Solar Energy Technician
Solar energy is a largest renewable resource freely available everywhere in adequate amounts, making it one of the most promising, clean, non-pollution source. Currently a number of solar energy devices like solar cooker, solar water heater, solar photovoltaic pumps and solar photovoltaic lighting systems are gaining popularity. There is a need for generating manpower for installing and managing such solar based systems. This module is designed to train technicians who can install, maintain and promote the uses of such solar appliances.
Objectives
After going through this course the student will be able to Understand the Basic Principles of Solar Technology, Solar Cooker, Water Heater, Solar Photovoltaic Lighting System, Solar Water Pumping etc. install, maintain and promote the uses of solar applications.
Job Opportunities
Those completing this module can find employment in the nodal agencies of the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, voluntary agencies and other organizations promoting the technology at district and block levels. Entrepreneurial opportunities would also be available in terms of opening shops for spare parts, servicing and sale of solar devices.
Course Duration
One year
Scheme of Study
Theory – 40%, Practical – 60%
Entry Qualification
Class 8th Pass
Scheme Of Examination
Maximum Weightage in Theory – 30% Time – 2 hours.
Maximum Weightage in Practical – 70% Time – 3 hours. Passing Marks – 33% to in aggregate in Public Examination of Secondary level or Grade ‘E’ as for independent vocational course or Grade ‘G’ when combined with academic stream.
Course Content
Unit 1: Basic Principles in Solar Technology
Solar Thermal Conversion : Principles of Solar Radiation, Solar Collector, Absorption of radiation and Conversion to Thermal Energy, Collection & Storage of Thermal Energy, Solar Photovoltaic Cells.
Unit 2: Solar Cookers
Flat plate Box Type Solar Cooker, Advantages of Solar Cooker, Limitations, Cooking time, Precautions while using a solar cooker, Concentrator type solar cooker, Basket type solar cooker etc.
Unit 3 : Domestic & Industrial Water Heaters
Domestic Solar Water Heater, Industrial Solar Water Heater, System Installation & Test.
Unit 4: Solar Dryer
Cabinet type Solar Dryer, Bomboo types Solar Dryer.
Unit 5: Solar Distillation
Simple Solar Distillation Plant and Conical.
Unit 6: Solar Photovoaltaic Lighting System
Principle of Photovoltaic lighting system, Solar Array, Battery Bank, Electronic Controller, Inventor, Solar photovoltaic street lighting system, Maintenance of Battery, Cleanliness, Adding water, Kind of water, Discharge limits, Hydometer readings – Specific gravity, Full charge specific gravity, Readings – Written records, Trouble shooting, Basics of Lead-Acid Batteries, Discharge limits of Lead-Acid batteries.
Unit 7: Solar Water Pumping
Solar photovoltaic pumping system, SPV modules, Water pump.