Class Description

PV Technical Sales is designed for solar contractors and installers, electrical contractors, home builders, general contractors and others who sell solar PV systems. Topics include solar fundamentals, customer and site qualification processes, site analysis, system design, system components and estimation.

Prerequisites

The class, while open to anyone with an interest in installing solar PV systems and who has some experience in the building or electrical trades, is designed to address the needs of solar energy professionals. It is assumed that all students have a full understanding of electricity and solar fundamentals, PV system installation procedures and practices, iand industry terminology. It is highly recommended that students complete ONTILIITY S103, Entry Level Solar Electric Training or an equivalent course before registering for PV Technical Sales.

For those who need a quick review of solar fundamentals and installation practices, Photovoltiacs, published by Solar Energy International is recommended. A more in-depth description of solar energy and PV systems is provided by Photovoltaic Systems by Jim Dunlap. Both books are available from the ONTILITY store.

Course Objectives

Upon Completion of this course, the student will have the ability to:

• Describe methods for qualifying the customer based on data obtained via remote tools
• Describe various types of solar PV systems and the primary use for each type
• Describe the solar resource and its availability in a given area
• Describe PV system components and how they function
• Demonstrate the process for conducting a complete residential site analysis
• Calculate system electrical output values
• Demonstrate the use of financial tools for estimating production and ROI
• Demonstrate the ability to create a conceptual system design
• Describe the non-financial aspects of solar energy and distributed power production
• Create complete sales proposal

Student Evaluation

Student performance is evaluated on the basis of:

• Class participation
• Lab participation
• Completion of assignments
• Attendance

Attendance Policy

It is expected that students will attend scheduled classes regularly and on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work. Students, who must withdraw from a class, will receive credit for work completed and may complete the course at a later date with instructor approval. Attendance will be tracked and maintained for various reporting purposes.

Accreditation and Evaluation

The curriculum for this course is based on the NABCEP Solar PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis. In keeping with the standards of this institution and its accrediting bodies students are encouraged to provide informal feedback throughout the course. A survey is distributed to students on the last day of class whereby students are asked to evaluate the class and the instructor. This feedback is used to create an on-going professional development plan for instructors and to inform course improvements.

Students with Disabilities

This institution complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their requests knows when registering for a course or workshop. If a disability is identified after class has begun, a non-retroactive accommodation plan will be developed.