Online Training Course : Solar PV Exceed

Commercial Solar PV Design and Install Course

This 2 day Commercial solar PV design-and-install course was created for organisations and small businesses that require in-depth information on sizing, assessing as well as the installation of solar PV Systems.  The content is ideal for experienced installers, engineers and or electricians also involved with solar PV technology design and installation. The course is available as a face to face course for Corporate Group Bookings or in an online learning environment.

Requirements to attend the Solar PV Exceed course:

  • Candidates attending need to have working knowledge of Temperature Coefficients and therefore we would recommend the following foundational knowledge being in-place. Either;
    • A Level 1 Test Certificate as issued by AREP (Association for Renewable Energy Practitioners) or,
    • a PV Green Card or;
    • other similar training that would have equipped candidates to understand temperature coefficients.

Commercial PV Course Complexity:

  • The course content is ideal for experienced installers, engineers and or electricians involved with solar PV technology design and installation. All PQRS course content is aligned to the formal qualification which has been registered with the South African Qualification Authority. More information on the formal qualification can be obtained by phoning PQRS customer support.

Commercial PV Course Assessment:

  • An online assessment test is done once the course has been completed. The test is done in the student’s own time and counts towards the time allocated for attending the course. Students are expected to register themselves for the online test at the following address. (AREP P4 Level 2 test - 4 hours)
  • https://arepenergy.co.za/online_pv_test/

Commercial Solar PV course content:

  1. Overview of a SPD and LPS system

    • The course is started with what we need to know about surge and lightning protection from a solar PV installation point of view as well as how to determine when to use surge protection in comparison to lightning protection. During the overview we look at what surges are in addition to where they come from and how equipment could potentially be protected.
  2. Sources of surges

    • During the section where sources of surges are discussed, we also look at why we need surge protection devices and what the SANS Standards say about them. Protection against surges is discussed in addition to taking a look at what are we trying to protect electrical infrastructure against.
    • Surges are typically caused by direct and or indirect events. These two types of surge protection systems (Internal & External) are required to protect against the mechanical forces as well as electrical forces of surges.
    • Furthermore SPD requirements according to a number of Standards are discussed in detail.
    • SANS10313, SANS1042-1 (Lightning Flash Density), SANS60364-7-712 is introduced and new terms such as "Co-ordination" of SPD's are explained. How to implement co-ordination is then discussed.
  3. Inside a Surge arrestor

    • How are SPD’s labelled and how are SPD’s rated along with how to interpret the codes for surge protection devices such as 8/20 & 10/350 & KA
  4. Lightning Protection Systems (LPS)

    • The 2 types of lightning protection systems (Bonded & Isolated), when to use a LPS system with PV and where to find the Lightning Flash Density values for South Africa
  5. Risk Analysis & Risk Calculations

    • It is vital to understand the terminology and equipment as expressed in the standards. Sources of damage are discussed as well as damage results, risks for specific sources as well as step and touch potential is covered.
  6. Lightning

    • This fascinating subject is covered to understanding lightning in greater detail and how it is formed. Upwards leaders and downward streamers are explained in greater detail in an effort to limit losses caused by lightning and surges.
  7. Lightning Protection Systems

    • The 3 parts of a lightning protection system is explained. These are
      • Air termination, Down conductors and Earth termination.
    • Each one of the parts are discussed and covered in detail.
  8. Bonding vs Earthing

    • The differences between bonded and isolated systems are covered.
    • This is often a confusing topic as the term does not necessarily refer to the same term as an object being bonded to the earthing system.
  9. Electromagnetic Impulses

    • Electro-magnetic Pulses and Lightning Electro-magnetic Pulses are compared to or likened to separation distances. We look at the various acronyms used in the standards and an effort is made to explain and understand the terms with a greater sense of clarity.
  10. Circuit Breakers & Fuses

    • Circuit breakers and fuses can easily be understood if we know how they work and what the standards require from a safety and protection point of view. Trip curves and Fuses for modules and batteries as discussed in detail.
  11. Mounting Structures – General Considerations

    • Mounting structure do not receive enough attention in the solar sector and we look at some of the lesser known facts about mounting structure. During the session we cover Ballasted mounting structure; Short rail as well as expansion joints.
    • Mounting Structure Guidelines are discussed and in particular Dead / wind and hail loads. We discuss the importance to Inspect and Maintain Mounting Structure. Furthermore the different configuration options such as Portrait vs Landscape Mounting of modules are included in this section. Clamping Zones and then how these configuration affect the structural integrity of modules is discussed. Bending Ratios and Radius's for cables are covered in this section along with the Do’s and Don’ts for mounting structures.
  12. Mounting Structures - Environmental Conditions

    • Hail Frequency, Negative & Positive Wind Pressure caused by Uplift and down force loads all impact solar module mounting structure. The impact of Row shielding afforded by parapet walls are covered. We also cover the lesser known impact of oscillation during windy conditions on free-field solar modules mounted with tracking systems.
  13. Regulations and Standards

    • In this section we take a look at some of the most important regulations and applicable standards such as;
      • the Electrical Installation Regulations,
      • the Electrical Machinery Regulations,
      • NRS097 and a variety of SANS standards.
  14. Registration with the D.o.L.

    • The department of labour is the custodian for the electrical sector. By understanding the requirements for registration with the department of labour, participants are taken through the differences between a single phase tester and an Installation Electrician
  15. Calculations & Factors

    • Climatic Zones, String Calculations, Module Coefficients & Factors are covered in this section.
    • Load Profiles, Conductor Calculations, Inverter Sizing (23kW Grid tied System), Storage Calculations and finally Fuse Calculations are covered in detail.

Commercial Solar PV Course Timing and Duration

Students receive full access to a recording of the training session which is available for a period of 3 months and can be watched prior to the online session being attended. The ONLINE course is also presented in a live webinar style presentation where students can engage with the presenter at no extra cost.
The course is registered and accredited through the ECSA (Engineering Council SA) for 2,5 CPD points

If you prefer face-to-face courses, PQRS presents courses throughout South Africa at the most prominent distributors, please enquire about when the next course will be presented in your region.