College of the Redwoods
EXPERIMENTAL COURSE
Proposal and Outline
1. DATE: 11/1/09
2. DIVISION: Business Technology
3. COURSE ID AND NUMBER: CT 88C
4. COURSE TITLE (appears in catalog and schedule of classes): Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic Systems
5. SHORT TITLE (appears on student transcripts; limited to 30 characters, including spaces): Intro to Solar PV Systems
6. LOCAL ID (TOPS): 0946.10 (Taxonomy of Program codes http://www.cccco.edu/Portals/4/AA/CP%20&%20CA3/TopTax6_rev_07.doc)
7. NATIONAL ID (CIP): 150503 (Classification of Instructional Program codes can be found in Appendix B of the TOPS code book
http://www.cccco.edu/Portals/4/AA/CP%20&%20CA3/TopTax6_rev_07.doc)
8. Discipline(s): Select from CCC System Office Minimum Qualifications for Faculty
http://www.cccco.edu/SystemOffice/Divisions/AcademicAffairs/MinimumQualifications/MQsforFacultyandAdministrators/tabid/753/Default.aspx
Course may fit more than one discipline; identify all that apply: Construction Technology, Industrial
Technology, Electricity, Engineering, Engineering Technology
9. Is this the first time this course has been offered?
10. TOTAL UNITS: 3
TOTAL HOURS: 54
The second time?
[Lecture Units: 3 Lab Units: 0]
[Lecture Hours: 54 Lab Hours: 0]
(1 unit lecture=18 hours; 1 unit lab=54 hours)
11. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 40
12. WILL THIS COURSE HAVE AN INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FEE? No
Yes
Fee: $
(If “yes,” attach a completed “Instructional Materials Fee Request Form”—form available in Public Folders>Curriculum>Forms)
GRADING STANDARD
Letter Grade Only
Pass/No Pass Only
Grade-Pass/No Pass Option
CATALOG DESCRIPTION -- The catalog description should clearly describe for students the scope of the course, its level, and what
kinds of student goals the course is designed to fulfill. The catalog description should begin with a sentence fragment.
A course designed to provide students with essential information and training to work with residential
solar photovoltaic systems including providing fundamentals of AC/DC, the National Electric Code,
and principles of a residential solar photovoltaic systems. Course content is aligned with the PV Entry
Level Certificate of Knowledge requirements of the North American Board for Certified Energy
Practitioners, Inc. (NABCEP).
Special notes or advisories (e.g. field trips required, prior admission to special program required, etc.):
PREREQUISITE COURSE(S)
No
Yes
Course(s):
Rationale for Prerequisite:
Describe representative skills without which the student would be highly unlikely to succeed .
COREQUISITE COURSE(S)
No
Yes
Course(s):
Approved: 01.23.09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
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Rationale for Corequisite:
RECOMMENDED PREPARATION
No
Yes
Course(s):
Rationale for Recommended Preparation:
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES –This section answers the question “what will students be able to do as a result of
taking this course?” State some of the objectives in terms of specific, measurable student actions (e.g. discuss, identify,
describe, analyze, construct, compare, compose, display, report, select, etc.). For a more complete list of outcome verbs please
see Public Folders>Curriculum>Help Folder>SLO Language Chart. Each outcome should be numbered.
The NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge is based on learning outcomes in 10 skill sets
developed by a Committee of PV subject matter experts.
1. PV Markets and Applications.
1.1. Describe history of PV technology and industry.
1.2. Describe markets and applications for PV (grid-tie, remote homes, telecom, etc.).
1.3. Identify types of PV systems (direct motor, standalone with storage, grid-backup, etc.).
1.4. Associate key features and benefits of PV with applications.
2. Safety Basics.
2.1. Identify safety hazards of operational and non-operational PV systems.
2.2. Identify safety hazards, practices and protective equipment during PV system installation and
maintenance (electricity, batteries, roof work).
3. Electricity Basics.
3.1. Explain difference between energy and power.
3.2. Define basic electrical terms.
3.3. Describe the use of digital multi-meter.
3.4. Calculate simple circuit values.
4. Solar Energy Fundamentals.
4.1 Define basic solar terms (e.g., irradiation, Langley, azimuth).
4.2 Determine true south from magnetic south.
4.3 Describe the basics of earth's orbit and axial tilt.
4.4 Predict solar position using solar path diagrams.
4.5 Describe angular effects on the irradiance of array.
4.6 Identify factors that reduce/enhance solar irradiation.
4.7 Determine average solar irradiation on various surfaces.
4.8 Convert solar irradiation into a variety of units.
4.9 Determine effect of horizon on solar irradiation (shading).
4.10 Demonstrate use of Solar Pathfinder or sun charts.
5. PV Module Fundamentals.
5.1. Explain how a solar cell converts sunlight into electric power .
5.2. Label key points on a typical IV curve.
5.3. Identify key output values of solar modules using manufacturer literature .
5.4. Illustrate effect of environmental conditions on IV curve.
5.5. Illustrate effect of series/parallel connections on IV curve.
5.6. Define measurement conditions for solar cells and modules (STC, NOCT, PTC).
5.7. Compute expected output values of solar module under variety of environmental conditions.
5.8. Compare the construction of solar cells of various manufacturing technologies.
5.9. Compare the performance and characteristics of various cell technologies.
5.10. Describe the components and construction of a typical flat plate solar module.
5.11. Calculate efficiency of solar module.
5.12. Explain purpose and operation of bypass diode.
5.13. Describe typical deterioration/failure modes of solar modules.
5.14. Describe the major qualification tests and standards for solar modules.
Approved: 01.23.09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
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6. System Components.
