EL 264 - Photovoltaic Systems

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide an overview of fundamental concepts necessary to work with PV systems, including the photoelectric effect, pn junction, solar cell design and manufacturing, history of solar power; solar radiation, site analysis; PV system components (PV modules, batteries, inverters, charge controllers), PV module criteria, PV systems safety; system design and sizing for grid-direct, stand-alone, bimodal and hybrid systems; NEC for photovoltaic applications, wire sizing, over-current protection, grounding; mounting solutions, thermal effects, wind load; commissioning and maintenance; economic analysis.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

apply theoretical concepts as they apply to photovoltaic circuits;
demonstrate mastery of electrical PV terminology, symbols, and units;
identify basic components and determine their function in various PV systems;
apply basic principles of photovoltaic systems to design and installation;
function effectively as a member of the technical design team; and
make an effective presentation of a research or design topic.

Prerequisites: EL 154, EL 202
S (N)