Advanced Solar PV Systems Training: Engineering Design, Grid Integration, and Professional Installation

Module 1: Advanced Solar Resource Assessment and Meteorology

ü  Understanding GHI, DNI, and Albedo.

ü  Use of Meteonorm and NASA data for site feasibility.

ü  Solar geometry and sun path tracking.

ü  Impact of temperature and humidity on PV yield.

ü  Uncertainty analysis in solar resource data.

ü  Practical Session: Comparing solar irradiance data from three different satellite sources for a specific GPS coordinate.

 

Module 2: PV Cell Physics and Module Technology Trends

ü  P-type vs. N-type semiconductor physics.

ü  Bifacial modules and PERC technology.

ü  Half-cut cells and multi-busbar (MBB) advantages.

ü  Degradation mechanisms (LID, LeTID, and PID).

ü  Module labeling and STC vs. NOCT ratings.

ü  Practical Session: IV-Curve tracing of a bifacial module under different ground albedo conditions.

 

Module 3: Inverter Technologies: String, Central, and Micro-inverters

ü  Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms.

ü  Efficiency curves and weighted efficiency (Euro vs. CEC).

ü  Transformerless inverters and safety considerations.

ü  Smart inverter functions: Volt-VAR and Frequency-Watt.

ü  Multi-MPPT configurations for complex roofs.

ü  Practical Session: Configuring a 3-phase string inverter for asymmetrical PV inputs.

 

Module 4: Mechanical Design: Mounting Systems and Structural Integrity

ü  Fixed-tilt vs. Single/Dual-axis trackers.

ü  Wind load calculations and ballast requirements.

ü  Corrosion protection for coastal installations.

ü  Roof integrity and waterproofing techniques.

ü  Structural analysis of ground-mount foundations.

ü  Practical Session: Calculating the wind uplift force on a solar array based on local building codes.

 

Module 5: Electrical Design: DC and AC Side Component Sizing

ü  Selection of DC cables and voltage drop calculations.

ü  Sizing DC combiners and disconnects.

ü  AC side integration: Main switchboards and busbars.

ü  Selection of fuses and circuit breakers for high-voltage DC.

ü  Cable management and conduit sizing.

ü  Practical Session: Designing a complete single-line diagram (SLD) for a 100kWp commercial system.

 

Module 6: Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Chemistry and Sizing

ü  Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) vs. Lead-Acid.

ü  Depth of Discharge (DoD) and Cycle Life analysis.

ü  Battery Management Systems (BMS) and communication.

ü  Sizing for autonomy and peak shaving.

ü  Safety and thermal runaway prevention.

ü  Practical Session: Sizing a battery bank for a telecommunications tower with a 24-hour autonomy requirement.

 

Module 7: System Architectures: Grid-Tie, Off-Grid, and Hybrid

ü  DC coupling vs. AC coupling in hybrid systems.

ü  Islanding protection and zero-export controllers.

ü  Synchronizing diesel generators with PV arrays.

ü  Microgrid controls and energy management.

ü  Rural electrification strategies.

ü  Practical Session: Simulating a hybrid system switchover during a grid failure.

 

Module 8: Site Analysis and 3D Shading Modeling

ü  Horizon shading and near-object shading analysis.

ü  Using Solmetric SunEye or Horicatcher.

ü  3D site reconstruction from drone imagery.

ü  Impact of shading on string performance (Bypass diodes).

ü  Optimal tilt and orientation calculations.

ü  Practical Session: Performing a digital shading analysis using a 3D model of a building with multiple obstructions.

 

Module 9: PVSyst and Helioscope: Professional Energy Simulation

ü  Importing meteorological files and OND/PAN files.

ü  Setting up system losses (Ohmic, Thermal, Soiling).

ü  Running a 12-month energy production report.

ü  Understanding the Loss Diagram.

ü  Probability analysis (P50, P90).

ü  Practical Session: Generating a professional bankable yield report for a 1MW solar farm.

 

Module 10: Protection Systems: Earthing, Surge, and Lightning Protection

ü  Functional vs. Protective earthing.

