Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning from Coursera

This course equips learners to identify national code and zoning rules specific to photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as key design elements and points for inspection. Curriculum includes zoning variances, critical elements of the permitting process, planning documents necessary for PV system installation and recommendations for permitting offices to streamline the permit process. Learners gain a code inspector’s perspective in relation to building and electrical code requirements.

This course is for anyone interested in entering the solar power sector, and is especially appropriate for building and code inspectors, engineers, HVAC installers and architects. It assumes that the learner has a basic grasp of electrical engineering and mathematical concepts. Those who are unfamiliar with how PV works, the elements of a PV system, and/or solar power ROI should take the first course of the specialization, Solar Energy Systems Overview. Learners seeking a greater understanding of the anatomy and function of PV systems should take the second course, Solar Energy and Electrical System Design.

Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, hands-on exercises, project work, readings and discussions. This is the third 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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Code and Inspection Requirements

Students will gain an understanding of the many codes impacting solar system design, installation and operation.

Inspection Methods and the Permitting Process

Students will review to the types of codes and zoning rules inspectors consider when reviewing PV systems.

Inspection Considerations

Students will explore key PV system design elements and points for inspection.

Labeling Requirements

Students will learn about PV system labeling requirements for small and large systems.

Compliance Project: Theory to Practice

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Meant for people in the solar power sector or those intending to join

Targeting code inspectors and people in relevant fields, like engineers and architects

In-depth coverage of code requirements and factors to consider in PV design

Facilitates an understanding of inspection methods and how to obtain relevant permits

Reviews summary

Solar energy: experienced instructor

According to students, this course is presented by an experienced instructor who is a subject matter expert in the solar power industry. One of the key components of this course is the Fire code as it pertains to solar panel design. Reviews largely mention that the course provides clear and useful information.

Course provides a thorough look at Fire code and its role in solar panel design.

"Learned about instruments used for installation."

"even though I do not live in New York, I learned to have the roadmap of how an expert should learn to deal with various aspects, from compliance with fire codes, generation calculation, the electrical system involved and its design."

Course instructor is a solar power industry expert with vast experience.

"Excellent Course for the Solar professionals."

"Instructor having vast experience in the solar and SME (Subject Matter Expert)."

"Instructor really knows her stuff."

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 Codes, Permitting and Zoning with these activities:

Review the National Electrical Code (NEC)

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Reviewing the National Electrical Code will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the electrical requirements for PV systems.

View NFPA 54 , National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the National Electrical Code
Read the sections relevant to PV systems
Take notes and highlight important information
Review your notes regularly

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Joining a study group or discussion forum will allow you to connect with other students and discuss the course material.

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Search for study groups or discussion forums related to PV systems
Join the group or forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electrical Inspector

Inspecting and enforcing electrical codes is an important part of ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants. Building and construction codes are constantly updated, so continuing education is necessary for electrical inspectors. This course helps electricians stay up to date on the specific codes and standards that impact solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Inspector

Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction process and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They may also be responsible for ensuring that projects meet all applicable building and safety codes. This course can help construction managers who work with or plan to work with solar projects by giving them an in-depth understanding of the specific codes and regulations that impact solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Solar Installer

Solar installers design, install, and maintain solar energy systems. They must be familiar with the latest codes and regulations that impact solar energy systems. This course provides solar installers with a comprehensive overview of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Installer

Solar Contractor

Solar contractors are responsible for the overall management of solar energy projects. They must be familiar with all aspects of solar energy system design, installation, and maintenance, including the code and inspection process. This course can help solar contractors gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Contractor

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. They must be familiar with all aspects of electrical engineering, including the code and inspection process. This course can help electrical engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Building Inspector

Building inspectors ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy. This includes inspecting electrical systems, which may include solar energy systems. This course provides building inspectors with a comprehensive overview of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Architect

Architects design buildings. They must be familiar with all aspects of building design, including the code and inspection process. This course can help architects gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They must be familiar with all aspects of project management, including the code and inspection process. This course can help project managers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They may be responsible for managing solar energy projects. This course can help sustainability managers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Code Enforcement Officer

Code enforcement officers enforce building codes and regulations. They may be responsible for enforcing the code for solar energy systems. This course can help code enforcement officers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Planning Director

Planning directors oversee the planning and development of communities. They may be responsible for approving solar energy projects. This course can help planning directors gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may be responsible for designing and implementing solar energy systems. This course can help environmental engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and build mechanical systems. They may be responsible for designing and building solar energy systems. This course can help mechanical engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build infrastructure. They may be responsible for designing and building solar energy systems. This course can help civil engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Zoning Administrator

Zoning administrators enforce zoning codes and regulations. They may be responsible for enforcing the zoning code for solar energy systems. This course can help zoning administrators gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoning Administrator