Solar
Design and Installation
Certification Prep
Understanding Concepts of Solar PV Power with Fundamental Calculations
1 - 2 hours
to complete
Last updated 09/2025
About this course
This course is designed for those seeking to develop better understanding of concepts of solar photovoltaic (PV) power while learning through fundamental calculations.
Solar PV and power concepts are explained through fundamental calculations in regard to PV module power, efficiency, module area, system losses, peak-sun-hours, etc.
Learners will explore the essential calculations involved in calculating power and associated parameters in solar PV systems. By combining theoretical concepts with applied fundamental calculations, this course bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world solar PV concepts.
Solar PV and power concepts are explained through fundamental calculations in regard to PV module power, efficiency, module area, system losses, peak-sun-hours, etc.
Learners will explore the essential calculations involved in calculating power and associated parameters in solar PV systems. By combining theoretical concepts with applied fundamental calculations, this course bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world solar PV concepts.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals concepts of solar PV power including STC conditions
- Understand mathematical relationship between PV module rated power, module area, efficiency, PSH and STC
- Understand basics of conductor sizing in accordance with NEC 690
- Understand and calculate PV module power, system voltage, and more under non-STC conditions
Course outline
5 modules
1 - 2 hours to complete
1:39 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 1 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 1 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.
- Course Introduction
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Fundamentals of Solar PV Module Power
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Fundamentals of Solar PV Module Power
In this module, we shall go through following topics:
- Fundamental concepts of solar PV power
- Solar irradiance (power) and irradiation (energy)
- Power specified by the manufacturer is rated power under STC
- Basic Single Line Diagram of a Small PV System (58 seconds)
- Fundamental Concepts of Solar Energy and PV Power (16:43 minutes)
- Solar Irradiance (Power) and Irradiation (Energy)
- Power Specified by the Manufacturer is Rated Power Under STC (07:56 minutes)
Module 2 • 7 assignments
Fundamental Calculations
Module 2 • 7 assignments
Fundamental Calculations
This module shall cover fundamental calculations which includes:
- Mathematical relationship between STC, PV module rated power, module area and efficiency
- What happens if any of the condition changes (i.e. sun energy, temperature, etc.)
- Calculating power at non-STC condition
- Calculating open circuit voltage (Voc) at different temperatures
- Calculate system power using PSH, system rated power, system losses
- Calculating conductor size in accordance with NEC 690
- Mathematical Relationship between STC, PV Module rated power, Module Area and Efficiency (07:49 minutes)
- What Happens if Any of the Conditions Change? (i.e. Sun Energy, Temperature, Etc.) (08:25 minutes)
- Calculating Power at Non-STC Condition and Cell Temperature Using Sandia Lab Report (11:42 minutes)
- Excel File: Calculating Cell Temperature Using Sandia Lab Report (.xlsx)
- Calculating Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) at Different Temperature (03:21 minutes)
- Calculate System Power using PSH, System Rated Power, System Losses (09:41 minutes)
- Calculating Conductor Size in Accordance With NEC 690 (11:36 minutes)
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Practice Examples
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Practice Examples
Learn more through few examples in video lectures.
- Example 1 (03:27 minutes)
- Example 2 (02:43 minutes)
- Example 3 (04:19 minutes)
- Example 4 (07:03 minutes)
- Example 5 (03:23 minutes)
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Check Out Other Courses From Your Instructor, Asif!
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)
Author
Asif Khokher
Director, Innovasys Engineering
Asif Khokher is seasoned Professional Engineer and certified NABCEP PVIP having 24+ Years of experience as Consultant/Owner's Engineer and Project Manager in various domains like Front End Engineering & Design, Tender Design, Detailed Design & System Integration, Design Review, Approvals, Inspection/ Commissioning in the field of Instrumentation & Control Systems, SCADA...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
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.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
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.