flagship course
Solar Power Design and Installation Basics
Learn to size, design and plan a small solar system with correct safety, cost, layout and handover.
about this course
What you will be able to do
- Understand Explain how panels, inverters and batteries work together.
- Apply Size a small system from a load list.
- Analyse Check roof, shade and orientation.
- Evaluate Judge safety, cost and payback.
- Create Produce a design pack and handover sheet.
Task, condition and standard
Task
Design a small rooftop solar system for a practice home or shop, with load list, size, layout, safety plan, cost, payback and handover sheet.
Condition
A computer, a spreadsheet, a floor plan or satellite view, two peers and a licensed electrician mentor. Installation on live wiring is done only by licensed people.
Standard
Load list and size are correct; roof and shade checks are done; protective devices and earthing are listed; cost and payback shown; a licensed person signs the design; peers rate Meets or better.
Who it is for: Trainee electricians, technicians, small shop owners, community energy workers. Requirements: none. Materials: lesson text, worked examples, templates, rubric, quiz, tracker.
lesson by lesson
8 modules with worked examples
Module 1 How a solar system works 3 hUnderstand
Panels make direct current, an inverter changes it to usable power, and protection keeps people and wiring safe.
- Panels produce power from light; output falls with shade, heat and dust.
- Grid-tied systems feed the building and the grid; off-grid systems need batteries.
- The inverter matches voltage and frequency and shuts down if the grid fails.
- Meters, breakers and earthing complete the system.
Activity. Draw a block diagram of a grid-tied system.
Standard to meet. Diagram shows panels, isolator, inverter, protection, meter and load in order.
Module 2 Load list 4 hApply
List every device before you size anything.
- Record watts and hours used each day for each device.
- Add starting surge for motors.
- Separate essential loads from others.
- Total energy per day = sum of watts x hours.
Activity. Build a load list for a practice shop.
Standard to meet. List every device with watts and hours, and calculate the total correctly.
Module 3 Site survey 4 hAnalyse
The roof and the wiring decide what is possible.
- Measure usable roof area, tilt and direction.
- Check shade at morning, noon and afternoon.
- Inspect roof strength and old wiring.
- Photograph and record the main panel.
Activity. Complete a survey sheet for a practice roof.
Standard to meet. Record area, tilt, shade and panel condition with photos or sketches.
Module 4 Sizing the system 5 hApply
Match energy need, sunshine and losses to a panel count.
- Array kW = daily kWh / (sun hours x 0.75 efficiency).
- Choose an inverter close to array size.
- Check voltage and current limits of the inverter.
- Check the roof can carry the number of panels.
Activity. Size the array and inverter for your load list.
Standard to meet. Show the formula, numbers and margin, and check the limits.
Module 5 Electrical protection and earthing 5 hApply
Protection prevents fire and shock.
- Direct current isolator, alternating current breaker and surge protection.
- Correct cable size and colour for the current and distance.
- Earth the frames and the system to the correct standard.
- Label every switch and cable.
Activity. Draw a single line diagram with protection.
Standard to meet. Show all protective devices present and sized, and show earthing.
Module 6 Safety on site 4 hEvaluate
Work at height and live electricity can kill.
- Use harness, edge protection and safe ladders.
- Isolate and lock out before any work; test for dead.
- Never work alone on the roof; watch for heat and rain.
- Only licensed people connect to the main supply.
Activity. Write a site safety plan for one install day.
Standard to meet. Plan covers height, electrical, weather, roles and emergency steps.
Module 7 Cost and payback 4 hEvaluate
Show the owner what it costs and when it pays back.
- List panels, inverter, mounting, cables, protection and labour.
- Annual saving = kWh made x price per kWh.
- Payback = cost / annual saving.
- Include maintenance and inverter replacement.
Activity. Build the cost and payback table.
Standard to meet. Add up the costs, list the assumptions, and calculate payback correctly.
Module 8 Design pack and handover 4 hCreate
Hand over clear documents so the owner can use and maintain the system.
- Include load list, layout, single line diagram and cost.
- Give a user guide and a cleaning and check schedule.
- Record serial numbers and warranties.
- Explain what to do if the system trips.
Activity. Assemble the full design pack.
Standard to meet. Write all documents consistently so that a non-technical owner can understand them.
assessment
How you are checked
Your evidence: load list, sizing sheet, layout drawing, safety plan, cost sheet, handover sheet. Two peers and one mentor mark it with this rubric. Pass: no criterion at 'Not yet'.
| Criterion | Not yet | Meets | Exceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizing | Wrong | Correct | Correct with checks |
| Protection | Missing | Listed | Listed and approved |
| Cost | Incomplete | Complete | Complete with sensitivity |
| System numbers | Sizes given with no working | Load list, kWh per day and panel count shown step by step | Working checked by a second person, with margin and losses explained |
| Electrical code and permits | Code not checked | Wiring code, permit and inspector steps for the place are written down | Code rules cited and a licensed installer has signed off the design |
Ten-question check, with model answers
Q1. What converts DC to AC?
