02 Solar Electrical Energy Fundamentals

Batteries (KN21)

• Battery chemistry
• Battery capacity
• Polarity
• Specific gravity
• Battery maintenance

• Understand the difference between various chemistries (lead acid, gel, etc).
• Be able to determine backup time based on battery capacity in KWH
• Differentiate between KWH and Ampere-hours.
• Calculate specific gravity from volume.
• Carry out preventative maintenance on batteries.

Charge controllers (KN22)

• PWM controllers
• MPPT controllers

• Explain the difference between pulse-width modulation and maximum power tracking.
• Select appropriate technology based on job specifications.

PV modules (KN23)

• Solar radiation
• Monocrystalline panels
• Polycrystalline panels
• Amorphous solar panels
• Efficiency
• Bi-facial solar panels

• Define solar radiation and how it affects efficiency.
• Describe the light absorption process.
• Explain the difference between mono, poly and amorphous solar panels.
• Determine the efficiency of a solar PV module.
• Differentiate between single face and bifacial solar PV modules.

Cables (KN24)

• DC cables
• AC cables
• Cable sizes
• Colour coding

• Explain the various sizes of cables.
• Differentiate between DC and AC cables.
• Calculate the cable size for a particular installation.

Trunkings and conduits (SK25)

• Types
• Cutting and joining

• Describe the selection of proper trunkings and conduits
• Demonstrate how to cut and join trunkings and conduits, presenting a neat and professional look

Microinverters and Optimisers (KN26)

• Fundamentals of microinverters
• PV optimizers

• Differentiate between a microinverter and optimizer
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.