Within the United States solar energy industry, there is a general motto of “set it and forget it” with solar energy. This notion is derived from much of the research and reliability studies around the photovoltaic (PV) panels themselves, not necessarily the PV system as a whole (including the inverter and other components). This implies that maintenance and regular monitoring is not needed. Yet many things can go wrong to cause the actual performance to deviate from the expected performance. If failures and/or unanticipated degradation issues go undetected, they will lead to reduced energy generation (and associated electricity credits) and/or potential loss of component warranty because of manufacturer turnover. Given the size of the problem and gaps with current solutions, the authors propose that PV system owners need an unbiased third-party off-the-shelf system-level predictive maintenance tool to optimize return-on-investment and minimize time to warranty claim in PV installations. This paper reviews the literature highlighting challenges, current approaches, and opportunities for PV predictive maintenance. The paper concludes with a call to action for establishing a collaborative agenda toward prioritizing PV predictive maintenance.

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Engineering technology students revel in enhanced learning experiences that include the use of hands-on methods to teach the real-world usage of the tech-nical material. These learning experiences increase applied knowledge and retention in these students and others in related STEM fields. Using research-based learning theory in a project-based and team-based learning environment, the course developers transformed the learning experience from sterile lecture type courses to interactive experiences that enhance and build on the course concepts. Surveys were used to further delve into student perception of the learning experience providing faculty with an assurance that students have ful-ly developed a level of competency in the desired topic used in the interven-tion. The goal of this research is to further delve into the use of personalized learning to engage and encourage student growth. Course developers incorporated known practices of team and project-based learning theory when making changes to the course foundation. The application of project-based learning theory is based on literature reviews, and the results seen within similar technology and engineering based STEM disciplines. Course surveys were used to collect information from the students to further understand how changes to the course delivery impacted them and affected the learning environment. Initial results suggest improved student engagement, and engagement with course materials as a result of the transformation of class delivery. Evidence shows that the classroom experience is enhanced by this type of activity. Sup-porting findings by researchers in other areas show that experiential or active learning improves students’ understanding and engagement with concepts taught through project-based learning methods.

The Building Construction and Contracting (BC) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Departments at Purdue University are developing innovative programs that target two rapidly expanding areas of specialization. Mechanical Contractors specify and install equipment for both commercial and residential spaces, while Maintenance Engineers operate and service the equipment on a daily basis. As part of the developmental effofi an existing HVAC course has been re-structured to focus on the unique technical requirements of these closely related careers. This cooperation takes advantage of the individual strengths of the BC and MET Departments and is provided as a working model for other institutions that may want to establish similar programs. INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONThe demand for new buildings, both commercial and residential, was vigorous during the 1980's and remains strong today. This high level of construction activity has created a strong demand for qualified Mechanical Contractors who specify and install plumbing, electrical, and climate control equipment for indoor spaces. Once construction is complete, Maintenance Engineers operate and service the equipment on a daily basis. When the accumulation of buildings over the last 20 years is considered, it is not surprising that the job market for Maintenance Engineers is particularly robust. In fact, the OffIce of Manpower Studies in the School of Technology at Purdue University projects that Maintenance Engineering will be one of the fastest growing technical careers over the next 10 years.

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