Model answer: Inverter. (Covered in module 1: How a solar system works. To pass that module: Diagram shows panels, isolator, inverter, protection, meter and load in order.)
Q2. kWh equals?
Model answer: kW times hours. (Covered in module 2: Load list. To pass that module: List every device with watts and hours, and calculate the total correctly.)
Q3. Name a shading effect.
Model answer: Output drops. (Covered in module 1: How a solar system works. To pass that module: Diagram shows panels, isolator, inverter, protection, meter and load in order.)
Q4. Panel sizing formula?
Model answer: Daily kWh / (sun hours x efficiency). (Covered in module 4: Sizing the system. To pass that module: Show the formula, numbers and margin, and check the limits.)
Q5. Name two protective devices.
Model answer: Breaker and surge protector. (Covered in module 5: Electrical protection and earthing. To pass that module: Show all protective devices present and sized, and show earthing.)
Q6. Who may wire live circuits?
Model answer: Licensed electricians. (Covered in module 6: Safety on site. To pass that module: Plan covers height, electrical, weather, roles and emergency steps.)
Q7. Why label everything?
Model answer: Safe maintenance and emergency. (Covered in module 5: Electrical protection and earthing. To pass that module: Show all protective devices present and sized, and show earthing.)
Q8. Payback formula?
Model answer: Cost / yearly saving. (Covered in module 7: Cost and payback. To pass that module: Add up the costs, list the assumptions, and calculate payback correctly.)
Q9. Why cut waste first?
Model answer: Smaller, cheaper system. (Covered in module 2: Load list. To pass that module: List every device with watts and hours, and calculate the total correctly.)
Q10. Are panels live in daylight?
Model answer: Yes. (Covered in module 6: Safety on site. To pass that module: Plan covers height, electrical, weather, roles and emergency steps.)
levels L1 to L7
The ladder, slide by slide
Seven slides, one per level. Open each for the slide text and the speaker notes.
Slide 1 L1 Basic: How a solar system works
L1: learner can name solar parts. Focus module: How a solar system works (Understand, 3 h). Panels make direct current, an inverter changes it to usable power, and protection keeps people and wiring safe. Key points: Panels produce power from light; output falls with shade, heat and dust. Grid-tied systems feed the building and the grid; off-grid systems need batteries. The inverter matches voltage and frequency and shuts down if the grid fails. Meters, breakers and earthing complete the system.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A 3 kW array in a sunny place makes about 4 kWh per kW per day, so around 12 kWh a day. Then set the activity: Draw a block diagram of a grid-tied system. Mark against the standard: Diagram shows panels, isolator, inverter, protection, meter and load in order. Check at this level: What converts DC to AC? Model answer: Inverter.
Slide 2 L2 Awareness: Load list
L2: learner knows safety basics. Focus module: Load list (Apply, 4 h). List every device before you size anything. Key points: Record watts and hours used each day for each device. Add starting surge for motors. Separate essential loads from others. Total energy per day = sum of watts x hours.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A shop has 6 lights at 10 W for 10 hours (0.6 kWh), 2 fans at 60 W for 8 hours (0.96 kWh) and a fridge using 1.5 kWh a day. Total is 3.06 kWh a day. Then set the activity: Build a load list for a practice shop. Mark against the standard: List every device with watts and hours, and calculate the total correctly. Check at this level: kWh equals? Model answer: kW times hours.
Slide 3 L3 Foundation: Site survey
L3: learner can make a load list. Focus module: Site survey (Analyse, 4 h). The roof and the wiring decide what is possible. Key points: Measure usable roof area, tilt and direction. Check shade at morning, noon and afternoon. Inspect roof strength and old wiring. Photograph and record the main panel.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A roof with 16 usable square metres facing south fits about eight panels of 2 square metres; a water tank shades two panels in the afternoon and they are moved. Then set the activity: Complete a survey sheet for a practice roof. Mark against the standard: Record area, tilt, shade and panel condition with photos or sketches. Check at this level: Why check shade at several times of day? Model answer: A tank, tree or building can shade panels in the morning or afternoon and cut output, so panels are moved to avoid it.
Slide 4 L4 Practitioner: Sizing the system
L4: learner can size a small system. Focus module: Sizing the system (Apply, 5 h). Match energy need, sunshine and losses to a panel count. Key points: Array kW = daily kWh / (sun hours x 0.75 efficiency). Choose an inverter close to array size. Check voltage and current limits of the inverter. Check the roof can carry the number of panels.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A shop using 3.06 kWh a day with 5 sun hours needs 3.06 / (5 x 0.75) = 0.82 kW, so two panels of 450 W (0.9 kW) cover it on paper. The owner adds margin for dust and ageing and chooses three panels, 1.35 kW. Then set the activity: Size the array and inverter for your load list. Mark against the standard: Show the formula, numbers and margin, and check the limits. Check at this level: Panel sizing formula? Model answer: Daily kWh / (sun hours x efficiency).
