About this course

In this free course, Dr. James Rand discusses the 5 things you should know about silicon PV panels.

Enjoy this 52-minute lecture, designed for...
  • Installers
  • Engineers and Technicians
  • Electricians
  • System Owners and EPC Management
  • Financiers and Insurers 
     ...and anyone who touches silicon-based PV panels!

Learning Objectives

  • Present key properties of modern panels
  • Highlight risky behavior that put PV performance panels at risk
  • Understand problems that lead to "hot spots" in modules
  • Review the proper handling of panels on the job site

Course outline

2 modules
1 hour to complete
53 minutes of video lectures
Module 1 • 7 assignments
5 Things You Should Know About Silicon PV Panels

  • Introduction (06:46 minutes)
  • #1 - PV panels are more delicate than you might think (13:34 minutes)
  • #2 - PV modules can get really hot and bypass diodes are very important (08:52 minutes)
  • #3 - Walking on panels can hurt them (05:38 minutes)
  • #4 - Cracked solar cells are common (10:59 minutes)
  • #5 - Many defects electrically impact only 2/3 of the panel (04:57 minutes)
  • Conclusion (02:50 minutes)

Author

Dr. James Rand

Core Energy Works

Dr. James Rand has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing, research, and development of solar energy products. His work spans the entire value chain, from raw materials to system level performance. His recent technical projects focused on testing and evaluation of solar modules for performance and long-term reliability. This work led to the formation of Core...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 332 reviews
1,481
students have taken this course
07/29/2024

I recommend to all people interesting on the solar industry to not damage and install damaged panels

Rafael Soto
02/08/2024

This was a great course! I looks at solar system monitoring all the time, but never often think of how panels function at the cell level. Very cool and interesting webinar. And Free!

Torrin Glick
10/13/2022

rrrr

moatasem tarek

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