Solar Photovoltaic System Design, Installation and Maintenance

Course Description

This course (EEV0206) is a competency-based, applied learning program within the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). It develops skills in the field of solar energy and energy storage, providing a foundation in the design, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) systems in residential and commercial environments. Students gain the technical knowledge needed to conduct site assessments, read blueprints, perform electrical load calculations, and install, maintain, and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic systems. This course is offered as Occupational Completion Point (OCP) B within the broader Solar Photovoltaic System Design, Installation and Maintenance – Entry Level program at Florida technical colleges including Fort Myers Technical College and Okaloosa Technical College.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

• Explain the fundamental principles of photovoltaic energy conversion, including the PV effect, solar irradiance, and energy production calculations.
• Identify and describe the major components of a PV system: modules, inverters, charge controllers, combiners, disconnects, and mounting structures.
• Distinguish between grid-tied, off-grid (stand-alone), and hybrid PV system configurations and select the appropriate type for a given application.
• Conduct a site assessment, including solar resource evaluation, shading analysis, roof or ground-mount suitability, and load analysis.
• Design a residential PV system by performing array sizing, string configuration, and load calculations based on customer energy consumption data.
• Apply NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and NEC Article 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources) to size conductors, overcurrent protection devices, and disconnecting means.
• Interpret and produce one-line electrical diagrams and mechanical drawings showing all major field-installed components, wire identification, sizing, and grounding.
• Demonstrate safe work practices including OSHA regulations, arc flash awareness, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and fall protection.
• Install solar PV systems and associated electrical wiring in compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and applicable electrical codes.
• Perform routine maintenance, inspection, and basic troubleshooting of installed PV systems, including identification of ground faults and performance issues.

Optional Outcomes

• Use Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) software and IT tools to develop solar site design drawings and system specifications.
• Evaluate energy storage (battery) systems and their integration with grid-tied and off-grid PV installations.
• Analyze the economics of a PV system, including return on investment (ROI), net metering, utility interconnection agreements, and available incentives.
• Explain Florida-specific regulatory requirements including FSEC certification standards (FSEC Standard 203), Florida Statutes §377.705, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Solar Contractor licensing framework.
• Perform commissioning activities including electrical testing, IV curve tracing, and system performance verification.
• Describe the application of smart inverters and monitoring systems for grid communication and real-time performance tracking.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Photovoltaic Fundamentals: The PV effect, solar radiation, irradiance, insolation, and module I-V characteristics; types of PV cells (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film).
• DC and AC Electrical Concepts: Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits; AC power, waveforms, and power factor as applied to PV systems.
• PV System Components: Modules, arrays, string inverters, microinverters, DC optimizers, charge controllers, combiners, disconnects, and balance-of-system (BOS) equipment.
• System Types and Configurations: Grid-tied (utility-interactive), stand-alone (off-grid), and hybrid systems; battery backup integration.
• Site Assessment: Solar resource mapping, shading analysis tools, roof load and structural evaluation, azimuth and tilt optimization, and utility interconnection requirements.
• System Sizing and Design: Load analysis, energy consumption calculations, array sizing, string configuration, DC/AC ratio, and inverter selection.
• NEC Article 690 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Circuit requirements, maximum voltage calculations (690.7), maximum current calculations (690.8), overcurrent protection (690.9), wiring methods (690.31), rapid shutdown (690.12), grounding and bonding, disconnecting means, and system labeling.
• NEC Article 705 – Interconnected Power Sources: Supply-side connections (705.11) and load-side connections (705.12); utility interconnection compliance.
• Electrical Drawings and Documentation: Reading and producing one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, site plans, and permit documentation packages.
• Installation Practices: Roof-mounted and ground-mounted racking systems; mounting hardware, wind and roof load compliance per FBC; basic residential wiring practices.
• Safety: Electrical safety, OSHA standards, arc flash, lockout/tagout, fall protection, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Preventive maintenance schedules, performance monitoring, ground fault identification, and basic system diagnostics.

Optional Topics

• CAD and Design Software: Using IT tools and Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) applications for system layout and permit drawings.
• Energy Storage Systems: Battery types (lithium-ion, lead-acid), battery sizing, state of charge, and NEC Article 706 requirements for ESS integration.
• System Economics: Cost-benefit analysis, ROI calculations, net metering policies, solar incentives, and utility rate structures in Florida.
• Florida Regulatory Environment: FSEC certification programs (Standards 201, 202, 203), Florida Building Code Chapter 324/R324, and DBPR Solar Contractor licensing requirements.
• Commissioning and Advanced Testing: IV curve tracing, thermal imaging, arc flash assessments, and performance verification protocols.
• Commercial PV Systems: Multi-inverter design, three-line diagrams for commercial installations, inter-row shading calculations, and utility-scale interconnection basics.

Resources & Tools

• FSEC Photovoltaic System Design Course Manual (GP-31) — Florida Solar Energy Center / University of Central Florida; used as a reference for the Florida DBPR Solar Contractor examination.
• NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC), particularly Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources).
• Florida Building Code (FBC) — Chapters 324/R324 governing solar energy system installation, wind load, roof load, access, and setback requirements.
• NABCEP Study Materials — Including Solar Photovoltaic Basics (Sean White) aligned to NABCEP PV Associate Learning Objectives.
• PVWatts Calculator — NREL online tool for estimating solar energy production and system performance.
• CAD / Design Software — For producing site plans and permit-ready electrical drawings.
• FSEC Standards — FSEC Standard 201, 202, and 203 for PV module and system certification in Florida.
• OSHA Safety Standards — Applicable construction and electrical safety regulations.

Career Pathways

Completers of EEV0206 are prepared for entry-level and mid-level positions in Florida's rapidly growing solar energy sector. Typical roles include:

• Solar PV Installer / Technician — Residential and commercial rooftop and ground-mount system installation.
• Solar Systems Designer — Site assessment, array design, and permitting for residential and light commercial projects.
• Solar Electrician — Electrical wiring, interconnection, and code-compliance work on PV installations.
• Solar Field Service Technician — Maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring of installed systems.
• Solar Architecture / PV Manufacturing Support — Technical roles in solar product development and building-integrated PV.

Program completers can expect starting wages of $20 or more per hour, with earnings varying by education, experience, and certifications. Career advancement is supported by industry credentials.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides foundational preparation for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), the industry-standard entry-level credential for solar PV professionals. Coursework covers the NABCEP PV Associate Learning Objectives, including system types, components, site assessment, electrical fundamentals, NEC code requirements, safety, and maintenance.

Successful completion of EEV0206, combined with documented field experience, supports eligibility pathways toward the NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification, which requires 58 hours of advanced PV training in addition to the PV Associate credential.

In Florida, individuals seeking a Solar Contractor license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are required to demonstrate knowledge of PV system design, NEC Article 690, and the Florida Building Code — all core competencies developed in this course. Electrical drawings for permitted PV installations in Florida must conform to NEC Article 690 and be prepared by or under the supervision of a licensed Florida design professional or bear FSEC certification per Florida Statute §377.705.