, such as selecting appropriate equipment like solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and wiring to ensure efficient energy production, system reliability, and optimize the design
- Discover how to design a solar system layout, considering factors like available space, orientation, and tilt angle to maximize energy generation
- Master the implementation of monitoring systems to track and analyze system performance, allowing for proactive maintenance and optimization
- Navigate the process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals for the solar system design, including complying with local building codes, utility regulations, and interconnection requirements
- Learn to prepare and submit all required documentation and ways to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth approval process
How you will benefit
- Enhance your understanding of Solar PV system design principles
- Build upon your knowledge of Solar fundamentals by learning about key concepts and best practices in designing efficient and effective solar PV systems
- Develop the skills to effectively coordinate with clients, local code officials, and other stakeholders involved in the solar installation process
- Equip yourself with the key concepts presented in the NABCEP PV Design Specialist job task analysis and enhance your industry credibility
- Gain the ability to assess client requirements, conduct system sizing and energy production analysis, and create comprehensive solar PV system designs
- Learn and stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in solar system design, including energy storage and smart technologies
Syllabus
- Customer Expectations
- Project Criteria
- Assess Project Site
- Configure Mechanical Design
- Configure Electrical Design
- Configure System Monitoring, Controlling and Communications Design
- Prepare Project Documentation
- Secure Permits and Approvals
- Adapt System Design
Requirements
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.15 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Microsoft Word Online
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Prerequisites:
We strongly encourage participants to complete the Solar Energy Training course before enrolling in this course. However, if a participant has completed relevant coursework in solar or has work experience in solar, we would permit them to enroll in this course without completing the Solar Energy Training course first. This course assumes that the candidate has a foundational base of knowledge in solar and will not review entry-level curriculum.
Instructor
Chris Boggiano
Chris Boggiano is a respected professional known for his expertise in engineering and education. Holding the position of President at Everblue, he leads the organization with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. Chris is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he cultivated strong leadership skills and a dedication to continuous learning. With a solid foundation in engineering, he has garnered extensive experience in the field, contributing significantly to various projects and initiatives.
In addition to his role as an engineer, Chris serves as Everblue’s Head Curriculum Developer, showcasing his exceptional ability to design educational programs that inspire and empower. His innovative approach to curriculum development has earned him recognition, making a meaningful impact on the educational landscape. Chris’ dedication to shaping future generations through education and his rich background in engineering, reflects his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world of learning and professional development.
FAQs
What is the average solar designer salary?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a solar PV designer is $75,650 per year in the U.S., with the salary range for a solar PV designer ranging from $65,997 to $84,442 per year.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
While this course may not specifically prepare you for certification, it offers valuable solar training that will significantly enhance your professional development and increase your employability within the thriving solar industry. By completing this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in solar-related roles and position yourself for exciting job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Invest in your future and unlock the potential of a rewarding career in solar energy with our comprehensive training program.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 3 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it’s through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
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