🌞 Solar Installation Training (Full Lecture Notes)

Goal: To teach anyone how solar power works and how to install a basic solar system from start to finish.

Module 1: Introduction to Solar Energy

✅ What is Solar Energy?

• Solar energy is light and heat from the sun.
• We use solar panels to capture this energy and turn it into electricity we can use at home or work.

✅ Why Use Solar Energy?

• It’s free (sunlight costs nothing).
• It’s clean (no smoke or pollution).
• It’s renewable (the sun will shine every day).

✅ Types of Solar Systems

1. Solar PV (Photovoltaic) – Makes electricity from sunlight.
2. Solar Thermal – Heats water using sunlight.
3. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) – Uses mirrors to focus sunlight (for big power plants, not homes).

🧠 Example: Think of a solar panel like a big leaf – it collects sunlight and turns it into something useful.

Module 2: Solar System Components

✅ What Makes Up a Solar System?

1. Solar Panels – These sit on your roof and collect sunlight. They produce DC (Direct Current) electricity.
2. Inverter – Changes DC electricity to AC (Alternating Current) – which is what we use in homes.
3. Mounting Structure – A strong frame to hold the panels in place.
4. Battery – Stores power for when there’s no sun (used mostly in off-grid systems).
5. Charge Controller – Controls the flow of electricity to avoid overcharging the battery.
6. Wires and Breakers – Connect everything and keep it safe.

✅ Types of Solar Systems

• Grid-Tied: Works with your electricity provider. If you need more power, you get it from the grid.
• Off-Grid: Not connected to the electricity grid. You must use batteries to store power.
• Hybrid: Connected to both the grid and batteries – best of both worlds.

🧠 Think of it like this: Solar panels are like your water tank – collecting sun. The inverter is like a pump, making that water usable.

Module 3: Planning the System

✅ Step 1: Visit the Site

• Check where the sun shines the most.
• Make sure there’s no shade (trees or tall buildings).
• Check if the roof is strong and has the right angle.

✅ Step 2: How Much Power Do You Need?

• Look at your electricity bill. See how many units (kWh) you use each month.
• If you use 300 kWh/month and get 5 sun-hours/day, you need:
  • Around 2 kW system = 2000 watts.

✅ Step 3: System Size

• You can figure out how many panels you need.
• Example: If 1 panel gives 400 watts, and you need 2000 watts:
  • You need 5 panels.

🧠 Tip: More sun = fewer panels. Less sun = more panels.

Module 4: Installing the System

✅ Safety First

• Wear gloves, helmet, and safety harness.
• Turn off power when connecting wires.
• Don’t install in the rain or wet conditions.

✅ Step-by-Step Installation

1. Mount the Structure

• Fix the frame to the roof or ground.
• Use proper tools (drill, bolts).
• Make sure it is tilted toward the sun (in most places, face it south).

2. Install the Solar Panels

• Put the panels on the frame.
• Screw them tightly so they don’t fly off in the wind.

3. Connect the Wires

• Connect panels together (series or parallel).
• Run wire to the inverter.
• Connect inverter to battery (if used), and to the house power system.

4. Mount the Inverter

• Keep it near the main power box, indoors or shaded.
• Connect wires carefully – red is + (positive), black is – (negative).

5. Battery Setup (if needed)

• Place batteries in a cool, dry place.
• Connect charge controller between panels and batteries.

🧠 Analogy: Think of it like plumbing. Panels collect “solar water,” the inverter is the filter, and wires are the pipes.

Module 5: Testing and Running the System

✅ How to Test Your System

• Use a multimeter to check voltage and current.
• Make sure inverter is turning on and showing power.
• Turn on some lights to test if electricity flows.

✅ For Grid-Tied Systems

• Call the electric company.
• Set up net metering (so you can sell power back).

✅ Maintenance Tips

• Clean panels with soft cloth and water every few weeks.
• Check connections and wires every few months.
• Watch inverter for error lights.

🧠 Tip: Dust and bird poop can block sunlight. Keep panels clean!

Module 6: Legal and Compliance

✅ Things to Do Before Installing

• Get a permit from your local authority.
• Follow building codes (how the system is built).
• Follow electrical codes (how it’s wired).

✅ After Installation

• Have it inspected.
• Get it approved for use.
• Register for incentives or solar tax benefits if available.

🧠 Final Note: Always work with a certified installer or learn the correct practices before doing big jobs.