ü  Selecting Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs).

ü  Designing the Lightning Protection System (LPS) for solar farms.

ü  Earth resistance testing methods.

ü  Equipotential bonding of metal frames.

ü  Practical Session: Installing and testing a DC surge protection module in a combiner box.

 

Module 11: Grid Integration, Net Metering, and Interconnection Codes

ü  National Grid Codes and compliance.

ü  Power quality: Harmonics and voltage flicker.

ü  Application processes for Net Metering.

ü  Smart Meters and bi-directional communication.

ü  Utility-scale transformer considerations.

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a grid interconnection application for a medium-voltage project.

 

Module 12: Professional Installation Workflow and Safety (HSE)

ü  Working at heights and fall protection.

ü  DC safety: Handling high-voltage strings.

ü  PPE requirements for solar installers.

ü  Tooling: MC4 crimping, torque wrenches, and thermal cameras.

ü  Quality Control (QC) checklists for site teams.

ü  Practical Session: Demonstrating proper MC4 connector termination and pull-testing.

 

Module 13: Testing, Commissioning, and Handover Procedures

ü  Continuity and insulation resistance testing.

ü  Open-circuit voltage ($V_{oc}$) and Short-circuit current ($I_{sc}$) verification.

ü  Phase rotation and voltage synchronization.

ü  Performance Ratio (PR) calculation at handover.

ü  Creating the O&M manual for the client.

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a full commissioning sequence on a 10kW hybrid system.

 

Module 14: Monitoring Systems and SCADA Integration

ü  Data loggers and environmental sensors (Irradiance/Temp).

ü  RS485, Ethernet, and WiFi communication protocols.

ü  Cloud-based monitoring platforms.

ü  Integrating solar data into existing Building Management Systems (BMS).

ü  Automatic fault alerting and reporting.

ü  Practical Session: Setting up a remote monitoring dashboard for a multi-inverter site.

 

Module 15: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Asset Management

ü  Preventive vs. Corrective maintenance.

ü  Panel cleaning strategies and soiling loss management.

ü  Aerial thermography using drones.

ü  Analyzing performance degradation over time.

ü  Spare parts management and warranty tracking.

ü  Practical Session: Using an infrared camera to identify "hotspots" in a stressed PV string.

 

Module 16: Financial Modeling: LCOE, NPV, and Payback Analysis

ü  Calculating the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

ü  Sensitivity analysis of electricity price hikes.

ü  Impact of depreciation and taxes on solar ROI.

ü  Capex vs. Opex optimization.

ü  PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) structures.

ü  Practical Session: Building an Excel-based financial model to determine the IRR of a commercial solar project.

 

Module 17: Regulatory Frameworks and Carbon Credit Financing

ü  Understanding Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

ü  International carbon markets and CDM.

ü  Local subsidies and tax incentives.

ü  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large solar plants.

ü  Future trends: Green hydrogen and EV integration.

ü  Practical Session: Calculating the annual $CO_2$ emission savings of a solar plant for carbon credit application.

 

Module 18: Capstone Project: Full System Engineering Design

ü  Defining client requirements and site constraints.

ü  Full engineering design (CAD, SLD, 3D model).

ü  Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and project timeline.

ü  Performance projection and financial feasibility.

ü  Final presentation to the technical board.

ü  Practical Session: Completing a comprehensive design package for a 500kW industrial solar project.

About Our Trainers

 

Our trainers are senior electrical engineers and certified solar professionals with over 15 years of experience in the global renewable energy sector. They have successfully designed and commissioned utility-scale solar farms and complex microgrids across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Our lead trainers are active members of international engineering bodies and regularly consult for government energy agencies, ensuring that the training is grounded in current real-world challenges.

 

Quality Statement

 

Phoenix Training Center is committed to technical excellence. Our Solar PV Engineering course is NITA-approved and follows the rigorous standards set by the IEC and IEEE. We maintain a high trainer-to-student ratio to ensure personalized guidance during practical sessions, and we continuously update our modules to reflect the rapid advancements in PV and battery storage technology.

 

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives.We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202