Demonstrate understanding of Power vs. Energy

Important

Demonstrate understanding of Ohm's Law and power equations

Important

Demonstrate understanding of DC vs AC power

Critical

Understanding PV module specifications, esp. those of Isc and Voc and how to use them

Very Important

Understanding of Series vs. Parallel Circuits

Critical

Identify typical tools and equipment required for conducting site surveys and demonstrate proficiency in their use

Important

Demonstrate understanding of how the magnetic declination affects the siteing orientation

Important

Determine how the microclimate affects shading issues seasonally and daily

Important

Demonstrate understanding of tilt angles and tracking issues

Very Important

Establish suitable location with proper orientation, sufficient area, adequate solar access and structural integrity for installing modules panels

Very Important

Establish suitable locations for installing controls, battery storage, inverter, and other components of system

Very Important

Identify and assess any site specific safety hazards or other issues associated with installation of system

Critical

Obtain and interpret solar radiation and temperature data for site for purposes of establishing performance expectations, peak sunlight hours

Very Important

Understands types / construction of modules (j - boxes, MC, diodes, etc)

Important

Understands module shading effects

Very Important

Understands mounting: Tracking vs Fixed, roof vs ground vs pole, wind and snow loading

Very Important

Understands types of combiners and wiring strategies: fused, breakers, LA's, etc

Very Important

Understands controls: shunt vs series, MPPT/PWM, Charge controller sizing, and blocking diodes, LVD & HVD, Temperature compensation

Very Important

Understands the importance of metering and the options available

Important

Understands types and applications for batteries

Very Important

Understands battery specific gravity, charge/discharge characteristics, Age & Temp vs capacity

Important

Understands battery storage and venting

Very Important

Understands battery equalization and maintenance

Very Important

Understands Inverter types and applications, efficiencies, primary & secondary functions/options, RFI & EMI

Very Important

Understands wire losses, sizing, types

Very Important

Understands fuse and circuit breaker protection

Critical

Understands equipment grounding and NEC requirements, single point grounding

Critical

Understands ground fault protection circuits and when they are required

Critical

Correct interpretation of PV module panel data and system / component efficiency with ability to properly apply data to system sizing and design

Very Important

Estimate sizing requirements for major components based on customer load and costs as applicable

Very Important

Determines DC vs AC applications

Important

Identify appropriate system design configurations based on customer needs, expectations, and site conditions

Very Important

Designs collection method: size and location of solar modules panels

Very Important

Designs storage method: determines size, type, number, location of battery storage, including location of inverter and charge controller, based on duty cycle and level of autonomy desired

Very Important

Designs integration with backup systems: utility or generator

Very Important

Designs delivery method: size and type wires

Very Important

Determines design control requirements

Very Important

Reviews sizing and design for NEC code compliance

Critical

Estimate time, materials and equipment required for installation, determine installation sequence to optimize use of time and materials

Important

Designs integration with an existing small wind system

Very Important

Identify and implement appropriate codes and standards concerning installation, A/C interface, operation and maintenance of systems and equipment. (National Electric Code)

Critical

Determines sequence of system installation, inventories solar system supplies, pulls & posts permit, re-checks design sketch

Important

Identify appropriate panel layout, orientation and mounting method for ease of installation and maintenance

Very Important

Installs solar modules, installs associated batteries and inverter and other related components

Very Important

Connects electrical control system, sensors

Critical

Program, adjust and configure controls for desired set points and operating modes

Very Important

Visually inspect entire installation, identifying and resolving any deficiencies in materials or workmanship

Very Important

Check the system support structure for structural integrity and weather-sealing

Critical

Activate system and verify overall system functionality and performance, compare with expectations

Critical

Demonstrate procedures for connecting and disconnecting the system to owner / operator

Critical

Identify and explain all safety issues associated with operation and maintenance of system to owner / operator

Critical

Identify documentation to provide to the system owner / operator

Important

Identify tools and equipment required for maintaining and troubleshooting a system, demonstrate proficiency in their use

Important

Identify maintenance needs and implement service procedures for equipment

Important

Measure system performance and operating parameters, compare with expectations, and assess operating condition of system and equipment

Important

Perform diagnostic procedures and interpret results

Very Important

Identify performance and safety issues, and implement corrective measures

Critical

Verify and demonstrate complete functionality and performance of system, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency/bypass operation

Critical

Compile and maintain records of system operation, performance and maintenance

Important