PVOL101: Solar Training - Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) - Online

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PVOL101 is your gateway to a career in the solar industry.  It all starts with the fundamentals, and a solid understanding of various components, system architectures, and applications for PV systems.  Other topics include site analysis, system sizing, array configuration, and performance estimation; electrical design characteristics such as wiring, overcurrent protection, and grounding; a detailed look at module and inverter specifications and characteristics; mounting methods for various roof structures and ground-mounts; and an introduction to safely and effectively commissioning grid-direct PV systems.  This course focuses on grid-direct PV systems, but covers material critical to understanding all types of PV systems.  These core concepts are expanded on in SEI’s upper ­level PV courses. This course was recently refreshed – click here to see what’s been updated.

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Students who complete PVOL101 will be able to:

  • Describe global PV and storage growth trends
  • Communicate solar industry employment trends and options 
  • Identify the different components of PV systems and their functions        
  • Recognize the common types of PV systems, their major components, and applications        
  • Distinguish between systems that provide DC and/or AC power        
  • Recognize the features of interactive systems        
  • Interpret diagrams of systems to understand component interaction and power flow        
  • Interpret demand and PV production curves  
  • Define the two types of electrical current (AC and DC) and explain their differences
  • Explain the relationship between: volts, amps, amp-hours, watts, watt-hours, and kilowatt-hours
  • Perform power and energy calculations
  • Describe typical electrical service voltages and equipment 
  • Examine power, energy, and demand / production curves
  • Define utility bill terminology
  • Describe PV metering options
  • Compare incentive mechanisms for renewable energy installations
  • Describe the differences and similarities between various PV cell technologies        
  • Compare module sizes and efficiencies        
  • Identify key components of a PV module    
  • Describe how a PV cell works        
  • Locate important points on the I-V curve        
  • Recognize how temperature and irradiance affect voltage and current        
  • Decipher important criteria on module specification sheets        
  • Explain how shading affects module production
  • Identify meters used with PV systems
  • List common functions of digital multimeters (DMM) and clamp-on ammeters
  • Identify key points of meter use and safety
  • Describe basic procedures for testing an operating PV system
  • Define and list characteristics of series and parallel circuits
  • Calculate values for current, voltage, and power for different PV module configurations
  • Review the application series and parallel connections to ensure system compatibility
  • Pre-qualify a customer
  • Explain how remote site assessment tools are used
  • Identify factors limiting system size
  • Identify data required to size and design a grid-direct PV system
  • Describe how the sun’s position in the sky changes daily and seasonally        
  • Determine azimuth and altitude angles of the sun using a sun chart        
  • Explain how the solar resource is measured in the context of power and energy        
  • Define factors that impact the amount of irradiance reaching a PV array        
  • Explain how array tilt angle and azimuth affect solar production 
  • Identify common approaches to PV mounting        
  • Evaluate characteristics of different mounting options 
  • Identify and define the function of the following on a three-line diagram of a grid-direct PV system: equipment grounding & conductors, ungrounded conductors, functionally grounded conductors, grounding electrode, grounding electrode conductor, electrical system grounding
  • Define the functions of an inverter        
  • List the common types of inverters        
  • Recognize common inverter voltage characteristics and requirements 
  • Define the primary function of an inverter
  • Identify the important information used to specify a grid-direct inverter
  • Describe how the PV array voltage must fit within the inverter voltage window
  • Identify the functions of grid-direct inverters        
  • List the common types of grid-direct inverters        
  • Differentiate between central and string inverters, and module-level power electronics  
  • Identify limits to PV system size
  • Calculate PV array size using the online PVWatts tools: apply appropriate system loss factors
  • Create charts for your location to aid in sizing estimates
  • Determine the correct number of PV modules for a given application
  • Demonstrate how temperature impacts PV voltage
  • Describe why temperature is an important system design consideration
  • Describe DC-to-AC power ration and how it applies to system design
  • Explain when to use a higher or lower DC-to-AC power ration
  • Describe criteria for different power electronics options in PV systems
  • Determine the correct wiring configuration of PV modules and power electronics for a given application
  • Define current and ampacity
  • Identify and describe characteristics of conductor materials and insulations
  • Differentiate between different conductor sizes
  • Determine color coding of conductors based on wire type and circuit characteristics
  • Identify terminology for the various circuits in PV systems
  • Determine maximum current for PV system circuits
  • Identify and describe considerations for selecting conductors to meet ampacity and voltage drop requirements
  • Choose wire size for PV source circuits and inverter output circuits
  • Explain the purpose of disconnects and overcurrent protection
  • Identify the correct placement of disconnects and overcurrent protection
  • Perform basic overcurrent device sizing for DC and AC PV system circuits
  • Identify potential jobsite hazards and opportunities for additional safety training
  • Determine proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for PV installation and commissioning tasks
  • Understand Lockout / Tagout procedures
  • List 5 basic commissioning tests to be completed after a system is installed

