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Adjunct Professor: Steve Geiger
Phone: 916-484-8354
Email: geigers@arc.losrios.edu

Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
This is an advanced course in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy. Topics include using hardware and software tools for shading and correctly orientating solar panels, the effect PV panel orientation has on system power output and efficiency, what effect optimum PV panel loading has on power produced, and how to perform load analysis on a specific residence. Additionally, it covers various manufacturers' software to calculate PV panel string sizing for optimum efficiency when working with grid tie inverters. National Electrical Code (NEC) and fire code wire sizing, fusing, and other safety instructions and procedures are stressed. The successful completion of this course and ENERGY 142 qualify students to take the NABCEP (North American Certified Energy Practitioner) certified solar photovoltaic installers and service technicians entry level certificate of knowledge of PV systems test. Field trips are required. This course may be taken two times for credit using different test equipment.

ARC Energy Website: http://www.arc.losrios.edu/Programs_of_Study/Technical_Education/Energy.htm

ARC Energy Classes - Catalog: http://web.arc.losrios.edu/catalog/Energy.pdf

For This Class:

Course Syllabus

Homework:

Assignments List

How to do Informational Interviews

Student Term Project:

Design:

Design Spreadsheet (Link)
How To Do PV Design
Go Solar California Website (Link)

Study Guides:

How to Take Multiple Choice Tests

PowerPoints:

Safety

PV Modules
Inverters
Mounts & Rails

Electricity Basics:

Basic Electrical Theory
Watts Definitions
Using Watts Law
The Power Pyramid
How to Calculate Electric Costs
Design Loads

Appliance Watt Chart
Kill-A-Watt Manual

Safety:

Safety - Lethal Shock
Safe Meter Usage
FPA-70E-Compliance-Guide
OSHA Electrical Safety
OSHA Fall Safety
OSHA Green Job Hazards
OSHA PPE Assessment
OSHA PPE Guide for Small Business
Hard Hat Classes

Career Lesson:

Taking Notes
10 Steps - Note Taking
Resume Resources
SOLAR JOB LINKS
Solar Job Resources
Sample Installer Resume
Cover Letter Info
Cover Letter Template
E-Portfolio
Portfolio Sites
Sample Interview Questions
Sample Interview Questions to Ask
Doing an Informational Interview
True Colors - What is your Personality Profile?
True Colors Personality Test (Link)
DISC Profile Info (Link)
DISC Basics
Local Industry Articles
Green Job Websites

Other Helpful Info:

Solar Industry Related Links
PV Magazines, Trade Show Search
PV Industry News Sources (World & Local)
Cal Fire Solar PV Installation Guideline (Link to )
Basic Tools for Installers
Sample Three Line Drawing - Enphase
Sun Orientation
Great PV Drawing Resource: Brooks Engineering (Link)
Orientation & Pitch Excerpt from - A GUIDE TO PV SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION by the CEC

Other Helpful Website Links:

Brooks Solar
Jim Dunlop Solar
Grid Alternatives