The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

In this program, you'll learn the fundamentals of photovoltaic solar powered energy systems, gaining the knowledge you'll need for an entry level position with a dealer, installer, or other photovoltaic industry company.

Get the renewable energy training you need as you learn the basics of solar systems, their benefits, and their many applications. Examine the history of photovoltaic solar power, and gain a sense for where the PV industry is headed. We'll start with basic safety, including how to avoid potential accidents and how to create a safe work environment as well as the use of protective equipment. You'll master the fundamentals of electricity and solar energy, including how to calculate simple circuit values and predict solar position using solar path diagrams. Upon completion of this program, you'll have a thorough understanding of PV applications, working safety as it pertains to this field, basic electricity, and PV module fundamentals. 

Upon completion of this program you'll be able to:

• Describe the history of PV technology and industry
• Describe markets and applications for PV
• Describe types of PV systems and their features and benefits.
• Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and solar terminology
• Identify safety hazards, practices, and protective equipment used during PV system installation and maintenance
• Define basic electrical terms
• Describe the use of a digital multi-meter
• Calculate simple circuit values
• Define basic solar terms
• Describe basic solar movement and effect of earth tilt
• Predict solar position using solar path diagrams
• Describe angular effects on the irradiance of solar array
• Identify factors that reduce or enhance solar irradiation
• Explain how solar cells convert sunlight into electric power
• Label key points on an IV curve
• Illustrate effect of series and parallel connections on IV curve
• Define measurement conditions for solar cells and modules

1. PV markets and applications
   1. How to work safely around operational and non-operational PV systems
2. Basics of electricity
   1. Electricity terminology
   2. Using a digital multi-meter
   3. How to calculate simple circuit values
3. Solar energy fundamentals
   1. Solar terminology
   2. Describing solar movement and earth tilt
   3. Predicting solar position
4. PV module fundamentals
   1. How sunlight is converted to usable power
   2. Understanding module output values
5. Computing electrical output and comparing characteristics of various module technologies