The PV Task List Analysis shown below is based primarily upon the NABCEP PV Task Analysis and has been accepted by the CoSEIA PV Education Committee. It is the basis for generating PV training seminars, PV on-line training, and the CoSEIA PV Certification test.
1. Working Safely
Task/ Skill
Priority / Importance
As part of safety considerations, the installer must be able to:
1.1.
Maintain safe work habits and clean, orderly work area
Critical
1.2.
Demonstrate safe and proper use of required tools and equipment
Critical
1.3.
Demonstrate safe and accepted practices for personal protection
Critical
1.4.
Demonstrate awareness of safety hazards and how to avoid them
Critical
1.5.
Demonstrate proficiency in basic first aid and CPR
Critical
1.6.
Identify and implement appropriate codes and standards concerning worker and public safety
Critical
2.0 Electrical Basics
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
As part of electrical basics, the installer must be able to:
2.1.
Demonstrate understanding of Power vs. Energy
Important
2.2.
Demonstrate understanding of Ohm's Law and power equations
Important
2.3.
Demonstrate understanding of DC vs AC power
Critical
2.4.
Understanding PV module specifications, esp. those of Isc and Voc and how to use them
Very Important
2.5.
Understanding of Series vs. Parallel Circuits
Critical
3.0 Conducting a Site Assessment
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
In conducting site surveys for PV, the installer shall be able to:
3.1.
Identify typical tools and equipment required for conducting site surveys and demonstrate proficiency in their use
Important
3.2.
Demonstrate understanding of how the magnetic declination affects the siteing orientation
Important
3.3.
Determine how the microclimate affects shading issues seasonally and daily
Important
3.4.
Demonstrate understanding of tilt angles and tracking issues
Very Important
3.5.
Establish suitable location with proper orientation, sufficient area, adequate solar access and structural integrity for installing modules panels
Very Important
3.6.
Establish suitable locations for installing controls, battery storage, inverter, and other components of system
Very Important
3.7.
Identify and assess any site specific safety hazards or other issues associated with installation of system
Critical
3.8.
Obtain and interpret solar radiation and temperature data for site for purposes of establishing performance expectations, peak sunlight hours
Very Important
4.0 Conducting a Loads Analysis/Profile
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
In conducting a loads analysis/profile for PV systems, the installer shall be able to:
4.1.
Quantify customer load through customer interview
Very Important
4.2.
Identify load types, run times and usage patterns based on lifestyle, with room for expansion
Very Important
4.3.
Identify phantom/ghost loads
Important
4.4.
Identify alternatives to electricity - such as conservation and efficiency measures
Important
5.0 Understanding Solar PV Components
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
In conducting site surveys for PV systems, the installer shall be able to:
5.1.
Understands types / construction of modules (j - boxes, MC, diodes, etc)
Important
5.2.
Understands module shading effects
Very Important
5.3.
Understands mounting: Tracking vs Fixed, roof vs ground vs pole, wind and snow loading
Very Important
5.4.
Understands types of combiners and wiring strategies: fused, breakers, LA's, etc
Very Important
5.5.
Understands controls: shunt vs series, MPPT/PWM, Charge controller sizing, and blocking diodes, LVD & HVD, Temperature compensation
Very Important
5.6.
Understands the importance of metering and the options available
Important
5.7.
Understands types and applications for batteries
Very Important
5.8.
Understands battery specific gravity, charge/discharge characteristics, Age & Temp vs capacity
Understands equipment grounding and NEC requirements, single point grounding
Critical
5.15.
Understands ground fault protection circuits and when they are required
Critical
6.0 Selecting a System Design
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
Based on the results from a site survey, customer requirements and expectations, the installer shall be able to:
6.1.
Correct interpretation of PV module panel data and system / component efficiency with ability to properly apply data to system sizing and design
Very Important
6.2.
Estimate sizing requirements for major components based on customer load and costs as applicable
Very Important
6.3.
Determines DC vs AC applications
Important
6.4.
Identify appropriate system design configurations based on customer needs, expectations, and site conditions
Very Important
6.5.
Designs collection method: size and location of solar modules panels
Very Important
6.6.
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
6.7.
Designs integration with backup systems: utility or generator
Very Important
6.8.
Designs delivery method: size and type wires
Very Important
6.9.
Determines design control requirements
Very Important
6.10.
Reviews sizing and design for NEC code compliance
Critical
6.11.
Estimate time, materials and equipment required for installation, determine installation sequence to optimize use of time and materials
Important
6.12.
Designs integration with an existing small wind system
Very Important
7.0 Installs Photovoltaic System
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
In adapting a system electrical/mechanical design, the installer shall be able to:
7.1.
Identify and implement appropriate codes and standards concerning installation, A/C interface, operation and maintenance of systems and equipment. (National Electric Code)
Critical
7.2.
Determines sequence of system installation, inventories solar system supplies, pulls & posts permit, re-checks design sketch
Important
7.3.
Identify appropriate panel layout, orientation and mounting method for ease of installation and maintenance
Very Important
7.4.
Installs solar modules, installs associated batteries and inverter and other related components
Very Important
7.5.
Connects electrical control system, sensors
Critical
7.6.
Program, adjust and configure controls for desired set points and operating modes
Very Important
8.0 Performing a System Checkout and Inspection
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
After completing the installation of a system, as part of system commissioning, inspections and handoff to the owner/operator, the installer shall be able to:
8.1.
Visually inspect entire installation, identifying and resolving any deficiencies in materials or workmanship
Very Important
8.2.
Check the system support structure for structural integrity and weather-sealing
Critical
8.3.
Activate system and verify overall system functionality and performance, compare with expectations
Critical
8.4.
Demonstrate procedures for connecting and disconnecting the system to owner / operator
Critical
8.5.
Identify and explain all safety issues associated with operation and maintenance of system to owner / operator
Critical
8.6.
Identify documentation to provide to the system owner / operator
Important
9.0 Maintaining and Troubleshooting a System
Task/Skill
Priority / Importance
In maintaining and troubleshooting a PV system, the contractor shall be able to:
9.1.
Identify tools and equipment required for maintaining and troubleshooting a system, demonstrate proficiency in their use
Important
9.2.
Identify maintenance needs and implement service procedures for equipment
Important
9.3.
Measure system performance and operating parameters, compare with expectations, and assess operating condition of system and equipment
Important
9.4.
Perform diagnostic procedures and interpret results
Very Important
9.5.
Identify performance and safety issues, and implement corrective measures
Critical
9.6.
Verify and demonstrate complete functionality and performance of system, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency/bypass operation
Critical
9.7.
Compile and maintain records of system operation, performance and maintenance
