Operations and Maintenance for Optimal Photovoltaic System Performance  

Education Type: 
On-Demand
Duration: 
5 Hours
Level: 
Intermediate
Prerequisites: 

None

AIA Learning Units: 
5 LU
FEMP IACET: 
0.5 CEU
Sponsored by: 

DOE Federal Energy Management Program - FEMP

This eTraining outlines the necessary steps for directing on-going or new operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems for the life of the project across a variety of system types, sizes, and environments. It is designed for personnel looking to plan and direct an operations and maintenance (O&M) program for a variety of PV systems.

Instructor

Andy Walker, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory  

Andy Walker, Ph.D., is Principal Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Mr. Walker conducts engineering and economic analysis of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for the Federal Energy Management Program and other non-governmental clients and specializes in assisting various organizations to plan renewable energy projects at multiple sites. Walker also teaches energy classes. He is the author of more than 28 book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers and has been recognized with 11 awards from professional associations and government agencies. He holds Bachelor’s of Science, Master’s of Science, and Doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University and is a registered professional engineer in Colorado.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Reduce the environmental and economic costs of fossil fuel energy and increase self-supply of renewable energy by providing information and resources on proper photovoltaic (PV) operations and maintenance (O&M) so that systems meet project requirements for actual energy delivery;

  • Customize an O&M strategy to achieve renewable energy delivery that corresponds to green building goals by recognizing differences in system size, type, site conditions, and environmental conditions;

  • Ensure staff health and wellness by ensuring that personnel are trained on proper qualifications and personal protective equipment for specific tasks; and

  • Ensure economic savings over the fossil fuel baseline by understanding product warranties, guarantees, and limitations in budgeting for ongoing O&M.