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Solar Energy Systems Overview

By the end of this course, learners will have acquired a broad understanding of the history and mechanics behind converting light into electricity, commonly known as photovoltaics (PV). They are empowered to recognize and describe elements of a PV system, enabling them to: compare the most common types of solar cells, sketch a solar PV system, and analyze differences between rooftop and ground mounting configurations. The course explores economic considerations, touching on solar PV costs for residential and commercial use, incentives, and contrasts solar power with fossil fuel and nuclear plants.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in entering the solar power sector, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. The curriculum is especially useful for engineers, HVAC installers, architects, and building code inspectors.

Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, project work, readings and discussions. This is the first course in the Solar PV for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors specialization. To learn more about the specialization, check out a video overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Acknowledgement

Solar Power

This module introduces learners to the history of solar power and the nature of photovoltaics (PV).

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamental principles of photovoltaic systems, providing a solid foundation for beginners

Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of solar power and the nature of photovoltaics (PV)

Explores the structure and function of different types of PV systems and their components

Discusses the costs and ROI that can be expected when installing a PV system

Engages learners with a project-based approach to apply theory to practice

Suited for individuals with a background in engineering, HVAC, architecture, or building code inspection

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Reviews summary

Foundation for solar energy professionals

According to learners, "Solar Energy Systems Overview" is a highly effective foundational course for anyone looking to enter or transition into the solar power sector. Students frequently praise the clear and accessible lectures that make complex photovoltaic (PV) concepts easy to digest. A significant number found the modules on economic considerations, such as ROI and incentives, particularly valuable for professional application. While it provides a solid introduction, some experienced professionals note that the course may be too basic and lacks in-depth technical details for those with prior knowledge. Reviewers also mention that some demos were more theoretical than practical. Overall, it serves as an excellent starting point for new learners.

Perfectly suited for new learners and industry entrants.

"It's a great starting point for anyone looking to enter the industry."

"Fantastic course for anyone new to solar energy. It breaks down complex ideas into manageable pieces."

"Perfect for someone like me transitioning into the renewable energy sector."

Valued for its coverage of costs, ROI, and incentives.

"I appreciated the modules on ROI and economic considerations, which are crucial for professionals."

"Very informative course, especially the parts about comparing solar power with traditional energy sources and incentives. The practical project was a good way to apply what we learned."

"The modules on economic aspects like ROI and incentives were particularly valuable for my career planning."

Provides an excellent, accessible introduction to solar PV.

"This course provided a fantastic overview of solar energy systems. The lectures were clear and the content was easy to digest, even for someone new to the field."

"Excellent foundational course! I found the explanations of different PV systems and components very thorough. The instructor made complex topics accessible."

"A very good starting point for understanding solar PV. The course structure is logical, and the quizzes reinforced learning effectively."

Demos are often theoretical explanations, not hands-on examples.

"The only minor critique is that some demos felt a bit brief; I wished for more elaborate practical examples."

"Some of the 'demos' were more theoretical explanations rather than actual practical demonstrations. I was expecting more visual, hands-on examples."

"It's a good theoretical overview, but less 'hands-on' than implied."

Too basic for those with prior knowledge, lacks advanced topics.

"Good general introduction, but perhaps a bit too basic for me. As an experienced architect, I was hoping for more in-depth technical details..."

"While it serves as an overview, I found the pace too slow and some content repetitive, especially since I have a background in electrical engineering."

"It didn't provide enough depth on advanced topics like grid integration or specific inverter technologies. Not for someone looking to specialize further."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solar Energy Systems Overview with these activities:

Review Basic Physics Concepts

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Brush up on fundamental concepts in physics, such as electricity, magnetism, and energy, to strengthen understanding of solar power principles.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review notes or textbooks on basic physics principles.
Solve practice problems to reinforce understanding.

Solar Power Reference Library

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Create a repository of resources on solar power to enhance understanding and facilitate future reference.

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Collect articles, videos, and presentations on solar power.
Categorize and organize the materials for easy retrieval.

Organize and Summarize Course Content

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Consolidate your understanding of course materials by systematically organizing and summarizing key concepts, definitions, and formulas. This activity will aid in retention and provide a valuable reference for future use.

