Course Overview

With Guyana’s growing investment in renewable energy, this program trains electricians in the installation, maintenance, and safety of Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems. The curriculum aligns with NEC Article 690 and prepares students to work on both grid-tied and off-grid systems, with a focus on rural electrification and commercial solar projects.

Key Topics:

1. Fundamentals of Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Conversion
2. NEC Code Requirements for Solar Installations (Article 690 & 705)
3. Array Configuration, Mounting, and Inverter Technologies
4. Wiring and Protection for PV Systems
5. Commissioning and Maintenance Best Practices
6. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Hybrid Integration

Skills Gained:

1. Design small-to-medium PV systems
2. Conduct safe rooftop and ground-mount installations
3. Troubleshoot system performance
4. Apply safety procedures for high-voltage DC systems

Career Pathways:

1. Solar Installation Technician
2. PV System Maintenance Professional
3. Renewable Energy Consultant (entry-level

Photovoltaic (PV) System Training Course Outline

1. Introduction to Solar Energy and PV Systems

1. Basics of solar energy and the photovoltaic effect
2. Global and local market trends
3. Benefits and limitations of PV systems

2. Types of PV Systems

1. Grid-tied systems
2. Off-grid systems
3. Hybrid systems (with battery storage)
4. Applications and use cases

3. Components of a PV System

1. PV modules (types, ratings, efficiency)
2. Inverters (string, micro, hybrid, central)
3. Charge controllers
4. Batteries (lead-acid, lithium-ion, etc.)
5. Mounting structures and BOS (Balance of System) components
6. Cabling, protection devices, and connectors

4. Electrical Principles and Solar Calculations

1. Solar resource assessment (irradiance, insolation)
2. Series and parallel configuration
3. Voltage, current, and power calculations
4. Sizing PV modules, inverters, and battery banks
5. Load analysis and energy yield estimation

5. Site Assessment and System Design

1. Roof and ground-mount site analysis
2. Shading analysis and tilt orientation
3. System layout and single-line diagrams
4. Selection of components based on load and site

6. Installation Procedures

1. Mounting of modules and racking systems
2. Electrical wiring, grounding, and protection
3. Inverter installation and AC/DC connections
4. Battery integration and energy management systems
5. Commissioning procedures and checklists

7. Safety Standards and Regulations

1. Electrical safety (lockout/tagout, PPE)
2. Local codes and regulations (e.g., NEC, IEC)
3. Fire safety and rapid shutdown requirements
4. System labeling and inspection protocols

8. Monitoring and Maintenance

1. Online monitoring platforms and data analysis
2. Troubleshooting common PV faults
3. Routine inspection and cleaning
4. Preventive maintenance practices

9. Economics and Incentives

1. Cost analysis and return on investment (ROI)
2. Government incentives, subsidies, and net metering
3. Environmental impact and carbon savings

10. Hands-On Training and Practical Labs

1. PV module assembly and installation practice
2. Inverter programming and grid synchronization
3. Fault simulation and diagnostics
4. Data logger and monitoring tool setup

11. Final Assessment and Certification

1. Written exam
2. Practical skills test
3. Training completion certificate