Slide 5 L5 Specialist: Electrical protection and earthing
L5: learner can design protection and cost. Focus module: Electrical protection and earthing (Apply, 5 h). Protection prevents fire and shock. Key points: Direct current isolator, alternating current breaker and surge protection. Correct cable size and colour for the current and distance. Earth the frames and the system to the correct standard. Label every switch and cable.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A cable too thin for the current heats up; the design uses the next size up and keeps the voltage drop within the allowed limit. Then set the activity: Draw a single line diagram with protection. Mark against the standard: Show all protective devices present and sized, and show earthing. Check at this level: Name two protective devices. Model answer: Breaker and surge protector.
Slide 6 L6 Advanced: Cost and payback
L6: learner can lead a small crew. Focus module: Cost and payback (Evaluate, 4 h). Show the owner what it costs and when it pays back. Key points: List panels, inverter, mounting, cables, protection and labour. Annual saving = kWh made x price per kWh. Payback = cost / annual saving. Include maintenance and inverter replacement.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A 1.35 kW system costing 90,000 makes about 1,800 kWh a year, but the shop uses only about 1,100 kWh, so it saves 1,100 x 8 per kWh = 8,800 a year. Payback is about 10 years. Then set the activity: Build the cost and payback table. Mark against the standard: Add up the costs, list the assumptions, and calculate payback correctly. Check at this level: Payback formula? Model answer: Cost / yearly saving.
Slide 7 L7 Super expert: Design pack and handover
L7: learner can audit a design. Focus module: Design pack and handover (Create, 4 h). Hand over clear documents so the owner can use and maintain the system. Key points: Include load list, layout, single line diagram and cost. Give a user guide and a cleaning and check schedule. Record serial numbers and warranties. Explain what to do if the system trips.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. The owner receives a folder and a one-page card by the inverter listing who to call and what lights mean. Then set the activity: Assemble the full design pack. Mark against the standard: Write all documents consistently so that a non-technical owner can understand them. Check at this level: What should the owner receive at handover? Model answer: A pack with the load list, layout, single line diagram, cost, user guide, check schedule, serial numbers and warranties.
jobs this leads to
Where this takes you
- Solar installer assistant. Supports installs.
- Solar designer trainee. Prepares layouts.
- Site surveyor. Checks roofs.
- Energy auditor assistant. Builds load lists.
- Customer handover officer. Trains owners.
Next courses: wind energy, electric car basics, energy efficiency.
ten locations and global
Your place
Electrical and net-metering rules differ by place.
India (Bengaluru)
Language: English, Hindi, Kannada. Write numbers in INR. Personal data rule: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. Skills frame to name in your evidence: National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the national credit framework. Consumer rule: Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Netherlands (Eindhoven area)
Language: Dutch, English. Write numbers in EUR. Personal data rule: EU GDPR (Dutch: AVG), supervised by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Dutch qualification framework (NLQF) linked to the European Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: EU and Dutch consumer rules (14-day cooling-off for online sales).
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Language: Arabic, English. Write numbers in AED. Personal data rule: Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (personal data protection). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the emirate education and training regulators (for example KHDA in Dubai) and the national qualifications framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Language: Portuguese (Spanish and English support). Write numbers in BRL. Personal data rule: LGPD (Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national technical-education catalogue and the national S-system training bodies. Consumer rule: the Consumer Defence Code (CDC).
Canada (Toronto)
Language: English, French. Write numbers in CAD. Personal data rule: PIPEDA, with provincial rules where they apply. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the provincial colleges framework and the national credential-recognition guidance. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
United States
Language: English, Spanish. Write numbers in USD. Personal data rule: state privacy laws (for example California), and COPPA for children under 13. Skills frame to name in your evidence: state and community-college credit systems. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Singapore
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Write numbers in SGD. Personal data rule: Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Singapore national skills frameworks and the national credit system. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Australia
Language: English. Write numbers in AUD. Personal data rule: the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Hong Kong (Eastern Asia)
Language: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English. Write numbers in HKD. Personal data rule: the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Georgia and Israel (Western Asia)
Language: Georgian, Hebrew, Arabic, English. Write numbers in GEL or ILS. Personal data rule: the personal data law of the country where the learner lives. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national qualifications framework of that country. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Cayman Islands (Caribbean)
Language: English. Write numbers in KYD. Personal data rule: the Data Protection Act. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the local education and training framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Mexico
Language: Spanish, English. Write numbers in MXN. Personal data rule: the federal law on personal data held by private parties. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national competency certification system and the education ministry levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Global
The global version uses plain English, metric units, and your own currency. Machine translation is available in every language; the English text is the official text. Before you act for real, check your local rules with an adviser. Currency: USD (or your own currency, written next to every number).
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Draft
Draft flagship. Written in our own words. Not live. Check local rules with an adviser before you act for real.