PV Installation Professional Package - Midwest Renewable Energy Association

PV Installation Professional

A well trained installation team is the backbone of a business!

Hook up battery-based and grid tied systems on our mobile training cart, and don’t worry we can bring it to you. MREA has designed a portable lab system that allows students to work in small groups to verify proper mechanical and electrical connections while working with line diagrams and component spec sheets. This is a great course for training a team leader or site manager.

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

PV 304: PV Labs & Design Scenarios and PV 302: Roof-Mount PV System Design & Installation Lab 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 304: PV Labs & Design Scenarios

This eight-hour course is designed to demonstrate PV system design principles through construction of two portable lab systems. Participants will work from line diagrams and component specification sheets to build a grid-interconnected PV system and a battery-based PV system. After assembly, students will verify proper mechanical and electrical connections and commission each system. In addition, students will work in small teams to develop PV system designs that meet site analysis, system sizing, and configuration requirements given in several design scenarios.

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Not Required, But Highly Recommended:

PV 312: Roof Mount PV System Design & Installation Lab: This 16-hour course offers hands-on training where participants will learn how to correctly design, size, and select system components for a PV array, and identify National Electric Code (NEC) requirements that pertain to such installations. Safety procedures, system layout considerations, component specifications, electrical calculations, mechanical integration best practices, and troubleshooting techniques will be covered in-depth while designing, installing, and commissioning a grid-tied, roof-mounted PV system.

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