Prerequisites: Completion of our free online RE100 Introduction to Renewable Energy, is highly recommended.

ONLINE CAMPUS DETAILS: Students can log into their course at any time for the full duration of the specified course. The course is self-paced with no required log-in times, but all graded materials must be completed by the end date of the course. Live instructors give feedback, grade your work and answer questions in discussion forums or by email.

Click here for Computer & Software Requirements for online courses.

THE SOLAR ELECTRIC HANDBOOK (eBook version only) IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FOR PVOL101!  If you would like to purchase a hard copy of this publication, you will be given the option to add it for a discounted price of $99 (retail $129) when selecting the dates for your training session.

Complete School Catalog
Políticas de Capacitación

WORKSHOP AND TRAINING PROGRAM POLICIES

Solar Energy International (SEI) is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools.* 

Enrollment:  Prospective students may enroll anytime.  Late enrollments will be accepted on an individual basis for online courses, and the first day of class for in-person and hands-on labs courses.  Enrollment is on a first-come basis and class sizes are limited. To reserve a space you can register online or call in to register at 970-527-7657 option 1 and make payment in full. If you are sending a check, call first to check on availability and to let us know that you are sending payment.

Lodging & Logistics:  SEI’s main campus and Lab Facility is in Paonia, Colorado.  For detailed info about Paonia click here.  Local logistics and lodging for each workshop venue are available on the location page for each workshop. More information will also be sent to registered students upon confirmation of registration.

Waiting List:  If a workshop is full we will place you on the waiting list. There is no charge to be on the waiting list. If space becomes available, we contact the first person on the list. You then have 24 hours to register before we move on to the next person.

Cancellation & Refund Policies:  Students not accepted to the school are entitled to all moneys paid.  Students who cancel this contract by notifying the school within three (3) business days (*of original registration) are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid.  Students, who withdraw after three (3) business days, but before commencement of classes, are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid except the maximum cancellation charge of $150.00 or 25% of the contract price, whichever is less.  In the case of students withdrawing after commencement of classes, the school will retain a cancellation charge plus a percentage of tuition and fees, which is based on the percentage of contact hours attended (if training is offered as distance education: “based on the percentage of no. of lessons completed”)*.  The refund is based on the official date of termination or formal documented withdrawal.  Please visit ‘Complete school catalog’ link above for full cancellation information and refund table.  If you are unable to complete your course due to illness or natural disaster, please contact the administration office.

If SEI Cancels a Class: In the event a class is cancelled for a reason beyond SEI’s control, SEI will work with the student to reschedule them into future online or in-person classes at no fee. Any remaining credit will be held for up to two years in this situation. If a student chooses not to reschedule for a future online or in-person class, and instead would like a tuition refund, then SEI will charge a cancellation charge of $150.00 or 25% of the contract price, whichever is less. SEI is not responsible for losses incurred on housing, travel or other arrangements.

