Module Overview

Module Learning Objectives

This module covers the basics of electricity and utilizing solar information for site analysis.

By the end of this module, in addition to being able to navigate Canvas and meeting your classmates, you will be able to:

2-1 Describe basic series and parallel circuits.

2-2 Explain the relationship among current, resistance, voltage, and power.

2-3 Develop understanding of energy and power in realm of AC and DC electricity.

2-4 Relate electricity concepts to series and parallel circuits.

2-5 Describe solar radiation, solar irradiance, and the inverse square law.

2-6 Describe the solar constant and the solar spectrum in relation to extraterrestrial solar radiation.

2-7 Identify the characteristics of direct radiation and diffuse radiation.

2-8 Explain how air mass affects the amount of solar radiation that is present in the atmosphere.

2-9 Define peak sun and describe the role of peak sun hours in determining PV system performance.

2-10 Define and describe insolation.

2-11 Identify and describe the two standard spectral distributions of terrestrial solar radiation.

2-12 Identify common devices used for measuring solar radiation.

2-13 Describe various stages of Earth's orbit.

2-14 Identify the characteristics of solar time as contrasted with standard time.

2-15 Describe various positions of the sun.

2-16 Describe ways that array orientation can vary due to geographical and seasonal variations of the sun's path.

2-14 Describe the function of solar radiation data sets and identify which agencies provide the data.