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Review lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
Create a structured outline or mind map to organize the content logically.
Summarize key topics and highlight important points.

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Review Basic Electrical Engineering Concepts

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Refresh your foundational understanding of basic electrical concepts, such as Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and AC/DC circuits, to strengthen your comprehension of solar PV systems.

Browse courses on Electrical Engineering

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Review textbooks and notes from previous electrical engineering courses.
Solve practice problems involving basic electrical concepts.
Attend online or in-person workshops or tutorials on electrical engineering fundamentals.

Review Basic Electronics Basics

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Reviewing this foundational knowledge from your previous experience can strengthen your comprehension of this course's content.

Browse courses on Electronics

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Revisit your notes from previous courses on electricity and electronics. Take the time to refresh your knowledge of basic concepts like Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and semiconductor physics.
Review online tutorials or textbooks on basic electronics to enhance your understanding.
Engage in online forums or discussion groups to connect with others and clarify any lingering doubts.

Energy.gov's Solar Power Resources

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Review the official website of the U.S. Department of Energy to learn more about the fundamentals and applications of solar power.

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Visit the Energy.gov website and explore the resources on solar energy.
Read articles and watch videos to understand the basics of solar power.

Review your understanding of Ohm's law

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Ohm's law is fundamental to understanding how solar panels work. Reviewing Ohm's law, even if you feel comfortable with it, can help reinforce your knowledge and ensure that your understanding is strong.

Browse courses on Ohm's Law

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Read through your old notes or textbook.
Work through some practice problems.
Take a quiz to test your understanding.

Explore the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) website.

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Watch a video tutorial from NREL about solar energy. This can help you to understand the basics of solar energy and how it can be used to generate electricity.

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Go to the NREL website.
Search for videos on solar energy.
Watch a video on solar energy.

Calculate Solar Panel System Size

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Solve calculation problems to practice determining the appropriate size of a solar panel system for different energy needs.

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Use online calculators or software to calculate the solar panel system size based on energy consumption and location.
Verify the results by comparing with industry standards and guidelines.

Explore Different Types of Solar Cells

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Spend time researching and understanding the different types of solar cells available. This knowledge will be invaluable as you delve deeper into the course material.

Browse courses on Solar Cells

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Follow video tutorials that provide detailed explanations and demonstrations of various solar cell technologies.
Explore online resources from reputable organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) or the International Solar Alliance.
Review academic papers or research articles to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind different solar cell types.

Discuss Solar PV Applications

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Engage in discussions with peers or classmates to explore the diverse applications of solar photovoltaics (PV) in various industries.

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to solar PV.
Participate in discussions and share knowledge on different applications of solar PV.

Analyze a Solar Energy System

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Build a model that simulates a solar energy system. This can help you to understand the components of a solar system and how they work together.

Browse courses on Photovoltaics

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Research different types of solar panels, inverters, and batteries.
Design a solar energy system that meets the needs of a specific location and application.
Build a model of the solar energy system using software or physical components.
Test the solar energy system and analyze the results.
Write a report summarizing the findings of the analysis.

Design and Build a Solar Panel

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Build a small-scale solar panel to gain hands-on experience with the components and principles of photovoltaics.

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Gather materials for the solar panel, including solar cells, a frame, and wiring.
Assemble the solar panel by connecting the solar cells to each other and to the frame.
Test the solar panel using a multimeter to measure its voltage and current output.

Analyze Solar PV System Design Cases

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Engage in hands-on exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and develop your problem-solving skills.

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Find online platforms or textbooks that offer practice problems related to solar PV system design.
Break down each problem into smaller steps and work through them systematically, considering factors like system size, efficiency, and shading.
Compare your solutions with provided answers or discuss them with peers to identify areas for improvement.

Create a Presentation on Solar Energy

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Creating a presentation on solar energy is a great way to solidify your understanding of the subject and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Solar Power

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Research the topic of solar energy.
Develop an outline for your presentation.
Create visuals to support your presentation.
Practice your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to an audience.

Solar Design Challenge

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Participate in a solar design competition to showcase skills and knowledge in designing and optimizing solar PV systems.

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Identify solar design competitions and register to participate.
Develop a solar design project that meets the competition requirements.
Submit the design for evaluation and compete against other participants.

