
About Course
☀️ Solar Energy Systems Design (Photovoltaic Systems)
Course Code: 2036-MECH
Category: Renewable Energy
Duration: 5 Weeks (15 sessions, 2 hours each)
📝 Introduction
As the global demand for clean energy increases, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems play a crucial role in sustainable power solutions. This course delivers practical and theoretical knowledge on designing, sizing, and implementing solar energy systems for residential and commercial use.
📄 Course Description
This hands-on course focuses on the fundamentals of solar energy, components of PV systems, and the process of designing both grid-tied and off-grid systems. It integrates real-world examples, solar design software tools (PVsyst & SketchUp), and practical installation experience.
🎯 Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand the principles of solar energy and PV technology
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Design efficient and reliable solar energy systems
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Calculate electrical loads and select suitable components
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Work with software tools for system simulation and analysis
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Gain practical knowledge in installation and troubleshooting
✅ What You Will Learn
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Solar energy fundamentals and PV cell types (Mono, Poly, Thin Film)
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PV system components: panels, inverters, batteries, structures
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Electrical load calculations
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System design: on-grid & off-grid
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Panel orientation, tilt angle, and shading analysis
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System performance improvement techniques
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Installation procedures and safety
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Use of PVsyst and SketchUp for design
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Case studies and full project development
👥 Target Audience
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⚡ Electrical & Energy Engineers
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⚙️ Mechanical Engineers
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🛠️ Technicians and Renewable Energy Contractors
📚 Materials Included
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Solar design handouts and presentations
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Excel sheets for load and panel calculations
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PVsyst/SketchUp beginner guides
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Case studies of commercial and residential systems
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Access to session recordings and project templates
🧰 Requirements
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Basic knowledge of electricity or engineering
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Laptop with Excel and PVsyst/SketchUp installed
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Stable internet connection for online participation
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Enthusiasm for hands-on learning and clean energy
🕒 Instruction Time Frame
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Total Duration: 5 Weeks
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Sessions: 15 sessions (2 hours each)
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Schedule: 3 sessions/week
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Support: Weekly Q&A and mentoring sessions
🧑🏫 Course Format
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Live Online / In-Person Training
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Hands-On Activities using simulation tools and real-life design scenarios
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Project-Based Learning: Final group project and evaluation
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Certification: Issued upon successful course completion
🗂️ Detailed Course Content
📅 Week 1: Introduction to Solar Energy & System Components
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Introduction to solar PV systems and how they work
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Types of PV cells: Mono, Poly, Thin Film
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System components: panels, inverters, batteries, mounting structures
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Intro to PVsyst and SketchUp
📅 Week 2: System Design & Load Calculation
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Calculating energy demand and load estimation
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Determining panel count and system size
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Selecting inverters and batteries
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On-grid vs Off-grid design
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🛠️ Practical Task: Design a solar system for a house
📅 Week 3: Panel Orientation, Shading, and Efficiency
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Optimal panel tilt and direction
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Shading effects and how to mitigate them
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System performance optimization techniques
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🛠️ Software Task: Use PVsyst to simulate performance
📅 Week 4: Installation, Safety, and Maintenance
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Installation steps and checklists
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Electrical safety protocols
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Troubleshooting and maintenance techniques
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🛠️ Hands-On Exercise: Simulate a mini PV installation
📅 Week 5: Case Studies and Final Project
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Review of real residential and commercial systems
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Full project design and documentation
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🧑🏫 Final Project Presentation and Evaluation