PV Design Professional Package - Midwest Renewable Energy Association

PV Design Professional

We have a variety of PV system design trainings that will take your business to the next level. Our prerequisite training provides you with a sturdy foundation of knowledge, and from there you can add tools to your design toolbox. You can learn about battery based system design from MREA Instructors who have extensive and varied system installation experience. We also offer an introductory course that teaches you how to use the System Advisor Model (SAM) software provided by the U.S. Department of Energy National Renwable Energy Laboratory (NREL) used for techno-economic modeling, and it’s free!

With a MREA business membership, two individuals get $20 off each course. Learn more!

PV 430: Intro to SAM and PV 420: Battery-Based PV System Design are both approved for NABCEP credits for Advanced Training and Continuing Education. For more information on NABCEP Credentials click here.

Required Courses

PV 101: Basic PV

This eight-hour course addresses the basics of solar electricity. Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, compare and contrast different PV system types, identify necessary system components, and understand the best applications for (and limitations of) each system type. Other discussion topics include energy efficiency strategies, researching a site’s solar potential, and where to find information about PV costs and incentive programs.

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PV 201: PV Site Assessment

This eight-hour course uses presentations, exercises, activities, and classroom discussion to demonstrate how to perform a residential PV site assessment, using a template created by the MREA.

Topics covered include: load analysis and consumption history, energy efficiency recommendations, mounting options, balance of system location requirements, shade analysis, system sizing, financial analysis and options, and non-financial benefits of PV. Participants will learn how to access and use online tools for assessing the solar resource, perform site-specific shade analysis, recommend system size and location, calculate energy production, estimate system costs, and identify available PV rebates and incentives.

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PV 202: PV System Design

This 16-hour course teaches participants the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility-interactive residential or small commercial PV system. Participants will use site assessments, design and component proposals, and case studies to learn about selecting equipment, system sizing, layout planning, array siting, and other design considerations.

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PV 420: Battery-Based PV System Design

This four-hour course uses a combination of presentations, resources, assignments, and quizzes to cover battery-based PV system components, from modules and array configurations to batteries, charge controllers, and inverters.

Participants will review design principles for sizing battery-based PV systems, beginning with a thorough analysis of daily loads. Based on those load requirements, choices for system voltage and amp-hour capacity of the battery bank will be discussed and determined. Finally, participants will select appropriate system components and configure them to complete the stand-alone PV system.

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Not Required, But Highly Recommended:

PV 430: Intro to System Advisor Model (SAM): This five-hour course introduces participants to the System Advisor Model (SAM). SAM is a free software for techno-economic modeling of renewable energy projects provided by the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and is used by project developers, system designers, researchers, and others involved in making technical and financial decisions about renewable energy projects.

To schedule your training or to discuss training opportunities please contact us, courses@midwestrenew.org, 715-592-6595.