Design and Simulate a Small-Scale Solar PV System

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Put your knowledge into practice by designing and simulating a small-scale solar PV system. This will help you grasp the practical aspects of system design and performance.

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Choose a suitable software program for simulating solar PV systems, such as PVsyst or SAM.
Gather data on your specific location, including solar irradiance and temperature patterns.
Design your system, considering factors like panel orientation, tilt angle, and inverter size.
Run simulations to estimate energy production and system efficiency.
Analyze your results and make adjustments to your design as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Energy Systems Overview will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Engineer

A Solar Engineer designs, develops, and maintains solar energy systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. This course provides Solar Engineers with a thorough understanding of the principles of solar power, enabling them to design efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Engineer

Solar PV System Designer

A Solar PV System Designer plans and designs solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. This course provides Solar PV System Designers with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and components of solar photovoltaic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar PV System Designer

Power Plant Engineer

A Power Plant Engineer is responsible for the planning and execution of major power generation projects and upgrades. One thing that such an engineer may do is work on projects to expand renewable energy. This course provides Power Plant Engineers with an understanding of the process of converting light into electricity using solar photovoltaic systems, an increasingly important field in power generation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Plant Engineer

Solar Panel Inspector

A Solar Panel Inspector is responsible for inspecting solar photovoltaic systems to ensure that they are installed properly and are functioning correctly. This course provides Solar Panel Inspectors with a detailed understanding of solar photovoltaic systems, enabling them to conduct inspections efficiently and accurately.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Inspector

Renewable Energy Policy Analyst

A Renewable Energy Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on policies that affect the development and use of renewable energy sources, including solar and photovoltaic energy. This course gives Renewable Energy Policy Analysts a deep understanding of solar photovoltaic systems, so they can understand the implications of different policies and craft policies that are well-informed and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Policy Analyst

Building Code Inspector

A Building Code Inspector ensures that buildings comply with building codes, which increasingly include requirements for solar photovoltaic systems. This course provides Building Code Inspectors with a detailed knowledge of solar photovoltaic systems, enabling them to ensure that buildings are safe and code-compliant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Code Inspector

Solar Project Developer

A Solar Project Developer acquires land and secures financing for the construction of solar farms. This course can help teach Solar Project Developers about the technical aspects of solar energy systems, giving them a competitive advantage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Project Developer

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer plans and installs solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. This course helps Solar Photovoltaic Installers gain the understanding needed to stay at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in a fast-growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Energy Manager

An Energy Manager is responsible for managing energy strategies for organizations, which increasingly includes managing solar and other renewable energy systems. This course provides Energy Managers with the knowledge and skills needed to keep up with important developments in solar energy and maintain their organization's competitive edge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Manager

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements environmental sustainability strategies for organizations, which increasingly incorporate photovoltaic electricity generation. This course provides Sustainability Managers with an understanding of the principles of solar photovoltaic systems so that they can make sound decisions about how to incorporate this technology into their organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Roofing Contractor

A Roofing Contractor specializes in the installation and repair of roofing systems, including solar photovoltaic systems. This course may help Roofing Contractors learn how to install solar photovoltaic systems, thus expanding their service offerings to stay competitive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Roofing Contractor

Electrician

An Electrician installs and maintains electrical systems, including solar photovoltaic systems. This course may help Electricians learn how to install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems, thus expanding their service offerings to stay competitive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrician

Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor assesses the energy efficiency of buildings and makes recommendations for improvements, which sometimes may involve installing solar photovoltaic systems. This course may help Energy Auditors learn more about the technical aspects of solar photovoltaic systems, making their recommendations more effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Solar Panel Production Technician

A Solar Panel Production Technician works in a factory that produces solar panels. One's responsibilities may include operating and maintaining automated machinery and performing quality control checks. This course may help teach Solar Panel Production Technicians about some of the technical systems used in a solar panel.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Production Technician

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist researches and analyzes environmental issues, which may include the environmental impact of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic systems. This course may help Environmental Scientists to develop a better understanding of solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 20 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Solar Energy Systems Overview.

Solar Cells and Their Applications

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Provides a comprehensive overview of solar cells and their applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the technology and its potential.

Solar Energy Systems Overview

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundation for solar energy professionals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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