Entrance Requirements:  SEI is an open enrollment training organization.  However, students still must meet the prerequisites for any course(s) for which they would like to register. Additionally, if a student wishes to be considered for admission into the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program, a separate application for admission is required. This program is a selective admissions program where we ask students to complete an application that requires an essay where they can indicate their dedication to successful program completion and their relevant  transferable skills that would make them a good candidate for this rigorous training program. Please see application for details, https://www.solarenergy.org/sei-solar-professionals-certificate-program/.  The school does not discriminate based on race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, or disability.  By completing the SEI enrollment agreement, all students agree to comply with the requirements and directions of the training and supply any information that is relevant to safety and medical issues.  Additionally, students completing this enrollment agreement attest to the fact that he or she is physically capable of performing all requirements of the training and agree to comply with all safety regulations and directions given by instructional staff.

Online Course Requirements: By registering for online courses you confirm that you have basic computer literacy skills needed to take an online course. This includes the ability for internet usage, browser based applications, word processing, and email applications. You also confirm that you have consistent and reliable access to high speed internet and a computer. Click here for further online course information.

Previous Credits: Credits from another institution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. SEI only allows the transfer of a PV101 equivalent course with the same amount of contact hours and learning objectives as SEI’s PV101 course. The student may be asked to provide a transcript, certificate of completion, course catalog, link to the course description from the transferring school’s website showing equivalent course, and will be required to take a PV101 opt-out quiz to prove proficiency of course material. SEI does not guarantee transferability of our credits to another institution unless there is a written agreement with another institution.

Attendance / Online Course Progress Requirements: For SEI’s in-person classes and hands-on lab sessions, students are expected to arrive on time for class with proper materials and stay for the full duration of each class day. Additionally, students must attend all class days required for any given course. Instructors will take daily attendance and keep record of the class attendance with SEI’s Student Services Department. Missing class, excessive tardiness, or early departure constitute unsatisfactory attendance and the student will be dropped from the class. This will result in the student not earning the record of completion for that class and forfeiting any documented training hours for that class. If a student does not successfully complete a course they will need to register and retake the course. All tuition fees apply. In the SEI Online Campus, course participation and acceptable progress is determined by attempting all quizzes and earning a cumulative average score of 70% or higher in the course. Not doing so, will result in the student not earning a record of completion and forfeiting any documented training hours for the course. Students who are unable to continue classes for medical reasons or severe personal problems will be required to take a leave of absence until they are able to return to class. Proper documentation will be required and a formal request for withdrawal will be required to substantiate a student’s withdrawal request.

Progress Policy: Students must maintain a 70% or higher grade point average to complete the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program. The student may be dropped from the program if acceptable progress is not satisfactory after multiple attempts to pass a course. Dropping of a student from the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program shall be at the school Director’s discretion. The Executive Leadership Team has final authority and shall notify the student of the final decision.

Financial Assistance:  SEI has a limited number of partial tuition scholarships available for international and low-income participants. We also offer a work/trade program for people taking 8 weeks or more of workshops.  Click here for additional info.

Placement Assistance:  Solar Energy International (SEI) offers employment assistance to graduates, consisting of job lead referrals and job skills development.  While providing resources to help you in your job search, we make no guarantee, expressed or implied, of future employment.  Current law prohibits any school from guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students.

Classroom Support: Solar Energy International strives to support all students. If a student requires extra support and wishes to discuss possible options, they will need to contact Student Services at, [email protected], prior to the start of their course.

Conduct Policy:  All students are expected to act maturely and are required to respect other students and faculty members.  Possession of weapons, illegal drugs, and alcohol of any kind are not allowed at any time on school property.  Any violation of school policies may result in permanent dismissal from school.

Dismissal: Any student may be dismissed for violations of rules and regulations of the school, as set forth in school publications. A student also may be withdrawn from classes if he or she does not prepare sufficiently, neglects assignments, or makes unsatisfactory progress. The Vice President of Student Services, after consultation with all parties involved, makes the final decision. The Vice President of Student Services may temporarily suspend students whose conduct is disruptive or unacceptable to the academic setting. After appropriate counseling, students who demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and conform to school standards of conduct, may be allowed to resume attendance. The Vice President of Student Services will review each case and decide upon re-admittance.

