Cover of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers by Dr. Gene A Constant

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installers

Dr. Gene A Constant · the whole book, free to read here

From the physics of a solar cell to the day the utility says yes: safety on the roof, the trade math that sizes a system, mounting that keeps the roof dry, inverters, wiring, batteries, commissioning and troubleshooting. Read it, or listen to it while your hands are busy.

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The free class: twelve lessons

One lesson per chapter, in the book's order. Each lesson explains the chapter at three levels (Good, Better and Best), gives you a bench that answers back with new numbers, tasks to try, a printable card and a short check. All twelve are open. Free, no account, and your progress stays on your own device.

  1. 1The physics of photovoltaicsPhotons and the bandgap, ratings as benchmarks, the p-n junction, the knee of the curve, shade and the cold morning.Open
  2. 2Safety at heights and with high voltageFall protection, ladders and anchors, and conductors that stay energized whenever the sun is up.Open
  3. 3Trade math for solar designPitch and slope factor, usable area, azimuth and tilt, and sizing a system from sun hours.Open
  4. 4Tools of the tradeThe meters, testers and hand tools of the job, and using each one so the reading tells the truth.Open
  5. 5Mounting systems and roof integrityAttachments on the framing, flashing that keeps the roof dry, and racking that survives wind and snow.Open
  6. 6Inverters and rapid shutdownString inverters, microinverters and optimizers, what shade does to each, the string voltage window, placement, and rapid shutdown.Open
  7. 7Wiring and conduitThe code as a method, sizing and voltage drop, routing, labels that tell the truth, and conduit that manages water.Open
  8. 8Batteries and off-grid systemsLithium, lead-acid and flow batteries, energy versus power, hybrid backup decisions, and sizing off-grid for the worst week.Open
  9. 9Grid connection and net meteringWhat the utility is really asking, how exports are credited, the sensor that must tell the truth, and the path to permission to operate.Open
  10. 10Commissioning and performance testingThe pre-commissioning ritual, three numbers that must agree, controls and heat, documentation that survives, and the handover.Open
  11. 11Troubleshooting and O&MReading production curves, the disciplined troubleshooting sequence, classifying a fault before you climb, and routine maintenance.Open
  12. 12The future of residential solarThe three layers of truth, shifting loads with the sun, community solar, settings and digital ownership, and where a career can go.Open

The Certificate of Comprehension

Thirty-six questions drawn from all twelve lessons, graded on our server; you need 80% to pass. A pass prints a serial-numbered certificate with a link anyone can use to verify it. It records comprehension of the book. It is not a licence or an industry credential.

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This book and class teach how solar installation works. They are not a licence. Electrical and structural work must follow your local code, the equipment instructions and your authority having jurisdiction.

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