6.1. Describe most common solar module mounting techniques (ground, roof, pole).
6.2. Compare features and benefits of different solar mounting techniques.
6.3. Explain the relationship between solar module cell temperature and environmental conditions.
6.4. Describe purpose and operation of main electrical BOS components (inverter, charge controller,
combiner, ground fault protection, battery, generator).
6.5. Identify key specifications of main electrical BOS components (inverter, charge controller,
combiner, battery, generator).
7. PV System Sizing.
7.1. Illustrate interaction of typical loads with IV curve (battery, MPPT, dc motor).
7.2. Analyze load demand for stand-alone and grid interactive service.
7.3. Identify typical system electrical output derating factors.
7.4. Calculate estimated peak power output (dc and ac).
7.5. Calculate array and inverter size for grid-connected system.
7.6. Calculate estimated monthly and annual energy output of grid-connected system.
7.7. Explain relationship between array and battery size for stand-alone systems.
7.8. Calculate array, battery and inverter size for stand-alone system.
8. PV System Electrical Design.
8.1. Determine series/parallel PV array arrangement based on module and inverter specifications.
8.2. Select BOS components appropriate for specific system requirements.
8.3. Determine voltage drop between major components.
9. PV System Mechanical Design.
9.1. Describe the relationship between row spacing of tilted modules and sun angle.
9.2. Describe the mechanical loads on a PV array (e.g., wind, snow, seismic .
10. Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting.
10.1. Describe typical system design errors.
10.2. Describe typical system performance problems.
10.3. Associate performance problems with typical causes.
10.4. List equipment needed for typical system performance analysis.
10.5. Compare actual system power output to expected.
10.6. Identify typical locations for electrical/mechanical failure.
COURSE CONTENT
Attach a copy of the course syllabus (including description, policies, and schedule of instruction and assignments).
1. PV Markets and Applications.
2. Safety Basics.
3. Electricity Basics.
4. Solar Energy Fundamentals.
5. PV Module Fundamentals.
6. System Components.
7. PV System Sizing.
8. PV System Electrical Design.
9. PV System Mechanical Design.
10. Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting.
11. Sustainable/Green Technology.
12. Renewable Energy.
REPRESENTATIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES –This section provides examples of things students may do to engage the
course content (e.g., listening to lectures, participating in discussions and/or group activities, attending a field trip). These
activities should relate directly to the Course Learning Outcomes. Each activity should be numbered.
1. Attending a field trip to a solar PV installation.
2. Listening to lectures.
3. Completing reading assignments.
Approved: 01.23.09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
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4. Participating in class discussions.
5. Writing a reports on a field trip.
ASSESSMENT TASKS –This section describes assessments instructors may use to allow students opportunities to provide
evidence of achieving the Course Learning Outcomes. Each assessment should be numbered.
1. Exams.
2. Homework.
3. Quizzes.
4. Participation in class discussions.
EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE TEXTS OR OTHER READINGS –This section lists example texts, not required texts.
Author, Title, and Date Fields are required
Author James
P. Dunlop Title Photovoltaic Systems 2nd Ed. Date 2009
Author Antony,
Dürschner, Remmers Title Photovoltaics for Professionals: Solar Electric Systems Marketing,
Design and Installation Date 2007
Author
Title
Date
Author
Title
Date
Other Appropriate Readings:
COURSE TYPES
1. Is the course part of a Chancellor’s Office approved CR Associate Degree?
No
Yes
If yes, specify all program codes that apply. (Codes can be found in Outlook/Public Folders/All Public Folders/ Curriculum/Degree
and Certificate Programs/choose appropriate catalog year):
Required course for degree(s)
Restricted elective for degree (s)
Restricted electives are courses specifically listed (i.e. by name and number) as optional courses from which students
may choose to complete a specific number of units required for an approved degree.
2.
Is the course part of a Chancellor’s Office approved CR Certificate of Achievement?
No
Yes
If yes, specify all program codes that apply. ( Codes can be found in Outlook/Public Folders/All Public Folders/ Curriculum/Degree
and Certificate Programs/choose appropriate catalog year):
Required course for certificate(s)
Restricted elective for certificate(s)
Restricted electives are courses specifically listed (i.e. by name and number) as optional courses from which students may
choose to complete a specific number of units required for an approved certificate.
3.
Is the course Stand Alone?
4.
Basic Skills: NBS Not Basic Skills
5.
Work Experience: NWE Not Coop Work Experience
6.
CTE Funded Course (applies to vocational and tech-prep courses only):
7.
Purpose: I Occupational Ed
8.
Accounting Method: W Weekly Census
9.
Disability Status: N Not a Special Class
Submitted by:
No
Yes
(If “No” is checked for BOTH #1 & #2 above, the course is stand alone)
Bill Hole
Division Chair/Director: Steven Brown
Tel. Ext.
yes
no
4353
Date: 11/1/09
Review Date: 11/5/09
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE USE ONLY
Approved by Curriculum Committee: No
Yes
Date: 11/13/09
Academic Senate Approval Date: 11/20/09 Board of Trustees Approval Date: 12/8/09
Approved: 01.23.09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
4 of 4