Student Grievance Procedure: If a student has a grievance regarding any SEI policy or staff member they should contact, via email, SEI’s Vice President of Student Services, Monique Turek at [email protected]. Students should first discuss any instructional grievances directly with their instructor. If unable to come to a mutually acceptable conclusion, students should contact, via email, SEI’s Vice President of Curriculum & Instruction, Wendy Knapp at [email protected]. Final decisions may be appealed to SEI’s Executive Leadership Team at [email protected]. Once a grievance is submitted via email to the Executive Leadership Team, within one week, they will investigate the grievance and arrange an appointment if necessary with the student for discussion. Every effort will be made to resolve any grievance in a timely manner.

Student Complaints: Attempting to resolve any issue with the School first is strongly encouraged. Complaints may be filed by a student or guardian at any time online with the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) within two years from the student’s last date of attendance or at any time prior to the commencement of training at 303-862-3001.

Health: For information on our health policy, click here.

SEI Contact Training Hours: 6 Weeks Online = 60 hours

This course provides approved credit hours towards the following NABCEP Certifications and Recertifications:

  • PV Associate
  • PV Technical Sales Professional
  • Solar Heating Installer (Recertification only)

Please visit NABCEP’S online course catalog for credit hours breakdown.

After successfully completing this course and PV203/PVOL203, you are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam (PVA).  The PVA Exam includes questions on grid-direct and battery-based PV systems.  Check out our PVA Prep Training Package here, and for information on NABCEP and signing up for the PV Associate Exam please click here.

For information on SEI’s Solar Professionals Certificate Program please click here.

more on nabcep certification > sei's solar professionals certificate program info >


At the start date of your training, you will receive access to the Solar Electric Handbook (eBook) and the Digital Course Notebook within the online course.  Both resources can be downloaded for reference after the course completion date.

B Payne
B Payne
1708287313
I’ve taken a battery-based certificate course and some CE through SEI and have always finished feeling much more knowledgeable and confident in my work.

Bobby Ragsdale
Bobby Ragsdale
1707842631
Prior to taking the SEI PVOL101 course, I had very little knowledge of electrical, and even less of solar. After completing the course, I feel I am well equipped to begin my new career in the solar industry!

Michael Burns
Michael Burns
1707770793
The courses I’ve completed were challenging and extremely helpful in my current role as PV technical asset manager.

Adel Ghouari
Adel Ghouari
1707587483
I strongly encourage those who wish to start a training or deepen their knowledge in the field of solar energy to enroll and embark on this adventure. I am very satisfied with this training where I have taken courses titled PVOL101, RE100, and RE101. It’s truly magnificent, with presentations, videos, discussions with experts in the field, etc. In short, knowledge is at your disposal, as well as interactive activities. Do not hesitate, it is profitable from the first contact! Thanks SEI!!-Adel Ghouari

Kumah Albert
Kumah Albert
1707520306
Am very glad that I had that opportunity from SEI to acquire such a great skill and knowledge and my greatest desire to take the all the different stages of courses both theoretical and hands on lab to be fully qualified and an associate of SEI

David Kirk
David Kirk
1706810892
SEI is a fantastic organization offering comprehensive training courses for solar industry professionals or those who are wanting to be introduced to the world of solar!

Adel Ghouari
Adel Ghouari
1706475084
SEI (Solar Energy International) is an opportunity for someone who wants to learn about renewable energies, standards, both thermal and photovoltaic solar energy, maintenace, etc. For me, SEI is an opportunity to delve deeper into RE sources. Thanks to SEI, I found answers to several questions I had during my PhD thesis.There’s a lot to delve into and plenty of opportunities. Don’t hesitate to get them.

SunForge Energy
SunForge Energy
1702270553
I am a HUGE advocate of proper education in the solar industry. Everyone working in solar should MINIMALLY take the PVOL101 course, it is excellent.

Ameer Abbas
Ameer Abbas
1701064230
I really learn a lot, some of the explanation heard first time in this session..like photovoltivs instead of FO-TOE-VOLE-TAY-ICKS and MALT ..

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