Introduction
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 Oppurtunities
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 aggrigate 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.