India is rapidly emerging as a leader in the global floating solar energy sector, driven by its ambitious renewable energy targets and the need to address land scarcity. Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) plants offer a compelling solution by utilizing water bodies like reservoirs and lakes to generate electricity, thus minimizing land usage.
Topics covered:
What is Floating Solar PV? Floating Solar PV – Benefit, Supporting Frameworks for FSPV, Floating Solar PV – India Potential, Environment and Social Impact

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Topics covered:
Physics of Photovoltaic Systems, Semiconductor Materials, N-type and P-type Semiconductors, PN Junction and Current Flow, Solar Cell Effi ciency, Generations of Solar Cell Technology, PERC Solar Cell Technology, Multi-Busbar Solar Cells, Cut Cell Technology, Half-Cut and Third-Cut Cell Technology, High-Density Interconnection Panels, Tiling Ribbon (TR) Technology, N-Type Solar Cells, Integrated Back Contact (IBC) Solar Cells, All Back Contact (ABC) Solar Panels, Bifacial Solar Modules, Advanced Cell Technologies, Solar Panel Manufacturing Process, Evolution of Solar Cell Sizes and Power Output, Series vs. Parallel Connection of Solar Panels, Mismatch Issues, and Advancements in Solar Cell and Panel Size. Government Approved Panels (ALMM) and Review Questions.

A solar panel datasheet is a technical document detailing a solar module's performance, specifications, and characteristics. Understanding these datasheets is crucial for selecting the right panels for a solar energy system and ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Topics covered:
Technical Specifi cations of Solar Panels, Standard Test Condition (STC), Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT), Voltage and Current Parameters, Temperature and Solar Radiation Effects, Fill Factor and Panel Quality, Effi ciency Calculation, Solar Panel Effi ciency Factors, Environmental Impact on Power Plant Efficiency, System and Component Considerations, Temperature Coefficient of PV Modules, Diode Usage in Solar Systems, Series and Parallel Connections, Solar Panel Specifi cation Sheet - Electrical Characteristics, Thermal Characteristics and Temperature Coefficients, Mechanical Characteristics, Solar Cell Type and Size, Solar Panel Warranty, Bifacial Solar Panels, Factors Affecting Bifacial Gain, Refl ectivity and Bifacial Gain, Solar Panel Degradation and Damage, Performance Warranty, Solar Panel Manufacturing and Export from India, DCR vs. Non-DCR Solar Panels and Homework Assignment.

Solar resource assessment is the process of evaluating a location's solar energy potential to determine the viability of a solar power project. This involves collecting and analyzing solar irradiance data, along with other meteorological data, to accurately estimate the amount of energy that can be generated.
Topics covered:
Solar Resource Data and Irradiation Assessment, Solar Energy and Radiation Spectrum, Solar Radiation and Measurement, Shadow Analysis and Solar Window, Sun Path Diagram and Solar Angles, Shading Assessment Using Solar Angles and Tools, Air Mass and Solar Window Details, Solar Declination Angle, Tilt Angle Importance, Optimum Tilt Angle Calculation, Altitude Angle, Sessional vs. Fixed Tilt Angle, Tilt Angle Based on Location, Panel Spacing, Table for Solar Panel Mounting, Solar Resource Data and System Design, Practical Aspects of Tilt Angle Adjustment and Hometask Assignment.

The "Balance of System" (BOS) in a solar plant refers to all the components and costs excluding the solar panels themselves. It encompasses everything needed to convert, control, and deliver the electricity generated by the solar panels.
Topics covered:
Balance of System Introduction, Module Connection and Array Junction Box, DC to AC Conversion and Distribution, System Safety, Standalone Systems, Hybrid Solar Systems, Grid-Tie or On-Grid Systems, DC and AC Buses, Net Metering and Gross Metering, Large-Scale Power Plant Diagram, Monitoring Systems for Performance,

Balance of System Components (Detailed), Solar Charge Controllers (Types and Function), Battery Charging Process, PWM Charge Controller Specifi cations, MPPT Charge Controller Features, MPPT System Voltage and Technical Data Sheets

Inverter Basics, Types of Inverters Based on System and Application, Based on Phase and Transformer, Micro and String Inverter Details, String vs. Central vs. Micro Inverters, Key Parameters of Hybrid Inverter and Data Sheet, Comparison of Different Inverter Data Sheets, Communication Interfaces and Off-Grid Capability, Monitoring Systems and Customer Benefits, Three-Phase Inverters, MPPT Trackers, AC Output and Effi ciency of Three-Phase Inverters, DC and AC Sides of a Solar System, Energy Conversion Losses and Effi ciency, DC to AC Ratio and Oversizing, Solar System Warranty and Homework

Array Junction Box (AJB), AJB Installation and Operation, Multiple String Confi guration, ACDB and Inverter Integration, Multi-Input AJB Confi gurations, Series vs. Parallel Connections, Surge Protection Device (SPD) Functionality, Solar DC Cable, Grounding in Solar Systems, Plant Layout and Installation Considerations, IP Rating of Enclosures, MC4 Connectors for DC Wiring, Cable and Fuse Sizing, Solar Panel Mounting Structures, Installation Best Practices, Calculating Mounting Structure Components, Project Site Overview and Components and Hometask Assignment.

