Overview
This course offers a complete guide to using PVSyst and Helioscope for the design and simulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. It covers both theoretical foundations and practical, hands-on simulations, enabling participants to design and optimize systems ranging from residential to utility-scale PV projects. Through expert-led instruction and interactive exercises, learners will become proficient in analyzing solar energy yields, shading impacts, system losses, and economic evaluations, ultimately creating reliable and efficient solar PV designs.
Special emphasis is given to module degradation, environmental impacts on performance, and the use of tracking systems. The course will also integrate advanced topics such as Building Integrated PV (BIPV) systems, shading effects on building architecture, and utility-scale systems with trackers. The course integrates a Data Analysis module for Renewable Energy, equipping participants with essential skills to analyze and interpret data related to solar energy systems, enhance system performance, and make data-driven decisions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Use PVSyst and Helioscope to model, simulate, and optimize PV systems for various applications.
2. Understand the fundamental concepts of solar irradiation, PV cell technology, and system components.
3. Design efficient solar systems by evaluating system layout, shading effects, and financial performance.
4. Simulate and analyze losses, economic viability, and lifetime performance of PV modules.
5. Integrate tracking systems, shading models, and building-integrated PV (BIPV) considerations in system design.
6. Present detailed reports and optimize system designs for specific operational and financial goals.
Prerequisites
• Basic knowledge of PV system design and technology.
• Familiarity with electrical systems and basic principles of solar PV systems.
• Knowledge of inverters and their operations.
• Experience in designing or installing PV systems is recommended.
• A Windows Laptop and a 21-day license for PVSyst and Homer Pro (offered during the course).
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Solar Design & Software Overview
• Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
• Overview of solar PV technology and applications.
• Basic solar market trends and system types.
• Overview of Design Software
• Introduction to PVSyst and Helioscope.
• Key differences and unique features of each software tool.
Module 2: PVSyst Basics & Project Setup
• Understanding Solar Irradiation
• Solar geometry, irradiance on tilted and horizontal planes.
• Importing meteorological data for project setup.
• PV System Layout Design
• Array configuration, sizing modules, and orientation.
• Simulating small PV systems using PVSyst.
Module 3: Module Modeling and PV Cell Technology
• PV Cells and Modules
• Semiconductor basics and the PV effect.
• IV and PV curves, temperature effects on performance.
• Crystalline silicon vs. thin-film modules.
• Module Lifetime and Degradation
• Understanding LID, PID, TCO corrosion, and other degradation factors.
• Lifetime performance analysis in PVSyst.
• Bypass Diodes and Hot Spots
• Impact on performance and system reliability.
Module 4: Simulation and Energy Yield Analysis in PVSyst
• Running Simulations in PVSyst
• Simulation of grid-connected systems for energy yield.
• Analyzing performance ratios, loss diagrams, and system output.
• Shading and Losses
• Shading modeling and its effect on PV field performance.
• Near and far shading in system simulations.
Module 5: Advanced Features in PVSyst
• Optimizing PV Systems
• Sensitivity analysis on system components (inverters, batteries, panels).
• Advanced financial modeling, payback, and internal rate of return (IRR).
• Shading optimization and system loss mitigation strategies.
• Grid Connection and Inverters
• Understanding inverter technology, input/output ranges, and grid connections.
• Inverter and PV field sizing using PVSyst.
Module 6: Helioscope Basics & Project Setup
• System Design in Helioscope
• Configuring residential, commercial, and ground-mounted systems.
• Automated project designs with Helioscope templates.
• Running Simulations in Helioscope
• Energy output simulation, performance evaluations, and shading analysis.
Module 7: Special Topics in Solar Design
• Building-Integrated PV Systems (BIPV)
• Architectural considerations for BIPV.
• PV system integration in building structures.
• Shading, simulation, and string optimization for BIPV.
• PV Systems with Tracking Technology
• Single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems.
• Design optimization using Helioscope and PVSyst for tracking systems.
Module 8: Final Project and Case Studies
• Real-World Case Studies
• Review of large-scale PV systems designed using PVSyst and Helioscope.
• Design challenges and lessons from successful solar projects.
• Capstone Project
• Design and simulation of a solar PV system with both PVSyst and Helioscope.
• Presenting findings, including energy yield, loss analysis, and financial return.
Module 9: Data Analysis for Renewable Energy (NEW)
• Data Analysis for Renewable Energy
• Introduction to data analysis techniques for solar energy
• Using statistical tools to analyze solar performance data
• Data visualization and reporting for effective decision-making
• Case Studies and Practical Applications
• Real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises
• Project presentations and feedback
Course Length: Seven Weeks (One Month and Two Weeks)
Duration: 35 hours (7 sessions of 5 hours each)
Eligible Individuals
• Solar design engineers, project managers, and teachers.
• PV installers with prior experience.
• Those responsible for managing PV projects and system performance.
• Familiarity with basic data analysis concepts• Basic knowledge of solar energy systems
• Solar energy professionals
• Engineers and designers specializing in photovoltaic systems
• Data analysts in the renewable energy sector
Certificate Title
Professional Certification in Solar Design and Data Analysis
