Design and Sizing of Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Course Description
Photovoltaic system design is fundamentally about balance - matching energy generation to energy consumption. Undersized systems result in energy deficits and poor reliability. Oversized systems increase capital costs and reduce economic feasibility. Design approaches differ significantly depending on whether the system is grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid. Key considerations include: Geographic location, Solar availability, Load profile variability, Reliability requirements, Budget constraints. A well-designed PV system is not just technically functional - it is optimized for performance, safety, and financial return.
What you'll learn in this course?
Understand the fundamental principles of PV system design.
Perform load assessment and energy demand calculations.
Size PV modules, inverters, batteries, and charge controllers.
Design both grid-connected and off-grid PV systems.
Evaluate system losses and optimize performance.
Apply safety standards and design best practices.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of electrical power, energy, and solar PV principles
Familiarity with basic engineering calculations is helpful
Course Curriculum
- Introduction to PV System Design
- Types of PV Systems
- Solar Resource Assessment
- Site Assessment
- Understanding Load Requirements
- Load Calculation Example
- Estimating Required PV Capacity
- Selecting PV Modules
- Calculating Number of Panels
- Series and Parallel Connections
- Inverter Sizing
- Charge Controller Sizing (Off-Grid)
- Battery Sizing
- Battery Technologies
- System Losses
- Tilt Angle Optimization
- Shading Analysis
- Performance Ratio (PR)
- DC & AC Cable Sizing
- Earthing & Protection
- Grid Interconnection
- Economic Considerations
- Environmental Impact
- Residential Case Study
- Key Design Best Practices
- Assessment and Review
- Design and Sizing of Solar Photovoltaic Systems