September 6, 2023, 1–2 p.m. ET
FEMP IACET: 0.2 CEU
Level: Intermediate
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems should perform safely and reliably for 25–30 years (or more). Among the factors that determine solar PV system performance and longevity, the module is the most critical component.
Many factors must be considered when choosing a module, including: quality, safety, weather strength ratings (e.g., wind, snow, hail), fire ratings, Buy American Act (BAA) compliance, and others.
This webinar focuses on understanding these factors and on how a federal agency can select a module that best meets its needs and requirements, given what may appear to be competing considerations.
In addition to procurement-related factors, the webinar also highlights the fundamentals of how solar PV modules produce electricity and different available cell technologies.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Describe how a solar PV module produces electricity from sunlight.
- Name the most common solar module technologies in use today and the relative advantages/disadvantages of each.
- Identify important factors in selecting and procuring a solar PV module.
- Identify the most common causes and modes of failure.
Instructors
Gerald Robinson is an energy manager with over 25 years of experience initiating and completing a broad range of energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy system initiatives.
Gerald has an extensive track record of innovative yet practical problem solving in both the private and public sectors. Gerald's management experience spans a wide variety of organizations including universities, municipalities, large corporations, non-governmental organizations, and federal agencies.
He has gained an extensive knowledge of all phases of project development and implementation including, legal and regulatory, engineering, project finance, audits, system commissioning, specifications writing, construction management, and commissioning.
Gerald is an ardent customer advocate able to work with a wide variety of stakeholders. He acts in the role of agency technical advocate drawing upon his background not only as an energy manager but also as a plant manager while at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) where he led the university through many multi-million-dollar utility infrastructure modernization and planning projects.
About FEMP Training
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides live and on-demand training to foster and maintain a high-performance workforce that constructs, operates, and maintains energy-efficient and cost-effective federal facilities. Choose from over 120 free courses spanning topics like project financing, facility and fleet optimization, fleet management, resilience, sustainable product procurement, and more.
FEMP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and awards IACET continuing education units (CEUs) upon the successful completion of select courses. FEMP training is provided through the National Institute of Building Sciences’ Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) learning management system.