Solar Energy System Design from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Following solar energy from source to panel

Welcome to the first module of Solar Energy System Design. In this module, you will be revisiting the solar resource in a bit more depth than the Solar Energy Basics course. This will entail looking more closely at some of the properties of sunlight, and what happens to that light as it travels from the Sun until it eventually reaches the Earth's surface.

PV module and array circuits

We will now look closer at the circuits and electrical characteristics of modules and arrays. In Solar Energy Basics, you used module spec sheets to calculate power using voltage and current. In this module, you will be using those module specifications again, and looking at how the different voltage and current values included are important for determining how that module will operate under different conditions. Lastly, we will be looking at the design of both the internal circuitry of modules, and the circuitry of arrays of modules.

PV sizing and output under different conditions

You calculated photovoltaic system sizes and outputs in Solar Energy Basics based on available insolation. Those insolation values were always based on the assumption of the array being set up at optimal conditions. On-the-ground conditions can often result in variations from the optimal design for capturing all the available insolation, such as the angle of a roof and the direction it is facing being fixed, or nearby trees casting shade onto part of an array. In this module you will learn how to account for the different sources of losses in insolation, because the overall productivity of a system design can change based on the positioning of the array, temperature variations, and shading on parts of the array. These variations in productivity need to be accounted for early in the planning phase of a PV system.

Grid-tie PV System design under real world conditions

In the last content module of the course you will be working on equipment selection and system sizing. The previous modules on array siting, irradiance variability, temperature effects, shading losses, and circuit design will all come into play when you are designing a system. Additionally, you will be looking at site surveying, where those pieces of information are gathered, and permitting, where they are recorded and communicated along with the recommended system design.

Course Capstone

The capstone project of this course will entail applying much of what you have learned in this course. You will need to design a PV system using commercially available components and calculate it's output under site specific conditions. You will have to account for the available solar radiation and losses due to the positioning of the array as well as due to shading. You will also need to design an optimal configuration to connect the PV modules with an inverter. Finally, you will evaluate a PV system design for both accuracy and safety.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for students with prior knowledge of PV systems, as it builds on the introductory concepts covered in the Solar Energy Basics course

Provides a foundation for understanding how to design and optimize PV systems based on real-world conditions and constraints

Addresses the practical aspects of PV system design, including site surveying and permitting processes

Includes a capstone project that allows students to apply their learnings to a realistic PV system design scenario

Covers key topics such as solar energy sources, PV module and array circuits, system sizing, and temperature variations

Taught by instructors experienced in the field of solar energy system design

Reviews summary

Practical solar energy system design

Learners say that this course is well received, offering a practical and engaging introduction to solar energy system design. They appreciate the clear explanations and helpful examples provided by the instructor, Professor Neal Abrams. The course covers a range of topics, including sizing and selection of PV modules, inverters, and other components, as well as system installation and design. While some learners have experienced difficulties with quizzes and dead links, the overall feedback is largely positive.

Provides accurate and up-to-date information on solar energy system design principles and industry practices.

"Very informative course. Enjoyed it"

"Equally educational, practical and challenging"

"This Course is very useful for my Research Work"

Instructor Neal Abrams presents the material in a clear and engaging manner, making the learning process enjoyable.

"Professor is very elaborative and explained each concept so nicely."

"Excellent, Five Stars lectures."

"I really enjoyed it and learned a lot from the instructor Neal Abrams"

Delves into practical aspects of solar energy system design, with a focus on real-world applications.

"Good point to start your journey in designing a solar pv systems"

"This course has helped me to understand more parameters for solar energy system design"

"The course is really focused and use of simple language and examples makes the concept pretty clear."

Lack of technical support can be frustrating for learners who encounter difficulties with the course material or assignments.

"No support, no answered question."

"In case there is challenges or open question with something, a quiz question or question about something in the course material, there is no way to have support."

"Apperently, the answer key for some questions are wrong. So you spend a lot time with the calculations because you think you are doing something wrong until you find out in the discussion area that everyone is facing the same problem"

Includes quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning, but some learners have encountered issues with their accuracy.

"Good content. The quiz will drive you crazy because some answers to the quizzes are wrong"

"question were very difficult to answer in any format other than exactly what was specified."