In floating solar power plants, the Balance of System (BOS) refers to all components except the solar panels themselves, including the floating platform, mooring system, electrical infrastructure, and any other equipment needed to integrate the system into the grid. Essentially, it's everything that makes the solar panels work as part of a larger system.
Topics covered:
Floating Platform- HDPE, FRP, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and ferro-cement materials for the floating platform, Pontoon + metal structures design, Bank anchoring, Bottom anchoring, Piles, sizing the cable and its routing - Distance to shore, float on water surfaces, submarine cables, Quality of water, Variations in water level, liquid solar array (LSA),

Floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) project design involves careful consideration of the water body, structural components, and environmental factors to ensure a reliable and efficient energy generation system. Key aspects include selecting appropriate floatation structures, anchoring systems, and electrical components, all while minimizing environmental impact.
Topics covered:
Plot size (checking symmetry), Calculation of drag force on entire plant, Calculation of anchoring and mooring lines, Measuring end load and comparison with safe load, Calculation of FSPV System, Energy generation calculation,
FSPV Solar Project Costing, System Costing, Funding Model, Loan Model,

Designing a MW-scale solar PV project using PV software involves defining the project site, importing site data, selecting components, and simulating performance. Key aspects include accurately modeling shading, choosing appropriate inverters and panels, and optimizing tilt angles for maximum energy yield. Simulation results provide insights into energy production, performance ratio, and financial viability.
Topics covered:
Project Location Selection, Key Performance Formula, Probability in PV System Design, Solar Resource and Temperature Considerations, PV Module Specification Analysis, Inverter Specification Analysis, Manual Calculation for 500 kW System, Software Simulation and System Design, Consideration of Loss Factors, Aging Factor and Unavailability, Spectral Correction, Shading, and Energy Management, Shading Analysis and Simulation, Grid Power Limitation and Economical Evaluation, Energy Prediction and Performance Ratio, Meteo Data and Simulation Uncertainties, Costing and Carbon Dioxide Emission, Optimization Tool and Simulation Accuracy, Financial Analysis and Report , Detailed Economical Results, Cash Flow Diagram, Inverter String Configuration and Safety Checks, Table for Solar Panel Mounting, System Architecture and Monitoring, DC and AC Side Calculations for Fuse and SPD Sizing and Home Task - 1MW Ground Mounted plant design present on next day's class.

PV (Photovoltaic) project documentation refers to the collection of documents required for the planning, execution, and operation of a solar power project. This documentation includes technical specifications, financial details, and project management plans. Key documents often include site plans, system designs, component specifications, financial models, and permits.
Topics covered:
Documentation in PV Design, Project Report and User Guides, Array Junction Box (AJB) Drawing, Power Plant Electrical Diagram and Layout, Earthing System and Lightning Protection, Module Installation and String Configuration, Rooftop Installation Considerations, Detailed Project Report (DPR) - Site Assessment in the DPR, Solar Radiation Resource Assessment in the DPR, Project Scenarios and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Small Project Report Making, Work Order and Procurement, Business Strategy and Proposal Development, Technical Proposal Details, Commercial Estimation and Terms.

Effective bifacial system design requires careful consideration of factors like ground reflectance, module spacing, and the bifaciality factor of the panels.
Topics covered:
Bifacial Module System Design, Optimizing Bifacial Module Performance, Cost and Installation Considerations for Bifacial Modules, Impact of Ground Albedo and System Generation, Bill of Quantity (BOQ) Preparation, Professional Presentation of Project Costs, Home Task - Design 1 megawatt projects in five different locations, changing only the location while keeping the panel and inverter the same, to optimize the system and compare generation reports.

A business guide for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems involves understanding the market, developing a robust business model, and navigating the complexities of the industry.
Topics covered:
Training Session Review, Project Submission and Examination, Recommended Resources for Solar Professionals, Solar Tender Portals,
Starting a Solar Business: Trade Name Registration, Steps to Starting a Solar Business, Trademark Registration, GST and MSME registrations, Website Development for Business, Business and Branding Strategy, Marketing and Promotion, Website Optimization and Visibility, Nodal Agencies and Financial Institutions, Government Initiatives, Supplier and Agency Networking, Project Proposals and Securing Work, Partnerships and Large-Scale Projects and Post-Training Support from Institute of Solar Technology.