PVOL304: Solar Training - Advanced PV Stand-alone System Design (Battery-Based) - Online

Define terms used in stand-alone systems

Name common applications for stand-alone systems; describe basic component layouts

Describe differences between AC and DC coupling

State principle elements of a microgrid

Define the importance of an accurate load analysis

Review load analysis procedures; perform a load analysis based on daily data

Review battery bank sizing for lead-acid and lithium-ion battery types

Define array sizing variables and how they affect design for both MPPT and non-MPPT charge controllers

Explain charge controller types and describe maximum power point tracking and voltage step-down

Examine the calculations for PV array sizing

Describe the difference between sizing for a non-MPPT and an MPPT charge controller

Complete array configuration calculations for a system with a non-MPPT and an MPPT charge controller

Summarize the parameters to check when selecting a charge controller

Explain the purpose of DC load control and the three ways it can be implemented

Identify design variables, advantages, and disadvantages of DC-only PV systems

Describe how to size and integrate components for a recreational vehicle (RV) application

Identify installation and maintenance considerations specific to mobile applications

Identify applications and considerations for DC lighting systems

Specify a battery-based inverter given electrical load and surge requirements

Describe various configurations for stacking and clustering multiple inverters

Examine inverter / charger size considerations

Describe multiwire branch circuit wiring and concerns with single-phase supplies

Describe the purpose and function of a generator

Identify considerations that impact generator selection

Solve for location-based performance degradation

Specify a generator given electrical load, battery charging, and surge requirements

Estimate approximate generator run time

List generator maintenance

Describe the National Electrical Code (NEC®) Articles that apply to the different parts of PV and energy storage systems (ESS)

Identify NEC® requirements for workspace clearances, disconnects, and overcurrent protection devices (OCPD) that apply to PV systems

Locate and apply specific requirements for storage batteries, stand-alone systems, and energy storage systems

Identify labeling requirements

List relevant building and fire codes

Review installation considerations and best practices for stand-alone systems as related to batteries, design strategies, monitoring and metering, balance of system (BOS) equipment

Review DC-coupled stand-alone residential system design

Define operating modes of off-grid AC coupled PV systems

Explain charge regulation of AC coupled PV inverters in a stand-alone system

Discuss AC coupled PV system design strategies; evaluate equipment options for AC coupled off-grid applications

Design a stand-alone microgrid system with PV (AC and DC coupled) and generator power sources

Distinguish between isolated and non-isolated microgrids

Compare concepts of centralized versus decentralized generation and controls

Identify different types of microgrid analysis and planning software

Review isolated microgrid use case examples

Identify general PPE for battery system maintenance

Develop a battery maintenance plan

Identify methods to measure battery state of charge

Identify common causes of battery problems and how to avoid them

Identify PPE for lead-acid battery maintenance

Develop a battery maintenance plan for lead-acid batteries

Describe how to correctly add water to a flooded lead-acid (FLA) battery bank

Identify methods to measure battery state of charge of FLA batteries

Define when and why equalization is needed

Identify common causes of battery problems and how to avoid them