"I would say the videos are good though but I am not sure anymore. The lecturer or whoever is responsible, didnt even bother themselves to check the simplest thing in the course, before start selling it to people"

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 System Design with these activities:

Follow Tutorials on Solar Energy System Design

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Following these tutorials will help you develop a foundational understanding of solar energy system design.

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Search for tutorials on solar energy system design.
Watch or read the tutorials.
Take notes on the key points.

Review: Solar Electricity Handbook by Michael Boxwell

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This book provides a more in-depth look at solar energy and its applications. The material will be helpful in understanding the technologies utilized in the course and allow you to develop a better understanding of the field.

View Solar Electricity Handbook - 2023 Edition on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Take notes on the key points of the book.
Review your notes regularly.

Participate in Solar Energy Design Workshops

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In-person workshops will allow you to learn from experts and gain practical experience in designing solar energy systems.

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Find solar energy design workshops in your area.
Register for the workshops.
Attend the workshops and participate in the activities.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Attend Solar Energy Industry Events

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Networking with experts in the solar energy field will expose you to new ideas and connect you with potential employers.

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Find solar energy industry events in your area.
Attend the events.
Network with other attendees.

Design a Solar Energy System for Your Home

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This project will allow you to apply the knowledge you learn in the course to your own home.

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Determine your home's energy needs.
Research different solar energy systems.
Design a solar energy system for your home.

Career center

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

Solar Energy Engineer

The Solar Energy System Design course provides a solid understanding of the principles of solar energy systems, including the fundamentals of photovoltaic (PV) technology. This knowledge is essential for Solar Energy Engineers, who design, install, and maintain PV systems. The course covers topics such as solar resource assessment, PV module and array design, system sizing, and grid integration. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of solar energy engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Engineer

Solar PV Installer

The Solar Energy System Design course can be a valuable asset for Solar PV Installers, who are responsible for installing and maintaining solar PV systems. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the design process, including topics such as site assessment, system sizing, and component selection. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to properly install and maintain solar PV systems, ensuring that they operate safely and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar PV Installer

Renewable Energy Project Manager

The Solar Energy System Design course can be helpful for Renewable Energy Project Managers, who are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of renewable energy projects. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as project planning, financing, and construction. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage renewable energy projects, including solar PV systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Manager

Sustainability Consultant

The Solar Energy System Design course can be полезный for Sustainability Consultants, who advise clients on how to reduce their environmental impact. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on the benefits of solar energy and how to incorporate it into their sustainability plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Energy Auditor

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Energy Auditors, who assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements, including the installation of solar PV systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Electrical Engineer

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Electrical Engineers, who design, install, and maintain electrical systems. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as electrical circuits, power electronics, and grid integration. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design, install, and maintain electrical systems, including solar PV systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers, who design, install, and maintain mechanical systems. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as thermal energy, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design, install, and maintain mechanical systems, including solar thermal systems.

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Civil Engineer

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Civil Engineers, who design, construct, and maintain infrastructure. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as structural engineering, site assessment, and land use planning. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure, including solar PV systems.

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Architect

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Architects, who design and construct buildings. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient and incorporate solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Construction Manager

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Construction Managers, who oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as project planning, site assessment, and construction methods. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure that incorporate solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Financial Advisor

The Solar Energy System Design course is not relevant to Financial Advisors, who provide financial advice to clients. The course does not cover topics such as investment planning, retirement planning, or estate planning.

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Teacher

The Solar Energy System Design course is not relevant to Teachers, who teach students at all levels. The course does not cover topics such as curriculum development, instructional methods, or classroom management.

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Doctor

The Solar Energy System Design course is not relevant to Doctors, who diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. The course does not cover topics such as human anatomy, physiology, or pharmacology.

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Lawyer

The Solar Energy System Design course is not relevant to Lawyers, who provide legal advice to clients. The course does not cover topics such as constitutional law, criminal law, or tort law.

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Real Estate Agent

The Solar Energy System Design course may be useful for Real Estate Agents, who help clients buy and sell properties. The course provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy systems, including topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on the benefits of solar energy and how to incorporate it into their homes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent